Lecture #

Date

Topic

Instructor

Module 1: Foundations & neuroanatomy

1

07/01/2026

History of Neuroscience; Anatomy of the vertebrate brain; Cell types in the brain

Vatsala

2 (Lab)

09/01/2026

Neuroanatomy demo in mouse/rat/zebrafish/Insects

All PIs

3

14/02026

Neuroanatomy: 
- Navigation circuits 
- Septo-hippocampal-entohrinal circuits and cell types 
 

Abhilasha

Module 2: Cellular biophysics and methods

4

16/01/2026

Experimental methods

Vatsala

5 

21/01/2026

Cellular Biophysics -I

Vatsala

6

23/01/2026

Cellular Biophysics -II

Vatsala

7

28/01/2026

Intrinsic Plasticity

Vatsala

8 (lab)

30/01/2026

Introduction to intracellular and extracellular Recordings 

Sufyan,Vatsala,Abhilasha

9 (lab)

04/02/2026

Large scale extracellular recordings (cover large and very large scale) 
-Data visualization and estimating central properties of spike patterns and LFPs

Abhilasha

Module 3: Synaptic transmission and plasticity

10

07/02/2026

Synaptic transmission – chemical, electrical, ephaptic

Sufyan

11

11/02/2026

Synaptic Transmission-Receptors

Sufyan

12

13/02/2026

Synaptic Transmission and Integration – signaling cascades

Sufyan

13

18/02/2026

Synaptic plasticity – long term, short term; mechanisms

Sufyan

14 (Lab)

20/02/2026

Record and Analyze Synaptic Potentials. Experiments on temporal summation

Sufyan

Module 4: Behavioral neuroscience & mid-term

15 (lab/tutorial)

25/02/2026

Introduction to Ca²⁺ imaging and analysis. Fluorescent microscopy

 (Upi, Vatsala ), Sufyan

16 (lab)

27/02/2026

Introduction to behavioral experiments in Fish, Insects, Rats, & mice

all PIs

MID-TERM EVALUATION

06/03/2026

Project proposal presentation by student group. Each group has 3 members

all PIs

Module 5: sensory & motor systems

17

11/03/2026

Sensory systems: Olfaction and Gustatory

Sufyan

18

13/03/2026

Sensory systems: Vision from retina to V1

Sufyan

19

18/03/2026

Sensory systems: Mechanosensation, pain

Sanjay

20

25/03/2026

Sensory systems - Integration

Sanjay

21

27/03/2026

Motor systems: Muscle, NMJ and CPGs

Vatsala

22

01/04/2026

Motor systems: Descending control systems

Vatsala

23

03/04/2026

- Stepping, wingbeat, head bobbing
- Measuring learning

Abhilasha

Module 6: : Neuroethology, evolution & final project

24

08/04/2026

Neuroethology – classical studies

Sanjay

25

10/04/2026

Evolution and Diversity of nervous systems -I

Sanjay

26

15/04/2026

Evolution and Diversity of nervous systems -II

Sanjay

Module7: Biophysical modeling, & final project

27 (Lab)

17/04/2026

Modeling Neurons

Upi

28 (Lab)

22/04/2026

Modeling Neurons

Upi

29 (Lab)

24/04/3026

Modeling biochemical signaling and plasticity

Upi

24/04/2026-22/05/2026

Group projects in selected lab

30

29/05/2026

Final Exam: Project presentation and defense

All

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

CO1

Demonstrate deep understanding of the cellular, synaptic, and systems-level mechanisms that govern neural function across vertebrate and invertebrate models.

CO2

Apply contemporary experimental techniques—including electrophysiology, calcium imaging, neuroanatomy, and behavioral assays—to acquire, visualize, and interpret neural data. Integrate theoretical and computational approaches to analyze neural signals, model circuit function, and evaluate how neural activity gives rise to behavior.

CO3

Critically interpret primary neuroscience literature and connect historical, evolutionary, and modern perspectives on nervous system organization

CO4

Design, execute, and defend an original research project, demonstrating competence in hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication