The major goal of this module is to introduce basic concepts of how neural stem/precursor cells both build and maintain the brain and to use these systems, more broadly, as a platform to learn advanced genetic techniques (such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, viral barcoding, and other lineage tracing techniques). Each lecture will have the following structure: In the first half, lecture material will cover aspects of neural stem cell biology in the developing or mature brain and introduce a different advanced genetic technique (using primary literature which students will read prior to the lecture). In the second half of each lecture, assigned student discussion leader(s) will lead a discussion of the data contained in assigned scientific papers and reveal how this technique impacted our understanding of neural stem cell biology.

The course instructor will lead the discussion in Lecture 1 to scaffold the expectations of student discussion leader(s) in subsequent Lecture weeks. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) describe basic concepts of neural stem cell biology in brain development and in the mature brain; 2) describe the underlying principles of advanced genetic techniques and how these are being applied to the study of neural stem cell biology; 3) effectively communicate and apply concepts of neural stem cell biology and advanced genetic techniques to primary scientific literature. 4) produce an academic quality 'mini-grant' proposal by applying the concepts learned in this course.