Tatiana Schnieder

Neuroscience is the science of what makes us who we are. Our sensations, emotions, movements, sleep, memories, and other complex behaviors all arise from the nervous system. This course will explore how cellular, molecular, and network mechanisms make these behaviors not only possible but seemingly effortless. We will begin with functional neuroanatomy, tracing a paradigm shift from viewing the brain as a patchwork of specialized regions to understanding it as a dynamic, probabilistic system of interconnected networks. Next, we will examine how neurons transmit information and how our conception of neural function has evolved from seeing neurons as narrowly specialized units to recognizing them as plastic, broadly tuned cells capable of responding to diverse stimuli. We will also explore how the brain generates sensations, perceptions, and illusions that allow us to navigate, learn from, and adapt to our environment. This knowledge extends to the endocrine and immune systems, which continuously interact with the brain to regulate behavior. Finally, the course will consider higher-order cognitive functions and examine how disruptions at molecular, cellular, or systems levels can lead to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Approaches to restore or enhance brain function—from pharmaceutical treatments to brain-computer interfaces—will also be discussed. Students will engage in active learning through in-class, small-group exercises that complement lecture material. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the principles of neuroscience and prepare them for further study in neuroscience, physiology, and medicine.

Neuroscience is the science of what makes us who we are. Our sensations, emotions, movements, sleep, memories, and other complex behaviors all arise from the nervous system. This course will explore how cellular, molecular, and network mechanisms make these behaviors not only possible but seemingly effortless. We will begin with functional neuroanatomy, tracing a paradigm shift from viewing the brain as a patchwork of specialized regions to understanding it as a dynamic, probabilistic system of interconnected networks. Next, we will examine how neurons transmit information and how our conception of neural function has evolved from seeing neurons as narrowly specialized units to recognizing them as plastic, broadly tuned cells capable of responding to diverse stimuli. We will also explore how the brain generates sensations, perceptions, and illusions that allow us to navigate, learn from, and adapt to our environment. This knowledge extends to the endocrine and immune systems, which continuously interact with the brain to regulate behavior. Finally, the course will consider higher-order cognitive functions and examine how disruptions at molecular, cellular, or systems levels can lead to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Approaches to restore or enhance brain function—from pharmaceutical treatments to brain-computer interfaces—will also be discussed. Students will engage in active learning through in-class, small-group exercises that complement lecture material. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the principles of neuroscience and prepare them for further study in neuroscience, physiology, and medicine. 

In this seminar, we will explore the biological and environmental etiology of major neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. We will delve into the multifactorial nature of these conditions, examining genetic vulnerability, neural circuit dysfunction, neurochemical alterations, developmental influences, and environmental risk factors including stress, trauma, and lifestyle. In addition, we will investigate modern approaches to treatment, spanning pharmacological interventions, neuromodulation techniques, behavioral therapies, and emerging experimental strategies. The seminar will be discussion-based and emphasize critical analysis of primary literature. Students will read and evaluate original research articles alongside review papers, with attention to experimental design, interpretation of data, and translational implications. Each student will select a topic of interest and lead a class discussion, guiding peers through key findings, methodological considerations, and open questions in the field. The course will culminate in a final project consisting of a written essay and an oral presentation. By the end of the seminar, students will develop skills in scientific reading, discussion leadership, and integrative thinking about brain disorders.