Neuroscience research in Seattle MCB seeks to understand nervous system development, brain function, and neurological diseases at the cellular and molecular level through a combination of molecular, genetic, electrophysiological, computational, and behavioral approaches.
Area Directors
Area Directors help advise students about classes and rotations in their interest area. They also provide a listing of suggested courses for those interested in Neuroscience.
Faculty Area Directors
- Aakanksha Singhvi, Fred Hutch, Basic Sciences Division (asinghvi@fredhutch.org)
- Smita Yadav, UW, Pharmacology (smitay@uw.edu)
Student Area Directors
- Pearl Leon Guerrero, Laursen Lab (pearllg@uw.edu)
- Sonia Sidhu, Young Lab (sidhus3@uw.edu)
Suggested Curriculum
The suggested curriculum outlined below is meant to guide you in choosing classes. We highly encourage you to take the Foundational courses, while the Electives are more specialized and often cross between Areas of Interest. Remember to review the UW Time Schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding whether a course is currently being offered.
MCB students must take a total of 18 graded credits before taking their General Exam. They must be 500-level courses listed in the Area of Interest offerings. Students may petition the MCB co-directors (mcb@uw.edu) to receive credit for courses not listed, or lower-level courses. The suggested curriculum is also available as a document download.
To address the inter-disciplinary nature of Neuroscience and broad trainee backgrounds, curricula is categorized into three “Paths” (broad neuroscience training, disease focused, specialized courses). Each trainee is advised to review suggested elective courses across all paths to tailor their curricula.
Path 1 – Broad Neuroscience Training
This path is relevant for all trainees in neuroscience.
Foundational Courses
Introduction to Neurobiology
Survey of molecular, cellular, and developmental neuroscience, including gene regulation, the cytoskeleton, protein sorting in the secretory pathway, growth factors, and neurotransmitter receptors. Includes lecture discussion of original literature.
Instructions: Must email instructor for permission.
Quarter and frequency offered: Autumn (AUT)
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Biophysics of Nerve, Muscle, and Synapse
Introduces biophysical properties of nerve and muscle cells. Topics include intrinsic electrical properties of neurons, ion channels, receptor signaling, calcium signaling, contraction of muscles, and synaptic function. Offered jointly with P BIO 504.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity
Discusses recent primary literature on the molecular mechanisms underlying structural and functional changes of dendritic spines and synapses in the mammalian brain as result of synaptic activity and experience. Offered jointly with P BIO 548.
Note: Can be taken instead of NEURO 504
Quarter and frequency offered: Spring (SPR), even years
Weeks: 1-5
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: SPR 2026
Next offering: SPR 2028
Elective Courses
Optogenetics
Overview of optogenetics, which utilizes light-activated ion channels and fluorescent proteins to control and monitor neuronal activity through remote light stimulation in intact brain tissue. Includes (1) molecular basis, (2) tools and instrumentation, (3) experimental design, and (4) application range of optogenetic approaches. Builds a robust foundation for designing contemporary optogenetic experiments.
Quarter and frequency offered: Winter (WIN)
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: WIN 2027
Data Science for Biologists
Explores, analyzes, and visualizes biological data sets using scientific computing software. Focuses on the foundations of data wrangling, data analysis, and statistics, particularly the development of automated techniques that are reproducible and scalable to large data sets.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 4.0
Next offering: Information not available
Seminar in Neurogenesis
Current research on process by which neurons are generated in the nervous system.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT
Weeks: 6-10
Credits: 1.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: Information not available
Cognitive And Integrative Neurobiology
Discussion of higher neural processes like learning, memory, and decision making. Lecture and discussion of original literature, exercises in data analysis and quantitative reasoning.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: Dependent on department availability.
Next offering: Information not available
Seminar in Advanced Neurobiology
Weekly faculty lectures, student presentations, and discussions of past and current scientific literature in neurobiology and behavior.
Instructions: Email neurogrd@uw.edu for add code.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: Information not available
Current Topics in Neuroscience
Presentation and critical discussion of classic and contemporary impactful neuroscience research articles.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT/WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 1.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: AUT 2026 and WIN 2027
Neuropharamacology
Consideration of the neurobiological basis of drug action on the central nervous system, including mechanism of action and therapeutic use in psychiatric disorders; neurodegeneration/neuroinflammation; control of neuronal excitability and pain; drug abuse and addiction.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN
Weeks: 6-10
Credits: 2.0
Next offering: WIN 2027
Genetic Analysis of Signaling Systems
Introduction to classic model organisms including plants, yeast, slime mold, flies, worms, fish, mice, and humans and a discussion of their use in current signal transduction research. A major focus will also be on developing a research grant proposal culminating in a mock study section in which student proposals are evaluated by their peers.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: SPR, odd years
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Next offering: Tentatively SPR 2027
Signaling Systems Linked to Neuroinflammation
Discussion of research strategies, methodologies, and literature related to neuroinflammation, microglial cell activation, and the cannabinoid signaling pathway. Emphasis on solving practical problem, data analysis, and presentation.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT/WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 1.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: AUT 2026 and WIN 2027
Path 2 – Disease Focused Training
This path is most suited for trainees interested in disease-focused neuroscience training.
Foundational Courses
Neurobiology of Disease
Introduces medically important neurological and psychiatric diseases and experimental approaches to understanding the basis for diseases and their treatments. Covers stroke, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases of the CNS, neurodegenerative diseases, autism, psychosis, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.
Quarter and frequency offered: Information not available
Weeks: Information not available
Credits: 3.0
Next offering: SPR 2027
Elective Courses
Drug Addiction: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment
Key advances, insights, methods, and challenges for our understanding of drug addiction from psychological, pharmacological, psychiatric, community prevention, legal, and neurodevelopmental perspectives. Enhances familiarity with the multidisciplinary approaches required to understand addiction as a disease.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN, even years
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: Tentatively WIN 2028
Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
Introduction to the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative diseases, including introduction to the normal development and anatomy of the central nervous system, a review of epidemiologic, genetic, and clinical research tools used in the investigation of these diseases, and a systematic review of the major neurodegenerative diseases.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT
Weeks: 6-10
Credits: 1.5
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Endocrine Pharmacology
Consideration of the pharmacology of endocrine systems including the hypothalamic/pituitary regulatory peptides, glycoprotein hormones/growth factors, peptide and steroid hormones. Lecture, group discussion, and analysis of recent research.
Prerequisite: Organic chemistry, biochemistry, and introductory anatomy and physiology.
Quarter and frequency offered: SPR, every year
Weeks: 1-5
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: SPR 2026
Next offering: SPR 2027
Molecular Basis of Addictive Drug Action
Advanced consideration and discussion of current research literature addressing the basis of opioid, psychostimulant, and cannabinoid effects on signal transduction events, electrical activity of neurons, and drug-motivated behaviors in animal models of human substance use disorder.
Prerequisite: PHCOL 512 or permission of instructor.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT, even years
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 2.0
Next offering: AUT 2026
Path 3 – Specialized Training
This path is most suited for trainees with interests in specialized courses.
Foundational Courses
Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience
Discusses quantitative methods applicable to the study of the nervous system. Revolves around computer exercises/discussion of journal papers. May include linear systems theory, Fourier analysis, ordinary differential equations, stochastic processes, signal detection, and information theory.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: Tentatively WIN 2027
Elective Courses
Directing Stem Cells Towards Regenerative Medicine
An introduction to the rapidly developing field of human embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine crossing all medical disciplines including ethics. Requires a strong background in biological sciences. After this class, the students should have a solid foundation on stem cell biology, epigenetic analysis and regulation of stem cells and human diseases connected to stem cell biology.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Next offering: Tentatively WIN 2027
Signaling Mechanisms in Excitable Cells
Mechanisms of cellular signaling, particularly in nerve and muscle. Electrical, chemical, and mechanical signaling in the cell that lead to processes such as electrical excitability, action potentials, and muscle contraction.
Prerequisite: Comprehensive undergraduate course in general biochemistry and molecular biology, or permission of instructor.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT
Weeks: 1-5
Credits: 1.5
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Signal Transduction from the Cell Membrane to the Nucleus
Intracellular signaling pathways leading from cell membrane receptors to nucleus. Pathways activated by seven transmembrane receptors and G-proteins, insulin/PI3 kinase, MAPKs, and WNTs and mechanisms of signal termination. Cytokine/Jak/Stat signaling and role of subcellular localization in signal transduction. Offered jointly with PHCOL 502.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT, every year
Weeks: 6-10
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Protein Structure, Modification, and Regulation
Overview of general principles of protein structure, including forces that contribute to folding and stabilization, followed by an extended coverage of the means by which protein structure and function are modified and regulated. Examples from recent developments in protein folding, processing, and allosteric regulation.
Prerequisite: Introductory biochemistry and cell biology.
Instructions: Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Quarter and frequency offered: WIN, every year
Weeks: 1-5
Credits: 1.5
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: WIN 2027
Tools for Computational Biology
Introduction to established best practices in computational biology. Learn to organize unstructured data into standard formats, transform data for statistical analyses, and visualize the transformed data. Learn workflows for reproducible research such as version control, project organization, and code documentation. Gain basic experience with Linux command line tools and the Python and R programming languages. Classes will involve hands-on learning through coding exercises, collaborative problem solving, and extensive use of online learning resources.
Instructions:Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT, every year
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Last offering: AUT 2025
Next offering: AUT 2026
Bioinformatics and Gene Sequence Analysis
Nature and relevance of molecular sequence information, computer-based protein, and DNA sequence analysis, molecular sequence and genomic databases, and methods for database accession and interrogation. Offered jointly with PHG 536.
Quarter and frequency offered: SPR
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 3.0
Next offering: Information not available
Integrative Omics
Explores how to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches with state-of-the-art genetic engineering strategies to uncover a systems-level understanding of pathway interactions that regulate disease pathogenesis and complex phenotypes. Offered jointly with MOLMED 558.
Quarter and frequency offered: SPR
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 1.5
Next offering: SPR 2027
Endocrine Pharmacology
Consideration of the pharmacology of endocrine systems including the hypothalamic/pituitary regulatory peptides, glycoprotein hormones/growth factors, peptide and steroid hormones. Lecture, group discussion, and analysis of recent research.
Prerequisite: Organic chemistry, biochemistry, and introductory anatomy and physiology.
Quarter and frequency offered: SPR, every year
Weeks: 1-5
Credits: 2.0
Last offering: SPR 2026
Next offering: SPR 2027
Molecular Basis for Motivated Behavior
Discussion of research strategies and methodologies involved in the regulation of motivated behavior by understanding signal transduction and synaptic physiology. Emphasis on practical problem solving, data analysis, and presentation methods important to modern scientific work.
Instructions: By permission of instructor.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT/WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 1.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: AUT 2026 and WIN 2027
Genetic Regulation of Emotional Behavior
Provides background in the materials and methods used in the study of the genetic basis of learning and memory and neural circuit function achieved through discussion of current literature, data acquisition and analysis, and experimental design.
Instructions: Must email instructor for approval.
Quarter and frequency offered: AUT/WIN
Weeks: 1-10
Credits: 1.0
Last offering: WIN 2026
Next offering: AUT 2026 and WIN 2027
Spotlight
Connections Matter
Seattle is a major hub for studies in Neuroscience.