In this course, students will be exposed to many of the exciting new discoveries related to the brain and how it functions. The course is not intended to be an introduction to neurobiology (which is more appropriately addressed at the college level). Rather, it is intended to give students an opportunity to learn about such topics ranging from how memories are formed and stored to the mechanism of depression; from gender differences in brain structure and function to synesthesia (a condition whereby peoples senses get mixed up); from the causes of and treatments for Alzheimer's disease to the effects of cocaine on the brain. The class modus operandi is similar to a graduate school seminar: students will lead and participate in discussions on specific topics, based on readings from the scientific literature. There is a heavy emphasis on the interpretation of data, analysis of methodology, and experimental design. Furthermore, creative thought is required for the discussions on the best path to take for future research.
