Residency Program in Psychiatry

Didactics

Neuroscience

Course Director

William Byne, M.D., Ph.D.
Silvana Riggio, M.D.

Instructors

Monte Buchsbaum, M.D.
Daniel Perl, M.D.
Larry Siever, M.D.
Rachel Yehuda, M.D.

Overall Course Goals and Objectives

To review the basic underpinnings of neuroscience research and then apply them to our current understanding of the biology of psychiatric illness. The resident will understand the basics of receptor physiology, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, genetics, molecular biology, and neuropathology as they relate to the biology of psychiatric illness.

Mount Sinai is a leading neuroscience research institution. Thus, lectures are informed by the latest developments and advances in the field. Residents have exposure to world-renowned scientists who give lectures in the course. For residents who have a special interest in neuroscience, this course also serves as a gateway into research with the faculty.

The PGY-I year surveys major topics within neuroscience: neuroanatomy, receptors, neurotransmitters, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, neuropathology, and al introduction to neuroimaging. A highlight of the course is a specialized brain autopsy laboratory experience to enhance understanding of neuroanatomy and neuropathology.

The PGY-III year revisits many of these topics at an increasing level of sophistication, including lectures on developmental neuroscience, synaptic plasticity and remodeling, neuroanatomical changes within the lifespan, and advances in memory research. Topics covered include molecular biology and genetics linkage studies, receptor distribution in the brain and mechanisms of up/down regulation, neurogenesis and cell death, cellular perspectivs on memory, and neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.