Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience
The validation of cellular and molecular mechanisms
at the systems level is required to determine their functional relevance
and clinical significance.
Our department has extensive expertise in the
electrophysiological analysis of neuronal activity and information
processing in the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord, and brain.
Biochemical markers and optical techniques are also used to determine
activity changes and map neural circuits. A wide array of behavioral
assays is available for the analysis of simple reflex responses as well
as complex behaviors related to higher brain functions. Specific areas
of interest include pain, neurotrauma, olfaction, and emotion.