Experimental Molecular Neurobiology
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this laboratory-based course for students with no prior background in cellular or molecular biology techniques. It covers hands-on methods used in neurobiology research, including tissue culture of neuronal cell lines, dissection and culture of brain cells, DNA manipulation, synaptic protein analysis, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy. Materials include lab protocols and course readings drawn from MIT's Brain and Cognitive Sciences curriculum. The course is structured around a series of practical experiments rather than lectures alone, walking students through the actual bench procedures neuroscientists use to study neurons and synapses. As with other MIT OCW offerings, materials are free to access under a Creative Commons license, with no certificate offered. Suited to undergraduates or self-learners wanting a concrete, techniques-first introduction to molecular neuroscience research methods.