The Mighty Mitochondria What are mitochondria and why are they so important to our understanding of many neurological diseases? In this course, we will explore what mitochondria are and their role in different cells and specifically in the cells of the brain. Mitochondria are thought to be the cell’s powerhouse, but they are not found in all cells. Furthermore, their dysregulation, either through genetic mutations or environmental factors, leads to profound consequences for human health. Topics to be covered are the structure and function of mitochondria, cell death, oxidative stress, aging, neurological diseases, and rare genetic diseases. (BIOL 0145; not open to first-year students; open to neuroscience majors and biology majors; others by waiver). 3hrs lecture.

Neural Coding: Visualizing How the Brain Computes How does the brain go from an electrical signal to recognizing friends? In this course we will learn to use MATLAB to explore visually how the brain uses electrical signals to compute information. By using MATLAB as the frame for the class, students will gain skills in using a fundamental tool in neuroscience. In addition, through the use of introductory lectures, readings, in class programming activities, and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of how sensory information is encoded and then decoded. No experience using MATLAB necessary. Approval only.

Molecular Neurogenetics: A Techniques Lab How do we study the molecular properties of neurons in the laboratory? Have you ever wondered what it is like to work in a molecular neuroscience lab? In this course, we take a deep dive into the techniques widely used to molecularly identify neurons, such as immunostaining and single-cell sequencing. We will learn how to genotype animals and then explore methods in protein expression analysis. In this class, we will also explore how bioinformatics is shaping our current understanding of the brain and the cells within it. Utilizing the consecutive course periods of the winter term, students will have the unique opportunity to design, perform, and analyze experiments featuring modern cellular and molecular neuroscience techniques.

The Science of Color Our world is defined by color, but what is color? We will explore the physical basis, perception, and chemistry of color. We will examine how we perceive color and how our brain constructs a visual world. We will dive into the chemistry of art pigments, how this has shaped human history, and, for fun, the use of pigment chemistry and art fraud. We will explore light and the physics of color. This will be the groundwork for our discussions and writings as we critically think about color in the world around us. Our primary reading will be March of the Pigments: Color History, Science and Impact.

Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurons are the building blocks of complex circuits that underlie perception and behavior. In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular basis of neuron structure and function. The topics include the molecular and cellular basis of action potential propagation, the molecular biology of synaptic transmission, the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, and the molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction. Laboratory exercises will train students in commonly used neurobiology techniques and engage students in novel investigations. (BIOL 0145 (Note: AP credit in biology cannot be used to satisfy this requirement) Open to neuroscience majors, non-majors and seniors by waiver).

Methods in Systems Neuroscience Our brains are series of connected neurons forming circuits. The properties of these neurons and circuits dictate their role in our behavior. This interaction is the foundation of systems neuroscience.  In this course students will deepen their understanding of the fundamental properties of these neural circuits. Students will gain knowledge of the current methods of studying these circuits, including their promise for future research directions as well as their flaws. We will focus on learning the principles of neural circuitry and discussing primary literature.  (NSCI 0251 and NSCI 0252; open to junior and senior neuroscience majors; others by waiver).

Amanda Crocker

Reviews and ratings for Amanda Crocker at Middlebury College.Amanda Crocker teaches Mighty-chondria, Neural Coding, Molecular Neurogenetics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Amanda Crocker good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Really enjoyed this class and Crocker. The course goes much deeper into mitochondria than you would in a typical biology class, but the material was genuinely interesting and never felt like we were just memorizing information. A lot of the class involved reading research and thinking about experiments, which made it feel much more applicable to actual science. I especially liked the research proposal because we got to explore a topic we were interested in and develop our own ideas. Crocker is extremely knowledgeable, approachable, and clearly cares about the subject. Definitely challenging at times, but overall a really rewarding class that I would recommend.

I enjoyed class with Professor Crocker and thought that while her exams were definitely challenging, they were valuable and fair. Course concepts have stayed with me and I effectively learned the material in this class. 

Amanda Crocker is very passionate about the content, but her lectures could be repetitive at times, and it could become hard all of a sudden. It's mostly group work - you are assigned a group from the start of the semester, and you'll stick with it for the whole semester for class discussions and projects. It depends on your luck, I personally had a bad experience with it, as my two groupmates happened to be neuroscience major seniors and appeared mean to me, who took this as a bio elective. I didn't tell Amanda about this and dropped the class instead, so I'm not sure whether she's accommodating to needs. 