Course Objectives: The main goal of this course is to provide you with a thorough overview of the biological basis of behavior. Research in Neuroscience, spans all levels of the organism: single cells, single neurotransmitter systems, brain regions and the entire integrated organism. We will explore specific functions of brain regions and relate that neurological functioning to behaviors in everyday life. We will see that our brain is actually two halves that have slightly different functions and when working properly communicate with one another with millisecond timing. We will learn the specific functions of chemicals located in the brain and how drug treatments for psychological disorders are aimed at modulating these endogenous chemicals. We will determine how our senses combine with previous knowledge to allow for perception of the world around us. We will determine which brain structures are responsible for learning and memory and what the consequences are when these structures are damaged by trauma or aging.
Because the field and research methods of Neuroscience are broad, throughout the semester we will encounter evidence from basic research, applied research, animal research, human research, empirical research articles and textbook readings, which will come from a variety of subdisciplines within Neuroscience.
Classroom discussions and course-related assignments will enable you to understand and discuss:
- landmark and current research in the field of neuroscience.
- limitations of our current understanding of the brain and its functions.
- the interaction of nature and nurture on brain development.
- the behavioral and biological effects of disease, drugs, aging, and stress
- neuronal plasticity in terms of learning and recovery of function.
More generally, you should also be able to:
- Appreciate how the study of the brain is relevant to your life
- Use the scientific terminology of neuroscience appropriately
- Read and critically evaluate journal articles, web sites, and popular press articles about neuroscience
- Appreciate the complexity of the brain and nervous system, particularly with respect to control of behavior, and understand some of the challenges faced by researchers
Required Textbook:
Pinel, JPJ (2009). Biopsychology (7th Edition). United States: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon.
Course Schedule:
|
Date |
Topic |
Readings |
|
Aug 30
|
Overview of Neuroscience |
1
|
|
Sept 1 |
Mind/Brain Question |
Consciousness Reading |
|
6 |
Evolution and |
2 |
|
8 |
Neuroanatomical Methods |
5 (but not 5.6) |
|
13 |
Functional Neuroanatomy and Systems |
3 (but not 3.2), 9.1, 9.2 |
|
15 |
Lateralization of Function |
16 |
|
20 |
Neurons, Neuronal Transmission and |
3.2, 4.1-4.4 |
|
22 |
Synapses and Neurotransmitters |
4.5-4.7 |
|
27 |
Drug effects and Mood disorders |
15.3-15.7, 18.2-18.3 |
|
29 |
Group empirical article presentations on prescription medications |
Variety of empirical articles |
|
Oct 4 |
Visual processing |
6.1-6.5 |
|
6 |
Neural basis of visual perception |
6.6, 7.1 |
|
11 |
Auditory Processing and Perception |
7.2 |
|
13 |
Somatosensory Processing |
7.3, 8.1-8.4 |
|
18 |
Fall Break – No Class |
|
|
20 |
Plasticity of Somatosensory – phantom limbs Abstracts for Empirical Article Due in class |
8.5-8.8 |
|
25 |
Motor Systems and |
8.4-8.8 |
|
27 |
Motor Diseases |
New Movement in Parkinson’s |
|
Nov 1 |
Discussion of Lab – Writing and Feedback |
|
|
3 |
Neuroplasticity and |
10 |
|
8 |
Further discussion of Stats, Figures and Results from Lab |
|
|
10 |
Exam #2 |
|
|
15 |
NO CLASS – SfN Meeting |
|
|
17 |
Neurological Basis of Learning I |
11.5-11.8 |
|
22 |
Neurological Basis of Learning II |
11.1-11.4 |
|
24 |
Thanksgiving Break |
|
|
Nov 29 |
Memory |
Memory Reading |
|
Dec 1 |
Disorders of Memory |
|
|
6 |
Successful Aging |
Nun Study empirical articles |
|
8 |
Stem Cell Debate |
Variety of empirical articles |
|
Dec 12 |
Exam #3 |
text