Prof. Murthy teaches the following courses:
NEU 301/MOL 310 Cellular Neurobiology (Fall 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
This course was developed by Prof. Murthy and focuses on understanding how neurons and the molecules they express contribute to brain function. Topics covered include the structure and electrical properties of neurons, cell fate decisions, synapse formation and plasticity, neuromodulation, and the function of simple neural circuits. We also discuss molecular and genetic tools for interrogating the nervous system. Examples are drawn from studies of sensory system development and function in animals amenable to molecular and cellular level investigation. Students have the opportunity to read and discuss primary literature throughout the course.
*For NEU concentrators and certificate students (lecture only course)
*24 lectures
NEU 501/2a and NEU 501b "Neuroscience: from molecules to systems to behavior" (Fall and Spring, 2010-present; Prof. Murthy will be the lead instructor for NEU501a starting in Fall 2020, and every other year thereafter)
A survey of modern neuroscience combining theoretical and computational/quantitative approaches. Topics include cellular neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neural circuits and dynamics, neural development and plasticity, sensory systems, genetic model systems, and molecular neuroscience. This course if required of all Neuroscience Ph.D. students.
*For NEU graduate students and upper-level NEU undergraduates (lecture and lab course)
*24 lectures
*co-taught w/ the Princeton Neuroscience Institute faculty
The school, held at Princeton University, is geared towards undergraduates and builds an understanding of how physics problems emerge from thinking about developing embryos, communicating bacteria, dynamic neural networks, animal behaviors, evolution, and more.
*2 lectures
Previous Courses:
ISC 235 "An Integrated, Quantitative Approach to Biochemistry and Neuroscience" (Spring, 2011-2015)
An integrated, mathematically and computationally sophisticated introduction to biochemistry and neuroscience.
*For sophomores in the Integrated Sciences program (lecture only course)
*12 lectures on Quantitative Neuroscience (co-taught with Josh Rabinowitz)
*Previously ISC236 "An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to the Natural Sciences", co-taught with David Botstein and Eric Wieschaus
NEU/MOL 403 "Neurogenetics of Behavior" (Fall 2012 and Spring 2015)
How do seemingly simple organisms generate complex behaviors? This course will explore our current understanding of the genetic and neural basis for animal behavior, with an emphasis on cutting-edge research and model systems that are amenable to genetic manipulation. Each week we will discuss a new behavior with a focus on the underlying mechanisms; students will also lead discussions of primary literature. The goal of this course is to provide required background, knowledge, and critical thinking skills to move beyond the published literature to proposing original experiments. This effort will culminate in a final paper from each student.
*For upper-level NEU/MOL undergraduates (lecture only course)
*12 lectures (co-taught w/ Coleen Murphy)
MOL 214 "Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology" (Spring, 2012-14)
*For undergraduates
*4 lectures (neuro module)
NEU 408 "Cellular and Systems Neuroscience" (Fall, 2013)
*For upper-level NEU undergraduates
*4 lectures
Mala has also previously taught at a variety of summer schools, including
CAJAL Computational Neuroscience summer school
CSHL Imaging Structure and Function in the Nervous System
CSHL Neurobiology of Drosophila
Princeton computational neuroscience summer school (Summer 2012-2019)