Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

(4 Credits)

This elective course for graduate students focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. For the Spring 2015 semester, topics will include, genetics, endoplasmic reticulum stress, endosomal dysfunction, parenchymal and vascular amyloid as well as cerebrovascular dysfunction, axonal degeneration, mitochondria and oxidative stress, viral infections, neuromuscular synapses, microglia and therapeutic approaches. It is anticipated that these topics may change from year to year based on advances in the field and availability of experts. The objective is to provide students who are interested in neurodegeneration with a foundation relevant to their dissertation project, and that these lectures and journal clubs may introduce them to novel concepts, hypotheses and controversies that may have implications for their own research.