PSYC 317 - Nature via Nurture: The Psychobiology of Danger

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Psychology

Description:

This course examines the relative contributions of nature (genetics) and nurture (the environment) to the neurobiology of aggression and fear, leading to individual differences in behavior in dangerous situations. We will evaluate the neuroscience literature to arrive at an understanding of the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry underlying behaviors that create danger (e.g. violence, child abuse, antisocial behavior, alcohol abuse) and behaviors that respond to danger (e.g. inhibition, risk-taking, stress responses, empathy). Modern neuroscience techniques, such as brain imaging, selective trait breeding and gene mapping, have discovered new relationships between genes and behavior. However, recent studies on the effects of social and cognitive factors suggest critical environmental influences on the expression of these genetic determinants. Each tutorial pair will design and conduct an empirical laboratory project that will explore their own experimental question about the interaction of genes and environment in determining behavioral phenotypes in dangerous situations.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Psychology 212 or permission of the instructor

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Other

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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