Fundamentals of Neurosciences: Health and Disease
BIOL-90070
What sets humans apart from other species is the complexity of our cognitive abilities. This course designed for high school students offers an introduction to the fundamentals of neuroscience, exploring the unique structure and function of the human brain and its nerve cells (neurons). Students will examine neuroscience from the molecular and cellular levels to the organization of neuronal circuits that underlie critical functions such as pain perception, emotion, empathy, and memory. The course will also address major neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as peripheral nervous system conditions.
What you'll learn
- An introduction to the foundational principles of neurobiology.
- Examination of neuronal samples and the anatomical structure of the brain.
- Discussion and critical analysis of leading theories and hypotheses surrounding neurodegenerative diseases.
- A guided demonstration of rodent brain dissection for comparative anatomical study.
- Development of original hypotheses concerning the potential causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Course Information
How to Enroll
STEP ONE: Create a student account
Take a moment to create an account in the student's name. Do not use your student's school emai. Proceed to STEP TWO if you have created an account previously.
NOTE: Parents/guardians, if you are enrolling multiple students into the program, please create separate accounts for each student, and ensure you are logged into each student's account when processing enrollment.
STEP TWO: Add course offering to shopping cart
Scroll below to the "Course Sessions" section and click "add to cart" to add course offering to your shopping cart. Additonally, you can click the course dates for the course drop-down menu. This will include information such as the program location, program dates, etc.
STEP THREE: Select your grading option
At UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, you have the option to choose how you want your course(s) graded. If you don’t choose a grading option, the default grading option of Pass/No Pass will be assigned.
- Letter Grade: A grade between A+ and F reflects your performance in the course and is included in your grade point average (GPA) calculation. A passing grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.
- Pass/No Pass: A grade of P or NP reflects whether you have passed the course, but does not otherwise indicate your performance. These grades are not included in your GPA calculation; however a P (passing) grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.
- Not for Credit: A grade of “NFC” reflects that you were enrolled in the course but does not indicate your performance. This grade appears on your transcript, but is not included in your GPA calculation and is not counted toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.
You may change your grading option at any time before the final class meeting (by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the published end date for online courses) or before final grades are posted, whichever comes first. To learn how to change your grading option please visit the Student Services website linked here: Changing Grading Option
STEP FOUR: Agree to the terms and conditions and check out
Please check mark the "I have read and understand the UC San Diego Extended Studies Terms & Conditions and Student Conduct Policies regarding registration, fees and refunds." See example image below
STEP FIVE: Pay
You will be directed to the checkout website, Transact. Here you will be able to choose your method of payment.
Complete the authorization form for each enrolled student. Authorization forms are linked here: Research Scholars Online Authorization Form
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/22/2026
Schedule:
| Date | Day | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/6/2026 | Mon | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/7/2026 | Tue | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/8/2026 | Wed | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/9/2026 | Thu | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/13/2026 | Mon | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/14/2026 | Tue | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/15/2026 | Wed | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/16/2026 | Thu | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/20/2026 | Mon | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/21/2026 | Tue | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/22/2026 | Wed | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/23/2026 | Thu | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/27/2026 | Mon | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/28/2026 | Tue | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/29/2026 | Wed | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7/30/2026 | Thu | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
Instructor:
Chengbiao Wu, Ph.D.; Associate Adjunct Professor of Neurosciences – UC San Diego; Co-Director, Biophotonics Technology Center
Neuroscience researcher; Director for Cellular and Molecular Biology; Studies neurotrophin signaling and neurodegenerative diseases
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are small proteins that support the survival and maintenance of nerve cells. Many neurodegenerative diseases, including Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington disease, are linked to insufficient supply of NTFs. Dr. Wu’s work investigates how neurotrophin signals are generated and transduced in nerve cells and how defects in these signaling pathways contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.