PSYC 343

Behavioral Neuroscience

This course explores the rapidly expanding knowledge of genetics, bodily function, and brain function that is having a major impact on the way we understand behavior and the essence of our human nature. The course focuses on basic nerve cell function, neuroanatomy, and how lower level brain systems function in our everyday behavior. Specific topics include the relationship of brain function to basic visual and other sensory processes (e.g., hearing, touch, and pain), sleep, sexuality, basic motivations such as hunger & thirst, basic emotional functions, and basic memory and learning processes. The course also examines the biological basis for drug action and dependency, the biological basis for nervous system diseases (e.g., Parkinsons disease), as well as the response of the nervous system to damage or disease. Finally, several class discussions and readings focus on our understanding of persons in light of current brain-behavior research. Required laboratory and off-campus experiences introduce basic anatomy and physiology of the brain, electrophysiological measures (EEG), behavioral measures of brain function, and investigative technology in neuroscience

Units: 4.0