課程大綱(Course Outline)
本課程目標旨在探討腦神經內分泌系統與免疫系統之間的交互作用。課程內容涵蓋腦細胞之基本組成與傳遞機制；進而延伸至神經內分泌和免疫系統以及神經細胞與膠質細胞之間的相互調控。此課程不同於由傳統藥理學或生理學的角度來探討大腦神經的功能，而是由跨學科的角度來探究腦內不同細胞之間與大腦外的免疫系統如何維持正常生理功能和失衡時如何導致疾病發生。事實上，許多人類神經疾病的發生，便是腦內外免疫系統失能所造成，例如：神經退化疾病。透過此一課程，期能培養出具備跨學科視野來探究大腦神經科學的學生。
The objective of the course for students is to introduce neuroendocrine–immune (NEI) circuitry from neuron–glial interactions, brain immunoregulation to their pathophysiological functions in central nervous system (CNS). Students will be able to understand that how brain neurons and glia interact with peripheral endocrine and immune system, in order to maintain physiological homeostasis or progress brain diseases such as neurodegenerative disease.