This multidisciplinary course combines lectures about the fundamental biochemical, cellular, molecular, immunological, genetic and bioinformatics approaches that are used in biomedical research with critical discussion of research papers. In addition to lectures, each meeting will have provisions for a discussion period. Generally, this period will be used to discuss an original research paper, but occasionally it will be used for a model-building laboratory or a review session. The development of a research proposal is a major component of the course. The course is open to all students and fellows, and it is a core course for both neuroscience and pharmacology.