This module provides a general background in the cellular and molecular principles that control the development of the nervous system from embryonic patterning, neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, synapse formation and the assembly of complex neuronal circuits. The module is divided into two sections. The first section covers the early stages of the development of the nervous system, including stem cells and brain repair. The second section covers the development of specific neuronal circuits, such as the development of touch and pain, spinal reflexes, olfactory system, vision and speech.

Developmental Neurobiology provides an introduction to development in the nervous system, from the earliest embryonic events to the development of perception and complex behaviour in the neonate. The emphasis is experimental, that is, less on the facts. You will be encouraged, through tutorials and essays, to evaluate critically experiments and concepts in the literature.

After taking this module you should be able to:

Describe the topology of early neural development - how the embryonic neuroepithelium is sculpted into the future divisions of the nervous system.
	Outline the shifting patterns of gene expression, intercellular signalling and cell behaviour that demarcate the future parts of the nervous system (also cast light on its evolutionary history).
	Describe how cell populations of the nervous system are generated and outline the principles of cell signalling and gene regulation that underlie their diversity.
	Describe how neural circuits are formed by targeted cell migrations, guided axonal outgrowth, synapse formation and neuronal circuit refinement, and to outline the underlying molecular mechanisms.
	Discuss neurotrophic theory, to show how excess number of neurons are eliminated.
	Describe how stem cells contribute to the development of the nervous system.
	Describe mechanisms of development in the main sensory and motor pathways and to show how patterns of neural connectivity are refined by function during later development, underlying the emergence of perception and complex behaviour postnatally.
	Describe the development of the circadian rhythms.
	Describe the development of the cognitive map and vocalisation and speech.
	Summarise the current state of developmental neuroscience, and be prepared for advanced studies, in particular of the development of the nervous system, as a prerequisite for understanding the organisation, function and pathology of the nervous system.
	To design experiments to evaluate neuronal patterning in the embryo, the impact of genes/molecules in cell migration, axon guidance and synapse formation and refinement.
Indicative lecture list (based on 2021/22 syllabus):

Principles of neural induction, A-P patterning and segmentation.

Neural tube closure and structure of neuroepithelium. Neural tube defects.

Neurogenesis and gliogenesis.

Molecular approaches to the study of the development of the nervous system.

Early Development of spinal cord and PNS.

Mechanism of cell migration.

Stem cells in the embryo and adult.

Circadian rhythms in neuronal development.

Cell death and neurotrophic factors.

Axon guidance.

Synapse formation.

Refinement of neuronal circuits, pruning, elimination and homeostasis.

Repair and regeneration.

Development of the visual system.

Development of touch and pain sensitivity.

Development of the spinal cord reflexes and movement.

Development of the cognitive map.

Genetics environment and human neural development.

Vocalisation and speech.

Practical: There will be one compulsory practical, with students divided into two or more groups.

Module organizers: Prof. Patricia Salinas (p.salinas@ucl.ac.uk) and Prof. Arantza Barrios (a.barrios@ucl.ac.uk).