Overview: Neurophysiology is the study of living neurons, their interactions and how they dictate behavior. You will learn about the instrumentation and concepts of the field using computer and electronic simulations in the first 2 weeks. In the remaining 13 weeks, you will record the electric organ discharge of weakly electric fish, muscle and motor neuron potentials in the crayfish tail, optic nerve responses in the horseshoe crab eye, hair cell, auditory nerve and muscle potentials in the rat cochlea, responses in the sciatic nerve and optic tectum of the frog, and muscle potentials from yourself.

• Course Syllabus
• Lab manuals and readings: Available through the course website and in the classroom "mini-library".
• Neuroscience seminars You are encouraged to attend presentations on the latest discoveries by researchers from Washington University and around the world.

Objectives and Grading:

Students in BIO 404 should have 3 major objectives:

1. to learn about the principles and techniques of neurophysiology,
2. to execute and interpret classical and novel experiments on living neurons and
3. to master reading scientific literature with a critical eye and develop your skills as a scientist-author.

Students’ grades are determined by their six reports, critiques of 3 peers' manuscripts, and a lab practical.