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Courses
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary
area of study that focuses on understanding the structure and function of the
central and peripheral nervous systems. This rapidly expanding field seeks to
answer questions related to brain and behavioral development, normal brain function,
and disease processes. Overlaps exist with other disciplines such as biology,
chemistry, mathematics, pharmacology, and physics, and there are important links
with social sciences and humanities. An introductory course is offered in addition
to courses that focus on the fundamental areas of neuroscience and contemporary
issues related to the social sciences and humanities.
Introduction to Neuroscience
Psychology
230
The ability to express thoughts and emotions
and to interact with the environment largely depends on the function of the
nervous system. This course examines basic concepts and methods in the study
of brain, mind, and behavior. Topics include the structure and function of the
central nervous system, brain development, learning and memory, emotion, sensory
and motor systems, the assessment of human brain damage, and clinical disorders
such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
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Visual Experience and Science
Psychology
246
An introduction to traditional areas
of visual science including receptors and neural processing, the structure and
function of the lateral geniculate nucleus, the striate cortex, and the modularity
of the extrastriate cortex. With that background, the class surveys the basic
facts and explanations of visual phenomena–color, lightness, objects, contour,
shape, space, movement, size, orientation. Some attention is also given to ecological
aspects of perception, perceptual development, and clinical aspects of vision
and hearing.
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Drugs and Human Behavior
Psychology
252
An exploration of the biological bases
for the behavioral effects of several psychoactive substances including therapeutic
compounds, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, and drugs of abuse. The
course focuses on mechanisms of drug action and physiological and behavioral
effects. Broader societal issues such as drug addiction, drug policies and testing,
and controversial therapeutic interventions are discussed in relation to selected
compounds.
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Neuroscience in Social Context
Psychology
285
Research breakthroughs in understanding
the brain and behavior and the development of new therapeutic techniques have
created complex practical and ethical questions for health-care providers as
well as those suffering from various neurological diseases. This course focuses
on the overall impact of neuroscience research on society. The social, political,
economic, and ethical issues associated with various interventions (e.g., tissue
transplants, drugs, genetic screening, and gene therapy) for the treatment of
diseases including schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s
disease, drug addiction, and AIDS dementia are discussed.
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Recent Developments in Pharmacotherapies for
Mental Illness
Psychology 345
This seminar examines newly discovered
drug treatments for several mental illnesses. Initial class meetings focus on
in-depth readings that provide a background for understanding the methods used
for identifying and testing potential new therapies. Subsequent meetings consist
of student-led discussions on topics of interest.
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Brain Mechanisms and Addictive Behavior
Psychology
347
This research conference begins with
a brief history of the understanding of the mechanisms of brain reward systems
and how the findings in this area have led to modern concepts of addictive behavior.
The seminar then makes an in-depth analysis of contemporary theoretical and
neurobiological approaches to conceptualizing and treating addictive behaviors,
particularly drug abuse. The extension of the addiction concept to such behaviors
as gambling, eating, sexual activity, and others is considered. Primary source
journal articles are used in addition to excerpts from texts; familiarity with
research methods and statistics is required. Enrollment is limited to students
moderated in psychology or biology or those with appropriate background.
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Developmental Neuroscience
Psychology
349
An exploration of the neurobiological
and neurobehavioral aspects of animal and human development. Topics include
the evolution of brain and behavior, brain development and plasticity, and vulnerability
to prenatal and neonatal insults. The laboratory uses modern neuroscience techniques
to study various aspects of neural and behavioral development.
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The Psychobiology of Stress and Mental Illness
Psychology 391
Recent advances in the understanding of the neurobiology and physiology of stress have changed the way stress is viewed, both as a primary phenomenon and as a secondary factor that precipitates or causes a variety of psychiatric disorders. The latter include phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and schizophrenia. This research conference will examine recent findings
on the mechanisms and biological consequences of stress and will explore links between these effects and psychiatric disorders as reported in journal articles. Students will be expected to read and develop critiques of these articles as well as make class presentations. This seminar is intended for students who have moderated in psychology or biology, but is open to students with suitable background.
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Independent Research in Neuroscience
Psychology NEU
In this course, students will participate in laboratory research in developmental psychopharmacology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy and/or neurobehavioral teratology. Within these general fields, specific roles of neurotransmitter systems in normal behavioral development and the neurobehavioral effects of chemical insults during early development will be investigated. The majority of time in this course will consist of independent laboratory work. In addition, there will be weekly
laboratory meetings, readings, and student presentations. Open to all students with consent of instructor.
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