Ouch it Hurts! The Comparative Neurobiology of Pain

Pain is a protective mechanism in both humans and animals, preventing further bodily injury. However, continued unchecked, the pain process can become extremely detrimental. The neurobiology of pain has a complex pathway. What we know today about pain processing is just a glimpse of this intricate process. This class will focus on understanding the basic neurobiology of pain pathways, and will include the study of the physiology, pharmacology, and clinical aspects of effective pain management. Students will examine current scientific literature and lead discussions. In addition, laboratory tours will expose students to contemporary experimental methodologies. Guest lectures will highlight pain research from Stanford and other institutions. At the completion of this course, students will have a basic understanding of the comparative neurobiology of pain.