Psychological and Brain Sciences 50 - Issues in Neuroscience

Institution:

Dartmouth College

Subject:

Description:

08F: 10A 09W: 2A 09S: 10, 11 Courses with this number consider topics that bring to bear knowledge in the fields of psychology, neurology, and physiology. Topics are treated at an intermediate level and the focus will be on topics not covered in detail in Psychology 26 and 65. The selection of issues is at the discretion of the instructor. Enrollment limited. Dist: SCI. In 08F at 10A, Spatial Cognition. This course will explore both the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying spatial orientation and navigation. The course will examine how animals/humans develop and maintain a sense of where they are and the direction they are facing. This process if fundamental to understanding mechanisms underlying navigation. We will examine processes of spatial orientation and navigation in a number of different species including insects, birds, fish, rodents, higher order mammals, and humans. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying these processes. Prerequisite: Psychology 1 or 6. Enrollment limited to 35 students. Taube. In 09W at 2A, Sleep and Sleep Disorders. This course will explore the basic biological mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms, including neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and chemical aspects of sleep/wake, as well as the relevant behavioral and social aspects of normal sleep. The course will then build upon this basic understanding of normal sleep and circadian rhythm to develop an overview of major sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, which include anatomical (e.g., sleep apnea), neurophysiological/chemical (e.g., narcolepsy), circadian (e.g., shift work or delayed sleep phase), and behavioral (e.g., conditioned insomnia) disturbances, as well as the interaction between sleep and other psychological, psychiatric and medical conditions. The critical importance of sleep to adequate daytime neuropsychological functioning will be elucidated through exploration of the impact of sleep deprivation and disorders. The social, public policy and economic issues pertinent to sleep and circadian rhythms will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 1 or 6 and 24 or 26. Enrollment limited to 35 students. Sateia. In 09S at 10, Evolutionary Psychology. In this course, we examine the human mind and behavior within a broad evolutionary context. After a brief introduction to principles of evolution, we consider how sex and reproductive strategies influence male and female behavior in a variety of species, including humans. We then uncover the structure of the human mind by revisiting our vertebrate, mammalian, primate, and human ancestors. The importance of social factors in our evolutionary history will be highlighted. Throughout the course, we will consider how the most enigmatic and compelling of human qualities, such as love, aggression, morality and culture, are shaped by both personal and evolutionary history. Prerequisite: Psychology 1 or 6. Enrollment limited to 35 students. Kralik. In 09S at 11, Exotic Sensory Systems. Humans have 5 special senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell) and a variety of 'internal senses' that provide information about the state of our body and internal organs. However, some animals possess senses that are unlike anything that humans can experience. Examples include echolocation, celestial and geomagnetic navigational systems, and bioelectricity. This course explores the discovery and operation of these 'exotic' senses, highlighting both the similarities and differences with our own more familiar sensory modalities. Prerequisite: Psychology 1 or 6 and 21 or instructors' permission. Enrollment limited to 35 students. Hugh

Credits:

10.00 - 11.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dartmouth.edu

Phone Number:

(603) 646-1110

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Quarter

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