Approaches to Understanding the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
BIOL 351
Spring 2006
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
NS&B 351 |
Animals as varied as sea slugs and humans display a number of types of learning, ranging from the capacity to acquire species-specific behavior to the ability to form arbitrary associations. Just as varied are the philosophies governing the choice of how to best study the neurobiology of learning and memory. Through lectures, class discussion, student presentations, and a critical reading of the primary literature, the advantages and disadvantages of these various approaches will be investigated. While the specific focus of this class will be on learning and memory, other ways in which the brain learns will also be explored. Normal brain ontogeny relies to some extent on invariant cues in the animal's environment, making this process somewhat analogous to learning. In fact, the neural substrates for learning are likely to be a subset of the basic steps used during brain development. Moreover, the developmental rules guiding brain assembly place constraints on the what, how, and when of brain function and learning. Therefore, this course will also cover select topics in basic developmental neurobiology. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
Quantitative Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Writing, Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Lecture/Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: [NS&B213 or BIOL213] OR [PSYC240 or NS&B240] |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(NS&B)(STS) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
THERE IS NO TEXT BOOK. READINGS ARE FROM THE PRIMARY LITERATURE.
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Students will be graded based on class participation, oral presentations, exams, and one paper. |
| Instructor(s): Kirn,John Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: SHAN201; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 30 | | SR major: 10 | JR major: 10 | | |
| Seats Available: 13 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 3 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|