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etween cells and the extracellular matrix, contribute to the formation of multicellular assemblies. Finally we look at how cells establish and maintain polarity, and the importance of this polarity in diverse cell functions. This is an interdepartmental course (with Zoology). In addition to lectures there are several journal clubs in which there will be interactive discussions of key papers. Module organisers: Dr Nick Brown (n.brown@gurdon.cam.ac.uk) and Dr Howard Baylis (hab28@cam.ac.uk). 12
Lent Modules Module N5: Neural Degeneration and Regeneration (D, N, P) Diseases and injuries of the human brain and spinal cord are tragically resistant to treatment. This lecture module investigates the cellular causes of these diseases and injuries, the reasons why regeneration does not take place, and the research that is now under way to permit regeneration therapies in the future. It begins with a course on chronic neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and spongiform encephalopathies (shared with Part II Pharmacology). We then discuss how neural damage occurs due to acute ischaemic injury (stroke), after which we consider the molecular genetics underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. Spinal cord injury leads to lifelong disability; physiological and clinical aspects are covered, and why axon regeneration fails to occur and how it can be promoted experimentally. Moving on to potential cell grafting therapies, we consider neural grafting particularly in Parkinson's disease, and then explain the nature and potential of neural stem cells. Glial cells are also vital, and are the focus of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis; we then discuss the degeneration and possible regeneration of glial cells. The lecturers will all discuss research which could lead to new therapies, including development of molecular inhibitors, gene therapy, neural grafting, stem cells, and remyelination. This course is mostly given by researchers from the Clinical School, Vet School, Brain Repair Centre, and Stem Cell Institute. Module organiser: Dr John Rogers (jhr11@cam.ac.uk) Module N6: Central Mechanisms of Sensation and Behaviour (N) The distinction between ‘sensory’ and ‘motor’ has little meaning at the higher levels of the brain. The purpose of movement is to create sensory stimuli; the purpose of sensory processing is to generate movement. In this module we look at these higher levels – predominantly but not entirely cortical – from the point of view of trying to understand the transformations between stimuli and responses. The specific topics covered include the central mechanisms by which both visual and auditory stimuli begin to be encoded in ways that reflect their final purpose – of recognition of possible goals, and location so that actions can be directed towards them. David Tolhurst discusses the first stages of object recognition by the visual cortex; Roy Patterson considers how complex sounds are represented at higher levels of the auditory system. Simon Laughlin begins the discussion of mechanisms by which sensory information and motor control are integrated. Daniel Wolpert examines the kinds of computations the brain must perform in order to generate optimal movements despite the pervasive uncertainty in sensory information, while Roger Carpenter dissects the neural mechanisms that underlie how we choose between one possible response and another, and how this relates to the randomness that seems to be built into these higher decision mechanisms. Wolfram Schultz and Angela Roberts extend these ideas of decision by discussing the role of the limbic and cortical systems subserving reward in determining actions, and the ways in which these systems can become disordered, as for example in addiction. By the end of the course you should have a better sense of one of the most exciting and active areas of brain research in this decade, that is at the heart of what the brain is all about, and whose success is largely due to taking a firmly quantitative approach to neural modelling. Those who are interested in more mathematical aspects of neuroscience will find many opportunities for applying them in this module, but the course does not require or expect a particular aptitude for maths. Module organiser: Prof. Roger Carpenter (rhsc1@cam.ac.uk) 13
Page 1 and 2: PART II PHYSIOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT AND
Page 3 and 4: welcome those who have done only on
Page 5 and 6: SUMMARY OF PART II PDN THEMES AND M
Page 7 and 8: PART II BBS: OPTIONS IN PDN Course
Page 9 and 10: THE PDN COURSE MODULES The themes t
Page 11: Module P3: Fetal and Placental Phys
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Page 17 and 18: Neuroscience workshops: Experimenta
Page 19 and 20: Common courses There are some skill
Page 21 and 22: Photoreceptors: Electroretinogram Y
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Page 27 and 28: Richter, H.G., Camm, E.J., Modi, B.

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