基礎腦科學概論

本課程將帶領同學從最基礎的分子生物學出發，一步步理解大腦與神經系統研究背後的核心原理。課程首先介紹基因如何透過轉錄與轉譯形成蛋白質，並認識現代神經科學研究中常用的基因轉殖與基因剔除小鼠技術（兩小時）。透過這些內容，同學將能理解科學家如何操控基因，進一步探索腦功能與疾病機制。在建立基因與蛋白質的基本概念後，課程將進一步介紹蛋白質的結構與功能，以及神經科學研究中常見的重要實驗技術，例如西方墨點法（Western blot）與免疫螢光染色法（一小時），幫助同學了解研究人員如何「看見」細胞中的分子變化。接著，課程將深入介紹動物細胞的基本結構，包括細胞核、細胞膜、細胞質及各種胞器，並聚焦於神經系統中的各類細胞，例如不同類型的神經元與膠質細胞，探討它們在大腦中的功能與差異（三小時）。除了認識神經細胞的結構，本課程也將帶領同學探索神經元如何傳遞訊息，包括神經訊息傳導(一個半小時)與動作電位的產生原理，以及這些機制如何應用於睡眠研究等重要腦科學議題（一個半小時）。透過實際研究案例，同學將能體會基礎神經科學如何連結到真實世界的重要問題。課程後半部將介紹動物模式在腦科學中的應用（三小時），以及顯微鏡的基本原理與觀察方法（三小時），讓同學對現代神經科學研究工具建立完整而具體的認識。整體而言，本課程希望帶領完全沒有生物學背景的腦科所新生，從分子、細胞到系統層次，建立對實驗神經科學的整體概念。不僅協助同學銜接未來進階課程，更希望激發同學對腦科學研究的興趣與探索動機。 This course will guide students step-by-step through the fundamentals of molecular biology to understand the core principles behind brain and nervous system. The course begins by introducing how genes form proteins through transcription and translation and introduces genetic engineering tools commonly used in neuroscience research (2 hours). Through this content, students will understand how scientists manipulate genes to further explore brain function and disease mechanisms. After establishing the basic concepts of genes and proteins, the course will further introduce the structure and function of proteins, as well as important experimental techniques commonly used in neuroscience research, such as Western blot and immunofluorescence staining (1 hour), enabling students to understand how researchers "see" molecular changes in cells. Next, the course will delve into the basic structure of animal cells, including the nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and various organelles. We will focus on different types of cells in the nervous system, such as neurons and glial cells, exploring their functions and differences in the brain (3 hours). Beyond understanding the structure of brain cells, this course will guide students to explore how neurons transmit information, including the principles of signal transduction (1.5 hours) and the generation of action potentials, as well as how these mechanisms are applied to important neuroscience topics, using sleep research as an example (1.5 hours). Through real-world research case studies, students will gain an understanding of how fundamental neuroscience connects to crucial questions. The latter half of the course will introduce the application of animal models in neuroscience (3 hours) and the basic principles of microscopy (3 hours), providing students with a comprehensive and concrete understanding of tools applied in neuroscience research. Overall, this course aims to guide new brain science students with no prior biology background to develop a holistic understanding of experimental neuroscience, from molecular and cellular levels to systemic levels. It not only assists students in transitioning to future advanced courses but also aims to stimulate their interest and motivation in neuroscience research.

本課程專為腦科學研究所「臨床醫學組」與「神經資訊造影組」以及「實驗神經組」學生而開設，目標在於針對學生提供一概論性課程，為其後續修讀較深入之必修課程如「腦科學概論」奠定基礎。課程內容包括與神經系統相關之基礎分子細胞生物學（含顯微鏡原理）、神經生理學以及動物模式等。This is a basic course for graduate students without prior background knowledge in biology or experimental neuroscience. The main objective of this course, therefore, is to equip these students with essential knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, molecular neuroscience, neurophysiology and animal behavior such that they can handle more advanced courses like “Introduction to Brain Science” later in this graduate program. Please note that some courses may be conducted online (E3).

依各位授課老師決定以繳交書面報告、期中考試或口頭報告考評其學習成效。Each instructor for this course may decide the best grading methods to evaluate the learning progress of the students, including term reports, mid-term or final examinations, and oral presentation.

由各位授課教師準備投影片等教材，無特定教科書。

聯絡方式

同學們有需要時，請與各授課老師或課程助教聯繫。Please contact Professors or Course Assistant whenever needed.