Circuitry within animal brains takes in sensory information, analyzes it on short and long timescales, and transforms it into motor output.  The circuitry underlying such computations is complex and often poorly understood because the variety of the cell types is large and their functional connectivity often unknown.  Thus, a major goal of research in neural circuits is to understand the anatomical and functional organization of neuronal cell types into circuits.

The Department of Neurobiology has many faculty members whose research focuses on dissecting neural circuitry of motor and sensory systems in vivo and in vitro.  Groups throughout the department study motor systems as well as somatosensation, olfaction, and audition.

We use a wide range of animal models and techniques including:

• Optogenetics and chemogenetics
• Electrophysiology
• Anatomical tracing and 3D reconstruction
• In vivo Imaging
• Microstimulation

Consult the list of affiliated faculty for further information on our research in Circuits & Computation.

* Image from Hooks Lab