The department offers a one-quarter course (Neurobiology 206) on the structure and function of the nervous system, which is open to medical and graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

Advanced courses are open to students who have completed the basic course.
To sign up for courses, go to the Axess website.

Neurobiology Course Listing

206. The Nervous System (For registered students: more information can be found here.)
Introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and systems neurobiology. Topics range from the properties of neurons to the mechanisms and organization underlying higher functions. Coherent framework prepares for general work in neurology, neuropathology, clinical medicine, and for more advanced work in neurobiology. Lecture and lab components must be taken together.
7-9 units, Win (B. Barres, E. Knudsen, T. Moore, W. Newsome, J. Raymond, L. Stryer, T. Clandinin) MTThF 9-9:50; Th 1-5:00

216. Genetic Analysis of Behavior
Advanced seminar on the findings and implications of behavioral genetics as applied to both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems. Topics will include, for example, studies of biological clocks, sensation and central pattern generators, and the course will provide both an introduction to the relevant genetic techniques as well as a historical perspective. Study of original papers, directed discussions and student presentation.
4 Units, Aut alternate years 03/04 given (Clandinin, Goodman)

218. Neural Basis of Behavior (For registered students: more information can be found here.)
Advanced seminar exploring the principles of information processing in the vertebrate central nervous system, and the relationship of functional properties of neural systems with perception and behavior. Emphasis is on the visual and auditory systems. Study of original papers, directed group discussions, and student presentations. Prerequisite: Neurobiology 200 or consent of instructor.
4 units, Spr (E. Knudsen, J. Raymond) alternate years, not offered 2003-04

220. Central Mechanism in Visual Perception
This course is a graduate level survey of contemporary visual neuroscience, emphasizing the neural mechanisms underlying primate vision and visually guided behavior. Class activities include: 1) lectures on seven foundational topics in visual neuroscience; 2) class discussion of current papers selected by the instructors concerning each foundational topic; 3) class presentations by students on additional topics; and 4) computer-based demonstration exercises that illustrate many of the basic principles and topics engaged during the course.
2-4 units, Spr (W. Newsome) alternate years, offered 03/04

300. Professional Development and Integrity in Neuroscience
Designed to help students develop their professional skills in critical assessment and oral presentation of findings from current neuroscience literature, in visual presentation of quantitative data and writing research grants. In addition, the following issues of scientific integrity and ethics will be covered: the role of animals in laboratory research, fraud in science, responsibility of authors and reviewers, science in a multicultural environment, and the relationship between student and mentor. The course will consist of student and faculty presentations and discussions. This is a no option pass/fail course graded on student presentation and participation. Neurosciences PhD students are required to take this course every quarter while they are in the program.
1-2 units, Aut, Win, Spr (Raymond)

Frontiers in Translational Medicine - This course will introduce a variety of different pathways for combining science and medicine during your graduate and postdoctoral training and in your future careers. It will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the practical aspects of how to do translational medicine. A variety of guest lecturers, from within and outside of Stanford, from within academia and industry, will participate. The speakers are physician-scientists who have used their medical and scientific knowledge to advance the frontiers of translational medicine in different ways. The guest speakers will start by introducing themselves and telling you a little about how they trained and what they do, and then will open it up to you for questions. Speakers last year included Rob Malenka, Judy Swain, Bob Fisher, Jeff Bird, Ching Wang, Lubert Stryer, Jamie Topper, Ben Barres, and Gary Steinberg.
1 Unit, Spr (Barres)