Undergrads will study neurobiology, thanks to UIF

The Undergraduate Program in Neurobiology will give more undergraduates research opportunities similar to what Judith A. Cam has experienced. Cam, a senior in molecular and cellular biology and psychology, is one of a number of undergraduates conducting research in neurobiology. She participates in studies in the lab of Dr. Margaret Miller, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

The School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences have received support through the University Initiatives Fund to establish a Program in Neurobiology and will begin offering undergraduates course work toward a bachelor's degree in neurobiology by winter quarter, 1999.

"Neurobiology is a huge field, and this university is one of the world leaders in the field, so it seemed a shame not to be able to offer it as a major," said Zoology Professor William Moody, who will direct the new major and teach an introductory course.

For the University, the program fills a need for a coordinated undergraduate degree in neurobiology. For years the problem hasn't been interesting undergraduate students in neurobiology, but offering them classes once they become interested, according to Moody.

Over 100 students out of 200 in an undergraduate biology class responded in a recent poll that they would be interested in a neurobiology major if it was offered, Moody said.

university initiatives fund 1998

For the students, the program will provide the opportunity to be involved in research projects and gain experience with faculty who aren't currently involved in undergraduate education.

Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system in all animals, from the molecular biology of nerve cells to behavioral studies.

Curriculum will include the introductory course and lab, which will cover two quarters, and advanced courses in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and psychology.

Moody said he expects the major pathways for graduates of the program to be Ph.D. programs in the neurosciences, M.D. and Ph.D. programs, and M.D. programs leading to research or clinical laboratory work in neurobiology.

Dr. William Catterall, chair of the Department of Pharmacology, will chair the program's steering committee with representatives from the Departments of Biological Structure, Physiology and Biophysics, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Medicine, and Zoology and Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"This new program will teach undergraduates the basics in neurobiology and draw them into research projects which will give them valuable laboratory experience," Catterall said.

This is the second in a series of articles featuring projects that received UIF awards in 1997. Look for more articles in coming weeks. Also, information about the UIF program is available on an evolving website at http://www.washington.edu/uif/.

The program will also give faculty an opportunity to join together and form an undergraduate program of world-renown, he added.

The $700,000 per year award for the program will provide for new faculty and teaching assistanst in the six participating departments, and equip labs in the T Wing of the Health Sciences Center. Four other academic proposals and two support services proposals received UIF support in 1997-98.

The goal of the UIF is to fund innovative new programs, selected to strengthen the UW and create opportunities that would not otherwise be realized. UW President Richard McCormick introduced the UIF in January 1996 after wide consultation with faculty and administrators.

Money for the UIF comes from 1 percent assessments on all University operating budgets in five successive biennia beginning in 1997-98. Funding for 1997-98 is approximately $8 million. ¶

Will Morton, Health Sciences/Medical Affairs News & Community Relations