Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Course Descriptions
Link to Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Programs
Undergraduate Courses
Professionalism, Ethics and Topics in Medicine (PCB 4084) 0 credit
Prerequisite: For students in the Medical Pipeline/Med Direct program
In this course, students are introduced to the topics of professionalism in medical practice, as well as to bioethics as an interdisciplinary subject. Students are provided with the opportunity to study, evaluate and discuss defining issues in the field of bioethics and begin to develop an understanding of the professional practice of medicine. These competencies support the students in their academic careers as well as in the field of medicine beyond.
Grading: S/U
Directed Independent Study (PCB 4905) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and Department
Independent research.
Directed Independent Research (PCB 4915) 1-3 credits
This course is designed for students conducting undergraduate research with faculty and allows documentation of these projects on their transcripts.
Directed Independent Research (PCB 4916) 0-3 credits
This course is designed for students conducting undergraduate research with faculty and allows documentation of these projects on their transcripts.
Grading: S/U
Special Topics (PCB 4930) 1-8 credits
Special topics of interest to biomedical students.
Graduate Courses
Foundations of Medicine 1 (BMS 6015) 10 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate, informed, professional and conscientious physician with unique opportunities for direct patient care. Assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to interview and examine the patient, to answer clinical questions, to understand the importance of patient advocacy and disease prevention, to explore the barriers to healthcare and to instill the foundation for the ethical and legal framework of patient care.
Foundations of Medicine 2 (BMS 6016) 13 credits
Prerequisites: Medical students only; BMS 6015
A continuation in the Foundations of Medicine series. Provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate, informed, professional and conscientious physician with unique opportunities for direct patient care. Assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to interview and examine the patient, to answer clinical questions, to understand the importance of patient advocacy and disease prevention, to explore the barriers to healthcare and to instill the foundation for the ethical and legal framework of patient care.
Foundations of Medicine 3 (BMS 6017) 13 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first year of the medical program; BMS 6015, BMS 6016
The Foundations of Medicine (FOM) courses provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate and professional physician with opportunities for direct patient care. This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.
Neuroscience and Behavior (BMS 6020)
9 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, sensory systems, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, neurology and psychiatry. Uses an integrated approach combining lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) and anatomy laboratory instruction. The PBL sessions in small groups provide the fundamental knowledge of common neurological and psychiatric disorders, complemented by lectures for specific diseases. The presentation of the neuroanatomy component emphasizes correlations with clinical cases and leads to the localization of brain lesions. The instruction in gross anatomy of the head and neck are integrated with clinical correlates.
Foundations of Medicine 4 (BMS 6022) 4 credits
Prerequisites: BMS 6015, BMS 6016, BMS 6017
The Foundations of Medicine (FOM) courses provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate and professional physician. This is the final FOM course in a four-course group offered in the first two years of medical school.
Fundamentals of Biomedical Science (BMS 6031) 21 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Provides students with a broad function in critical biomedical science subject areas, including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, pathology, physiology, histology, anatomy and embryology.
Integrated Morphology 1 (BMS 6102C) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course involves the developmental, microscopic and gross anatomical features of the organs located in the thorax and abdomen of the human. A laboratory includes a cadaveric dissection experience and examination of tissue samples using virtual microscopy.
Integrated Morphology 2 (BMS 6104C) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course involves the gross anatomical features of the structures of the back, limbs, head and neck of the human. A laboratory includes a cadaveric dissection experience.
Clinical Microbiology (BMS 6303) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MCB 3020
Students learn the relevant facts and principles underlying bacteria, parasites, pathogenicity and host resistance. Armed with this fundamental information, students will then be capable of understanding and utilizing contemporary modes of treatment and prevention.
Synthesis and Transition (BMS 6405) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the M.D. program
A three-week course at the beginning of Year 3 designed to help students synthesize knowledge and prepare for a smooth transition to the Year 3 clerkships. The course includes (1) a Case Seminar, a complex multidisciplinary PBL/IQ case that focuses on differential diagnosis and treatment decisions; (2) Sim center and interactive work on clinical reasoning and clinical skills building; and (3) orientation to the Year 3 clerkships.
Autonomic Function and Diseases (BMS 6523) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course covers both the physiological and clinical study of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) emphasizing the neural circuitry aspects of systemic regulation. Topics are introduced in lectures and followed up by recent journal articles.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 1 (BMS 6541) 8 credits
Prerequisite: BMS 6020
Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the gastrointestinal and hepatic systems and human nutrition, including normal nutrition and diagnosis and management of common nutritional disorders. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 2 (BMS 6542)
11 credits
Prerequisite: BMS 6541
An 11-week course in the fall semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and related components of the hematologic system. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 3 (BMS 6543) 9 credits
Prerequisites: BMS 6541 and 6542
A nine-week course in the fall semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the renal system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system and related components of the hematologic system. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 4 (BMS 6544)
6 credits
Prerequisites: BMS 6541, 6542, 6543
A six-week course in the spring semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the immunologic system, mechanisms of host-defense, infectious disease, including public health aspects, and common hematologic malignancies. Revisits and expands on concepts of immunity and infection and includes diseases of the dermatologic system and the eye. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.
Fundamentals of General Pathology (BMS 6601) 3 credits
Covers the basic pathophysiology of mechanisms of disease in medicine and incorporates gross pathologic, microscopic and radiologic material to assist in understanding fundamental disease.
Brain Diseases: Mechanism and Therapy (BMS 6736) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of brain diseases and of the current status of therapeutic intervention for those diseases.
Directed Study Medicine (BMS 6900) 1-12 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
A College of Medicine course in which medical students pursue directed independent work under the guidance of a faculty member.
USMLE Step 1 Review (BMS 6960) 6 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous courses in the M.D. program
A College of Medicine course in which medical students pursue directed independent study with faculty support and resources in preparation for the USMLE Step 1 Examination.
Biomedical Data and Informatics (BSC 6459) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course teaches essential concepts and methodology for biomedical data acquisition and analysis with an emphasis on the analysis of massive data. The course sets up the foundation for students' careers in biomedical informatics in a wide range of fields including biomedical academia, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Introduction to Radiation Biology (BSC 6834) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BSC 1010, 1010L, PHY 2048, 2048L, 2049, 2049L
and permission of instructor
An overview of the effects of ionizing radiations on human and other biological systems. The course involves consideration of cell survival after exposure to ionizing radiations, repair of radiation damage, radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, doses and risks in diagnostic radiology, cardiology, nuclear medicine, and basic safety rules. A student seminar is required at the end of the course.
Neural Plasticity (GMS 6021) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is designed to provide students with a functional understanding of the field of basic neuroscience with application to brain plasticity throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integrated understanding of learning and memory, structural and synaptic plasticity in animal models with relevance to human brain function in health and disease.
Biomedical Science Core Technologies Laboratory (GMS 6091C) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
The aim of this course is to provide students with the introductory skills required for research success in the biomedical sciences. The course combines traditional classroom-based learning with hands-on practical laboratory experience and instruction. This course provides students with the fundamentals required for biomedical science research, including responsible conduct in biomedical research, understanding and applying the scientific method, hypothesis construction and experimental application, experimental design and data collection, and data analysis and presentation.
Macromolecular Therapy for Human Diseases (GMS 6301) 3 credits
Prerequisite: BCH 3033 or PCB 4023 or equivalent
Discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases and of the current status of therapeutic intervention for the specified diseases with focus on macromolecular therapy.
Molecular Basis of Disease and Therapy (GMS 6302) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 4035 and (PCB 4023 or PCB 4522)
Explores the molecular basis of selected viral pathogens, genetic diseases and cancer through lectures and presentations by faculty in the College of Science and College of Medicine, Scripps Florida and private industry representatives. Discusses novel technologies aimed at developing therapeutics together with the activity of modern biotechnology in drug development.
Pharmacology (GMS 6513) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course introduces the study of the properties, effects and therapeutic value of the primary agents in major drug categories. Topics include cholinergic drugs, adrenergic drugs, hormones, diuretics, cardiovascular agents, respiratory drugs and gastrointestinal agents.
Advanced Pharmacology (GMS 6551) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
The pharmacology course is divided into two parts. The first part is usually delivered in the spring semester focusing on pharmacokinetics and neuropharmacology. In the second part, students explore chemotherapeutics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To inspire students to learn high-level pharmacology, the course emphasizes mechanisms of action of each therapeutic drug.
Principles of Neuroimmunology (GMS 6708) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge and essential concepts in the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). PNI is an interdisciplinary science that studies the connection and influence between the central nervous system, the immune system, and behavior. Understanding the interplay between these systems leads to discoveries of novel mechanisms of physiology and pathology, developments of novel therapies for the treatments of inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative and affective disorders. The course seeks to provide a basic understanding of the neuroscience, immunology, physiology and behavioral science underlying PNI interactions and to use PNI research as a platform to present students with modern strategies for understanding molecular mechanisms involved in the immunomodulation of neural functions and neuromodulation of immune activities.
Biomedical Concepts and Translational Applications (GMS 6841) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is a comprehensive fundamental course intended for biomedical majors. It provides cutting-edge, high-interest topics in the field of human health to doctoral and master's students in biomedical science. In this course, students explore the concepts of biology in different fields and how they are related to human health. The course also provides students with translational applications to clinical health problems and allows considerable flexibility in tailoring their course of study to suit their educational goals.
Data Interpretation and Analysis in the Age of Precision Medicine (GMS 6860) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Biomedical Science is a broad field comprising many applied sciences geared toward the development of new approaches in healthcare or public health. This unique College of Medicine course is designed for graduate students headed toward a broad array of postgraduate vocational opportunities in areas ranging from professional education, health care and scientific fields through business. Students are introduced to data interpretation, analysis and presentation approaches. Further, students are exposed to novel precision medicine concepts and database research.
Host Defense and Inflammation (MCB 6208) 3 credits
Prerequisite: PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Course covers the immunology emphasizing mechanisms of host defense and inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases. Mechanisms emphasized are roles of macrophages that are heterogeneous and diverse populations regulating host defense and inflammation. Mycobacterial infections and allergic asthma are presented as disease models of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Family and Community Health Sciences Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (MDC 7011) 10 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
FCHS is organized as a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC). It has 24 instructional weeks and is made up of 21 weeks of clinical experiences and didactic instruction in three graded integrated clerkships and six disciplines that are not graded, plus two weeks for assessments and one week of orienting activities. FCHS includes experiences in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and psychiatry. Students receive separate clerkship grades in these three disciplines. It also includes experiences in anesthesia, critical care, emergency medicine, neurology, pathology and radiology.
Medical and Surgical Sciences Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (MDC 7012) 10 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Medical and Surgical Sciences, organized as a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC), has 24 instructional weeks and is made up of 22 weeks of clinical experiences and didactic instruction in three graded integrated clerkships and six disciplines that are not graded, plus one week for assessments and one week of orienting activities. Includes experiences in medicine, surgery and geriatrics/palliative care, as well as experiences in anesthesia, critical care, emergency medicine, neurology, pathology and radiology.
Community and Preventative Medicine Clerkship (MDC 7120) 14 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Throughout the third year of medical school, within the Community and Preventive Medicine Clerkship, students are assigned one-on-one to a primary care provider, either an internist or a family physician in the community. The goal of this longitudinal preceptor experience is for students to build their own panel of patients, developing a relationship over time and following patients to different clinical experiences that are part of their medical care.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship (MDC 7180) 20
credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Consists of an inpatient labor and delivery experience, an inpatient gynecologic surgery experience, an outpatient preceptor-based experience (including sessions in an outpatient ob/gyn office), and a subspecialty experience (reproductive endocrinologist, maternal-fetal specialist, uro-gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist). Provides opportunity for students to observe and gain basic knowledge in the care of both obstetrics and gynecology patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. Under supervision by attendings, students are involved in every aspect of the patient's care.
Internal Medicine Clerkship (MDC 7200) 25 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Students develop a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and care of the adult medical patient, continuing to improve their ability to obtain, record, analyze and communicate clinical information. Each student gains an awareness of the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that internists strive to acquire and maintain throughout their professional lives. Students have supervised responsibility for patient care, learning to integrate clinical knowledge with practical experience.
Pediatrics Clerkship (
MDC 7400)
20
credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Provides medical students with the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to develop basic skills in the evaluation and management of health and disease in infants, children and adolescents. An introduction to the care of children emphasizing those aspects of pediatrics that should be understood and mastered by all physicians, regardless of ultimate career goals.
Surgery Clerkship (MDC 7600) 25 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
An intense clinical experience that introduces students to the basic principles of surgery. Equips students with the knowledge and skills relevant to surgical management that all physicians should possess. Aims to emphasize patient responsibility and professional behavior as essential qualities for young physicians to develop.
Psychiatry Clerkship (MDC 7830) 20 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third year of the medical program
Part of the six-month longitudinal integrated clerkship experience (FCHS). Divided into two sections: A four-week inpatient experience and an integrated outpatient/subspecialty experience. Designed to help students develop clinical skills and a knowledge base in psychiatry. In addition to the inpatient, outpatient, C-L Substance Abuse and off-campus experiences, students attend regular didactic lectures.
Elective Rotation (MDE 8011) 6-12 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the third or fourth year of medical program
Fourth year electives accommodate the diverse educational needs of medical students. They offer students the opportunity to explore diverse options in the field of medicine and provide them the opportunity to further their medical knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Transition to Residency (MDE 8067) 18 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of all other fourth year courses and requirements
This capstone course spans the entire fourth year of medical school. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2, Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) process and National Resident Matching Process (NRMP), and to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to work effectively as interns, residents and practicing physicians. In addition, the educational activities allow students to meet specific Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) required for residency.
Acting Internship Rotation (MDI 8010) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the fourth year of the M.D. program
The overall goal of this course is for the student to provide care for a group of patients, applying knowledge and clinical reasoning to medical practice. These rotations provide the opportunity for the student to assume a high level of responsibility for patient care.
Selective Rotation (MDS 8011) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the fourth year of medical program
Selective rotations explore the diversity of medical fields and increase the educational experience,providing hands-on patient care through the scope of multiple specialties. Students evaluate patients under supervision and have meaningful patient care experiences in the specialties they choose.
Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology (PCB 5532) 3 credits
Prerequisites: CHM 2210, PCB 4023, BCH 3033 and permission of instructor
Course is designed to provide students with a basic background and advanced topics in cell and molecular biology. Emphasis is placed on human physiology and disease.
Neurobiology of Addiction (PCB 5844) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course provides graduate students with fundamental information on molecular, cellular and neurocircuitry systems in the brain that are responsible for drug addiction. Common neurobiological elements are emphasized that provide novel insights into how the brain mediates the acute rewarding effects of drugs of abuse and how it changes during the transition from initial drug use to compulsive drug use and addiction.
Immunology Seminar (PCB 5930) 1 credit
Graduate students in the College of Medicine and the College of Science interested in immunology introduce topics, discuss the data and summarize conclusions from one or a few related cutting-edge articles published in immunology journals. The article(s) deal with research in cellular or molecular immunology. The seminar is also intended to encourage graduate students to present their research-in- progress and acquire feedback from their colleagues and faculty.
Advanced Cell Physiology (PCB 6207) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course describes in-depth membrane physiology, intracellular signaling pathways and cellular function, with an emphasis on neurons and human muscle cells (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle cells).
Emerging Applications in Oncology and Pharmacogenomics (PCB 6230) 3 credits
Prerequisite: PCB 6667 or permission of instructor
The course covers the rapidly evolving applications of genomics to cancer diagnosis and treatment and pharmacogenomics, exploring how natural genetic variation impacts human health, susceptibility to disease and the development of targeted treatments.
Molecular Basis of Human Cancer (PCB 6235) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4023 or BCH 3033 or PCB 6207 with minimum grade of "B-"
Course covers current concepts and knowledge of cancer, exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer progression with an aim to understand the processes of tumorigenesis.
Problem-Based Immunology (PCB 6238) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Course provides an up-to-date understanding of the basic science of immunology and how that science applies to the realities of patient care. The fundamental mechanisms of immunity are illustrated by cases of genetic defects in the immune system, immune complex diseases, immune mediated hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune and alloimmune diseases.
Tumor Immunology (PCB 6239) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Explores the role of the immune system in cancer and the implications for the host. The effect of the tumor-host interactions on the developing neoplasm are studied by considering related topics such as angiogenesis, MMPs, chemokines and metastasis. Additionally, the course explores the role of the immune system in defense against the tumors and the mechanism by which cancer cells escape the surveillance system.
Human Genetics (PCB 6665) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Designed to provide students with a functional understanding of the field of human genetics as it applies to progressive research and medicine. Emphasizes the integrated understanding and application of Genetic Analysis, Diagnosis and Mechanisms in human disease.
Integrating Genomics into Predictive Health (PCB 6667) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This graduate level course is taught by faculty leaders in genomics, precision medicine and predictive health. The content covers all aspects of this rapidly evolving field from understanding the structure of the human genome, to exploring how natural genetic variation impacts human disease and health to applying new technologies and tools across a wide range of clinical conditions including pre-conception screening, diagnostic testing, drug tailoring, and health forecasting.
Molecular Biology of the Cardiovascular System and Cardiac Disease (PCB 6705) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 3034, PCB 4023, or permission of instructor
Examination of the molecular biology of cellular function focused on tissue adaptation in cardiovascular disease. Investigation of survival responses to cellular stress in atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia and hypertension.
Molecular Mechanism of Aging and Age-Related Diseases (PCB 6817) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is designed to provide students with contemporary knowledge of current concepts in aging and age-related diseases. The course explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the aging process with an emphasis on aging mechanisms. Hallmarks of aging in multiple organisms are emphasized with special emphasis on human aging.
Adult Neurogenesis (PCB 6848) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSB 6037 or PSB 6345 or equivalent
The background of stem cells and neuroscience is covered followed by several aspects of neurogenesis, including where neurogenesis happens in the brain, how it happens, why it happens and, more importantly, how it might help the brain heal itself.
Physiology of the Heart (PCB 6885) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 3034, PCB 4023, or permission of instructor
Course emphasizes the relationship between the biochemical properties of the individual constituents of the heart cell (myocardium), the biophysics of cardiac muscle function and the performance of the intact heart. The course format will involve lectures, journal club presentations, round table discussions, invited speakers as well as special projects.
Directed Independent Study (PCB 6905) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and Department
Independent research.
Directed Independent Research (PCB 6915) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Directed independent research courses are designed for students conducting research with faculty in the College of Medicine, which allows documentation of these projects on their transcripts.
Directed Independent Research (PCB 6916) 0-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Directed independent research courses are designed for students conducting research with faculty in the College of Medicine, which allows documentation of these projects on their transcripts.
Grading: S/U
Special Topics (PCB 6933) 1-8 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Topics of interest to students in Biomedical Science, such as clinical microbiology and protein misfolding and disease.
Graduate Seminars (PCB 6934) 1-2 credits
Graduate students will give one to two presentations on research papers or specific topics (1-2 credits).
Grading: S/U
Master's Thesis (PCB 6971) 1-12 credits
Grading: S/U
Thesis-Related Research (PCB 6974) 2-3 credits
Prerequisite: Biomedical Science master's thesis students only
This course is a vehicle allowing students to conduct research for their master's thesis prior to writing and defending their proposal.
Developmental Neurobiology (PSB 6515) 3 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 1012 and PSB 3002
In-depth coverage of the principles and recent advances in the development of the brain and nervous system, including nerve cell migration, axon outgrowth, specificity, plasticity, neurotrophism, nerve cell death and the influence of experience on the nervous system.