Course Description
Hands-on survey of mammalian central nervous system anatomy and physiology. Behavioral neuroscience studies will be conducted and results reported in scientific manuscript format.
Athena Title
PHYSIO PSYCH LAB
Pre or Corequisite
PSYC 4130
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will enrich and extend the student's knowledge of mammalian central nervous system structure and function. Students will systematically dissect sheep brains and compare and contrast the organization of these brains with brains of other mammals, particularly humans. Multiple experiments using lab animals will be conducted to examine the effects of various psychoactive drugs on behavioral outcomes. Using the data obtained in these experiments, special attention will be given to preparing a complete scientific manuscript. Upon completion of this course, students will have not only acquired a detailed understanding of brain anatomy and physiology but will also have honed their professional scientific writing skills.
Topical Outline
Possible Topics: Introduction to the Nervous System, Neurons, Glia, Peripheral Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System, Somatic Nervous System, Central Nervous System, Spinal Cord, Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain, Surface Anatomy, Major Neurotransmitter Systems, Psychoactive Substances, Central Nervous System Depressants, Psychostimulants, Analgesic Agents, Hallucinogenics, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics, The Scientific Method, The Peer Review Process, Data Analysis, Constructing Meaningful Figures and Tables, The Scientific Manuscript, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References, Evolutionary Psychology, Ethograms.