Neurobiology

Only recently has it become possible to study brain function and behavior at the level of cells and neural circuits. We study neurophysiology by examining how neurons, their connections, circuits, brain pathways and regulatory centers help form behaviors. By focusing primarily upon recent research on simple animals or simpler human brain circuits, we learn about neural controls and extrapolate to human behavior. Topics include genetic, developmental and molecular neurobiology, sensation, learning and the control of motion, feeding, and escape. Students present topics on current neurobiological literature and learn techniques from the literature. (BIOL 0145 and BIOL 0216 or PSYC 0301) 3 hrs.sem/ 3 hrs lab.