Brain Communication Networks
Goals
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program is a transformative approach to enhancing higher education by engaging undergraduate students in long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary research project teams that are led by faculty. Students earn academic credits, while faculty benefit from the design/discovery efforts of their teams. These classes are: (1) embedded in faculty mentor’s scholarship and exploration, (2) projects that are long-term and large-scale, continuing for many years, (3) part of the curriculum and graded. Students earn credits toward their degree and can take the course continuously for multiple years. Learning outcomes focus on development of both disciplinary and professional skills. In essence, it is a multi-year, team-based research project where you can grow in your scientific skills, knowledge, and mindset while earning credit. You may sign up for a semester and then opt in to future semesters to continue on the projects. See what we did in previous semesters of the course here: Arizona Brain VIP.
In the Brain Communication Networks VIP-CURE course (NSCS 397), students apply genetics, basic coding skills, flow cytometry, and protein informatics to predict and then test interactions between cell types in the brain of a simple model organism, Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). We will focus on discovering and mapping ligand-receptor pairs in the brain that are relevant for brain function, aging, and/or disease. Each team will develop and then contribute expert advice to assemble a picture of how this inter-cellular communication in the brain occurs. We will be making new scientific discoveries that we will go on to share with the public. You can join the class with one set of skills and learn the others by interacting with other teams of students in the course. Do not be intimidated, this course is for everyone!
Issues Involved or Addressed
- Scientific programming
- Genetics
- Experimental design
- Quantitative analysis
- Modeling
- Microscopy techniques
Methods and Tech
- Genetics
- Programming (Unix, R, others to be determined)
- Bioinformatics
- Experimental design and evaluation
- Microscopy
- Flow cytometry
Academic Majors of Interest
Open to all majors, including:
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NSCS)
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Computer Science / Data Science
- iSchool
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Math
- Honors College
Preferred Interests and Preparation
Prerequisite Skills: Basic understanding of cells and molecules (introductory biology or equivalent) and/or basic computer programming experience
Attributes for Success: Work well independently and in teams, passion and dedication, creativity and curiosity, leadership skills, organization, perseverance
Application Process
Are you interested in research, or need to fulfill a research requirement for your major, but aren’t sure where to start? This course is for you.
NROS 397: Brain Communication Networks Vertically Integrated Project course, is now accepting applications for Fall 2026! This course asks how genes altered in human sequencing datasets might alter the course of a neurodegenerative disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Students test their hypotheses using a fruit fly (Drosophila) model – setting up genetic crosses, collecting behavioral data from offspring, and doing machine learning-based analysis on the high performance computing cluster. As a group, we’re hoping to find ways to prevent the loss of neurons in ALS. The course will be offered in both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 and will build on the project as the year progresses, so you can enroll twice (and are encouraged to do so)! The class enrolls up to 40 students. It is usually full and will have a wait list! See what past years have done here: Arizona Brain VIP
To apply, please fill out the google form here: NROS 397 Fall 2026 Student Application
IMPORTANT! The deadline to apply is Friday, March 20th, at 5pm MST! Review of applications will occur within 7-10 days, and students will be notified of their acceptance by April 1st. Students will then be directly enrolled by the Neuroscience Program staff.
Please note: the class requires attendance at a full research team meeting every Tuesday 9:30-10:30am. If this time is not available in your schedule, you cannot enroll in the course. Also, once enrolled in a lab section, it is challenging to switch, so please be as accurate as possible about your open times, based on your fall schedule.
If you have any questions, please email Dr. Martha Bhattacharya (marthab1@arizona.edu).
