Everything we do, from playing soccer, to reading a book, eating, talking, sleeping, loving or hating is regulated by our brain. In other words, our actions, feelings, thoughts and sensations are a product of the billions of neurons that compose our nervous system. Therefore, in order to study human intellectual abilities and behavior – and all the related psychological disciplines – it is crucial to understand how the brain works to achieve these manifestations. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the structure and function of the nervous system, and with how networks of neurons can achieve complex cognitive abilities that even the most sophisticated computer program is unable to match.

The first half of the semester will be devoted to learning the general structure and function of the central nervous system and of the neuron, with particular attention to how neurons communicate information. The second part of the course will focus on: how the nervous system develops responding to both a genetic program and experience (plasticity), how energy is collected from the outside world and interpreted as a meaningful percept (visual and auditory perception), how information is encoded and stored in our brain (learning and memory), how the brain enables us to achieve complex cognitive functions, such as language, and the relationship between brain, emotions and behavior.

Discussion will focus on the neurological bases of cognition and on their importance for everyday life.

Students are expected to gain introductory-level knowledge of:

• the basic units of the brain – the neurons
• how neurons work individually and in networks
• the functional anatomy of the central nervous system and its development
• the neural substrates of complex cognitive functions, such as memory, vision, and language
• the relationship between brain, emotions and behavior.

Crucially, students are expected to understand the experimental methods used in the field of neuroscience, and to think critically about the role the brain plays in everyday activity.

Attendance is not mandatory. However, if you miss a class or part of a class you will miss some course material (e.g., discussion, lecture, comments, handouts and videos) that will be covered in quizzes and exams. Therefore, it is in your interest to always be present and, if you miss a class, it is your responsibility to be updated on course material from your classmates. It is also your responsibility to routinely check MyJCU for important announcements.

Please behave in class in a respectful way towards your classmates and your instructor. In particular, please do not come in late or leave early as it disrupts the whole class. Also, please silence your cell phones and avoid texting and other forms of distracting cell phone use.

Laptops in class are considered a source of potential distraction. Therefore, students are strongly discouraged to use their laptops, even if just for taking notes. If you have a condition that requires the use of a laptop, please contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible.

Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

This is a TENTATIVE schedule. Keep in mind that dates are flexible and some topics may not be covered, as the time it takes to go through each topic varies depending on how difficult it is and how much discussion it generates.

(Make-up dates for holidays are underlined).

Sept. 4 – 6                   Chapter 2: Structure and function of the nervous system (p.31-55)

Sept. 11 – 13               Chapter 2: Structure and function of the nervous system (p.56-68) Quiz 1

Sept. 18 – 20 – 21       Chapter 3: The neuron

Sept. 25 – 27               Chapter 4: Transmission of the nervous signal (p.104-122) Quiz 2

Oct. 2 – 4                    Chapter 4: Transmission of the nervous signal (p.123-132)

Oct. 9 – 11 – 12          Chapter 5: Synapses and neurotransmitters Quiz 3

Oct. 16 – 18                Review and Midterm Exam (Oct.18)

Oct. 23 – 25                Chapter 6: Methods in Neuroscience: how to measure brain and behavior

Oct. 30                        Chapter 7: Development and plasticity of the nervous system  

Nov. 6 – 8                   Chapter 9/10: The visual system, the auditory system and language Quiz 4

Nov. 13 – 15               Chapter 12: Emotions and behavior

Nov. 20                       Chapter 14: Learning and memory Quiz 5

Nov. 27 – 29               Group Presentations

Dec. 4 – 6                    Group Presentations and Review for Final

Final Exam