This laboratory and lecture course is designed to provide neuroscientists at all levels with a conceptual and practical understanding of several of the most advanced techniques in molecular neuroscience. The course curriculum is divided into three sections: an extensive and up-to-date set of laboratory exercises, daily lectures covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the various methods used in the laboratory, and a series of evening research seminars. The informal and interactive evening lectures will be given by leading molecular neuroscientists and will serve to illustrate the ways in which the various experimental approaches have been used to advance specific areas of neurobiology. In this year's course, the laboratory portion will include topics such as: an introduction to the design and use of animal virus vectors in neurobiology; the use of CRISPR genome editing and RNAi approaches for regulating the expression of specific genes in neurons; practical exercises in gene delivery systems including mammalian cell infection and transfection and electroporation techniques for targeted gene transfer in vivo; an introduction to overall strategies, use and design of BAC transgenic vectors; real time RT-PCR analyses; assays of chromatin and chromatin structure in neurons, and mRNA isolation from specified neural subtypes by TRAP.
The CSHL Meetings & Courses Program is strongly committed to diversity in the recruitment and selection of participants for all our courses. See our diversity policy here. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this course.
Support & Stipends
Major support provided by the National Institute of Mental Health
Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:
US applicants (National Institute of Mental Health)
Interdisciplinary Fellowships (transitioning from outside biology) & Scholarships (transitioning from other biological disciplines) (Helmsley Charitable Trust)
International applicants (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
Scientists from developing countries accepted into this course may be eligible for scholarships provided by the International Brain Research Organization.
Please indicate your eligibility for funding in your stipend request submitted when you apply to the course. Stipend requests do not affect selection decisions made by the instructors.
Equipment and reagents generously provided by:
Cost (including board and lodging): $4,255
No fees are due until you have completed the full application process and are accepted into the course. Students accepted into the course should plan to arrive by early evening on June 28 and plan to depart after lunch on July 14.
Before applying, ensure you have 1) Personal statement/essay; 2) Letter(s) of recommendation; 3) Curriculum vitae/resume (optional); 4) Financial aid request (optional). More details
If you are not ready to fully apply but wish to express interest in applying, receive a reminder two weeks prior to the deadline, and tell us about your financial aid requirements, click below: