BBB251 looks at the nervous system at the cellular and molecular levels, focusing on individual neurons and on the morphological and molecular specializations of neurons and glia that make nervous systems possible.  Starting with the ionic bases of the resting potential and the action potential, we work our way through synaptic transmission, neuromodulation and synaptic plasticity, before considering a few examples of how these and additional specializations interact at the systems level.  In addition to lectures, students run simulations in the Neurolab using NEURON software.  Towards the end of the term, students learn the art of intracellular recording with sharp electrodes from the neurons of the freshwater snail Helisoma trivolvis.  Taught by Ted Abel, Marc Schmidt, Lee Peachey, and Mike Kaplan. For syllabus, click here.