This course is part of a partnership with the Semester in Biological Discovery (SBD) Program of Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL). The SBD program is designed for students interested in biology or biology-adjacent fields and have completed introductory level courses in biology and chemistry. Students accepted to this program will spend the spring semester at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. Please see this link for more information on the SBD program: https://www.mbl.edu/education/undergraduate-programs/semester-biological-discovery. Prior to submitting your application to MBL’s Semester in Biological Discovery program, you must meet with the Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics department to discuss your interest and get permission to apply to this program. Since applications to the MBL SBD program are due in the fall semester, you must meet with the Chair in the preceding spring semester or by the first week in the fall semester. Once you have received approval from the Chair you must submit an application to MBL’s Semester in Biological Discovery program. In this course, students will learn about the fundamentals of synapses, from molecular analysis to structure and function. Marine and aquatic models have historically provided a unique opportunity to investigate synaptic function due to the large size of their neurons, including the synaptic connections. Today, these synapse models are used to study basic principles of neuron-to-neuron communication (synaptic transmission), as well as disease mechanisms. In addition to lectures and discussions of key literature, this course will feature hands-on laboratory-based exercises in molecular genetics, imaging and physiology of synapses, as well as independent "discovery" projects to explore new topics in synapse biology. The course will feature brief morning lectures followed by student led discussions of primary research articles, which will include both classics and recent literature. After a lunch break, students will return to the laboratory for the afternoon. During the first week, students will engage in 3 lab rotations, which will provide a series of demonstrations and exercises on synapses from marine and aquatic organisms using molecular, physiology and imaging techniques. During the last 2 weeks, students will use these preparations to carry out independent projects in small groups, guided by the instructors and teaching assistants. The course will end with a symposium where the student groups will give oral presentations describing the major goals of the project, methods, and any results obtained. This course is one of three electives – students can select between Stem Cells and Regeneration, Waves, Optics and Modern Physics or Fundamentals of Synapses. This course satisfies the Intermediate Level Course requirements for the Interdisciplinary Science Major. Permission required to register for this course.