Courses for Undergraduate Students
ANPS 1190. Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 Credits). Offered Fall Semester/Summer Semester.
Part I of a two-semester lecture course sequence investigating the structure and function of the human body. In this course we lay a foundation in cellular biology and tissue characteristics, and then study the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
ANPS 1200. Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits). Offered Spring Semester/Summer Semester.
Part II of two-semester course sequence investigating the structure and function of the human body. In this course we discuss endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems. Prerequisite: ANPS 1190.
NSCI 3220. Cellular Neurophysiology (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester/Spring Semester.
An advanced course focusing on how neurons integrate and transmit signals. Combining principles from physics, chemistry, and biology, students will develop physical intuition and quantitative reasoning needed to describe the electrochemical signaling processes that contribute to electrical excitability and synaptic plasticity. The approach will be to learn these concepts through interactive thought experiments, manipulating computer models, and studying seminal experiments directly from the primary literature. In addition to gaining deeper insight into neurophysiology, students will develop their investigative skills into formulating hypotheses and designing neurophysiological experiments.
NSCI 3250. Human Neuroanatomy (6 Credits). Offered Spring Semester.
Functional anatomy of the human nervous system on both the microscopic and macroscopic scales. Focuses on the structures of the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord, and brain, and how they work together to achieve behavior. Lectures and a required laboratory (gross and microscopic anatomy).
NSCI 3500. Neuroregeneration (3 Credits). Offered Spring Semester, even years.
An analysis of the cellular and molecular processes involved in injury, responses to damage, and differences in the capacity of specific neural tissues to regenerate.
NSCI 3990, Sec A. Neurogenetics (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester.
How do genes contribute to how brains work? How do genes relate to behavior? This course introduces the methods scientists use to genetically dissect the function of nervous systems. Through reading and discussion of book chapters, literature reviews, and primary literature, we will examine particular examples of neurogenetic analysis to recognize the strengths and limitations of this investigative approach.
NSCI 3990, Sec B. Invertebrate Neurobiology (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester.
The study of invertebrates has been invaluable to learning general neuroscience mechanisms common to all animals. In addition to commonalities, invertebrates evolved distinct neural adaptations that enable their survival and reproductive success in a wide range of ecological niches. Through lecture, hands on examination, and reading and discussion of particular case studies students will 1) develop invertebrate taxonomic fluency, 2) learn seminal neuroscience contributions from the study of invertebrates, and 3) recognize how the continued investigation of invertebrate biology can lead to new insights into how brains work.
NSCI 3990, Sec C. Muscle and Motor Systems (3 Credits). Offered Spring Semester.
Explores the major physiological systems of animals including temperature regulation, feeding and digestion, gas exchange and circulation, muscle and locomotion, salt and water homeostasis, and integrative neural and hormonal control. Examples are drawn from several species and include a consideration of the cellular basis of organ-system function.
NSCI 3990, Sec D. Biological Clocks (3 Credits). Offered Spring Semester.
Biological clocks are internal pacemakers that regulate processes including digestion, sleep, and hibernation. What are the genetic and neural mechanisms that keep time and how do these time-keeping process interact with environmental stimuli? How do clocks trigger adaptive physiological processes? This course will explore the animal physiology of biological time-keeping.
NSCI 5230. Neurochemistry (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester.
Neurochemistry explores the intersections between biochemistry and neuroscience. After an introduction into central nervous system (CNS) organization, the students will learn about how the CNS functions at the molecular level. The topics covered include synaptic vesicle structure and release processes, neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosynthesis, circuits and function, growth factors, receptors, ion channels and downstream cellular signaling mechanisms. Students will also read and discuss primary neuroscience literature. Using current primary papers on these topics, the students will study the current state of neuroscience research and examine the basis of neural disorders including neurodegeneration, psychiatric abnormalities such anxiety and related stress-associated disorders, and other neuropathologies. The papers will dissect methodologies, approaches and advances in these issues. In sum, through lectures and readings, the course aims to be translational and intersect neural mechanisms with neurological disorders.
Courses for Graduate Students
NSCI 5230. Neurochemistry (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester.
Neurochemistry explores the intersections between biochemistry and neuroscience. After an introduction into central nervous system (CNS) organization, the students will learn about how the CNS functions at the molecular level. The topics covered include synaptic vesicle structure and release processes, neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosynthesis, circuits and function, growth factors, receptors, ion channels and downstream cellular signaling mechanisms. Students will also read and discuss primary neuroscience literature. Using current primary papers on these topics, the students will study the current state of neuroscience research and examine the basis of neural disorders including neurodegeneration, psychiatric abnormalities such anxiety and related stress-associated disorders, and other neuropathologies. The papers will dissect methodologies, approaches and advances in these issues. In sum, through lectures and readings, the course aims to be translational and intersect neural mechanisms with neurological disorders.
ANNB 6000. Human Gross Anatomy (6 Credits). Offered Summer Semester.
Lectures and detailed regional dissections emphasize functional anatomy of major systems (e.g. musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous).
NSCI 6020. Neuroscience (3 Credits). Offered Spring Semester.
Functional anatomy of the human nervous system. Lectures and laboratory providing learning experience with dissected specimens, gross and microscopic anatomy. Incorporates clinical information from physician-scientists.
NSCI 6030. Human Gross and Microanatomy (3 Credits). Offered Fall Semester.
Combination of gross anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology and medical imaging to present an integrated overview of the human body. Emphasis on peripheral nervous system including autonomic nervous system and cranial nerves. Cadaver dissection laboratory combined with lecture and/or content modules and research and teaching presentations.
NSCI 6070/6071. Medical Neuroscience (3 Credits). Offered Spring Semester of medical school academic year (May-June).
Graduate Student Adaptation of the introduction to neuroscience for first year med students. Topics include neuron function, the anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system, with heavy focus on injuries and diseases of the nervous system.
NSCI 6270. Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research (1 Credit). Offered Spring Semester.
Topics in Scientific Integrity surrounding responsible conduct and practices in biomedical research.
NSCI 6820. Seminar in Neuroscience (1 Credit). Offered Fall and Spring Semesters.
Research presentations and critical review of the literature in various areas of anatomical and neurobiological sciences.
Courses for Medical Students
MD 540. Foundations of Clinical Science (FoCS). Offered Fall semester of medical school academic calendar (August- December)
This course builds from fundamental concepts of anatomy, biochemistry, cellular metabolism, and molecular genetics to understand cell biology, pharmacology, embryology and human physiology. Through an integrated study of normal healthy structure and function students examine microscopic and gross anatomy and interpret introduces basic principles, concepts, and methods that are foundational to the study and practice of medicine, drawing from disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, epidemiology, ethics, genetics, pharmacology, and public health. Students learn to apply basic scientific principles and develop frameworks for clinical decision-making and the practice of evidence-based medicine during course activities that include team-based learning, small- and large-group discussions, interactive modules, lectures, and clinical skills practice with standardized patients. The integrated, interdisciplinary organization of the course highlights clinical, ethical, and public health implications of basic medical sciences. Interactive sessions also include guided practice with a variety of learning strategies to help students develop effective approaches that will prepare them for success in their ongoing studies.
MD 557. Medical Neuroscience and Graduate Student Adaptation. Offered Spring semester of medical school academic calendar (May-June)
Students in this course learn about the nervous system through integrative study of behavior, cellular and systems neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neuroethics, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, pathophysiology, and psychopathology. Students also learn the neurologic and mental status examinations, related interviewing, diagnostic testing and imaging. Several instructional methods support learning in this course, including lectures, online independent study modules, readings from a variety of sources, laboratory sessions, physical examination and interviewing skills sessions, simulation, Team Based learning and case discussions prepared by students.
Other Courses with Faculty Participation
BME 296/396 Clinical Devices and Instruments, Biomedical Engineering
PSYS 2100 Learning Cognition and Behavior, Psychology
Workshops, Reviews, and Department Journal Club
Optional Focused Anatomy Reviews for Step 1 (for M1 Medical students)
These are optional anatomy review sessions formatted as workshops to review high-yield anatomy for Step 1.
Neurology Resident Lecture Series Neuroanatomy Review. Offered weekly through the month of August.
Review functional neuroanatomy and basic science of the nervous system.
EAEEG Primer for Neurology residents.
Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP) Writing Workshop
The NGP Writing Workshop focuses on improving scientific writing skills through a series of discussions, activities, and collaborative exercises. Participants will practice writing, receive feedback, and learn strategies for clear and effective communication in scientific contexts.
Resident/Trainee Journal Club
Quarterly gatherings to discuss topics with clinical and basic science perspectives being represented. Topics change yearly. Faculty, residents and students are all welcome.
Descriptions adapted from UVM Course Catalogue. For print versions (PDF files) of current course catalogues: See UVM's course catalogueTo view the current class schedule (or archived class schedules): Visit the Office of the Registrar