In this course we will look into the inner workings of the brain (cellular and molecular mechanisms, and underlying biophysical parameters), to shed light on how the brain’s complex networks of neurons produce sensations, thoughts, and movement, what causes them to malfunction, how to advance new therapeutic approaches, and even engineer artificial intelligent systems.

Course Learning Goals: By the end of this course, students will be able to: a. Define how selective ions and their corresponding channels regulate the neuronal membrane potential. b. Show the contribution of transporters in establishing conditions for new action potential generation. c. Illustrate the biophysical parameters for generation of action potentials and their transmission along the neuronal axon and across neurons. d. Describe the different neurotransmitters of the central nervous system, including the processes of their synthesis, transport, storage and inactivation, as well as their localization. e. Examine the mechanisms underlying the release of neurotransmitters and their levels, as well as the downstream pathways activated upon binding to their receptors. f. Distinguish the processes of short-term and long-term memory. g. Explain the concept of neuroplasticity at the molecular level and the brain changes during the processes of learning and memory. h. Assess the dysregulation of cellular and molecular processes leading to neurological pathologies. i. Find, read, analyze, present and discuss at the cellular and molecular level current (2024 - date) high-impact scientific articles in the Neuroscience field.