Course Description
Introduction to changes in cognitive function across the
lifespan, with corresponding changes in neurological structures
and behaviors that promote cognitive vitality.
Athena Title
Cognition and the Aging Brain
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRNT 3400E
Prerequisite
(PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1101E or PSYC 1030H) and (BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 1103H or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 1107H)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify the basic parts of the nervous system and basic brain structure.
- Students will be able to describe how the brain executes the various behaviors that support activities of daily living.
- Students will be able to discuss the ways in which the brain changes with age and the degree to which neurological aging impacts behavior.
- Students will be able to examine the ways in which cognition changes with age.
- Students will be able to identify a set of public health guidelines for aging populations that promote cognitive vitality.
- Students will be able to critique the evidence supporting behaviors that promote cognitive vitality.
Topical Outline
- I. Biological foundations of behavior
a. Functional approach to behavior
b. Evolutionary approach to behavior
c. Ontogenetic approach to behavior
d. Physiological approach to behavior
- II. The nervous system
a. Neurons
b. Neural networks
c. The holistic brain
- III. Lifespan brain development
a. Pre-natal development
b. Infancy
c. Childhood
d. Adult brains
e. The aging brain
- IV. Cognition
a. Definition and approaches
b. Mental operations - overview and definitions
c. Sensation and perception - overview and definitions
d. Lifespan cognitive development
- V. Cognitive Neuroscience
a. Neurological aging vs. cognitive aging
b. Neural efficiency and compensation
c. Cognitive decline
d. Cognitive vitality
- VI. A focus on behavior
a. Sleep
b. Physical activity
c. Diet
d. Stress
e. Polypharmacy
f. Co-morbidities
g. Other behaviors
