Intro to Brain and Behavior

Unit 1 – Nervous System Basics

Unit 2 – Neurophysiology

Unit 3 – Brain Structure and Organization

Unit 4 – Sensory Systems

Unit 5 – Motor Systems

Unit 6 – Neurodevelopment

Unit 7 – Learning and Memory

Unit 8 – Emotion and Motivation

Unit 9 – Language and Communication

Unit 10 – Attention and Consciousness

Unit 11 – Cognitive Functions

Unit 12 – Brain Disorders: Developmental & Degenerative

Unit 13 – Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders

Unit 14 – Neuroethics and Neurotechnology

## What do you learn in Introduction to Brain and Behavior

You'll explore how the brain influences behavior, emotions, and cognition. The course covers neural structure, neurotransmitters, sensory systems, and brain development. You'll learn about memory, learning, emotions, and how the brain processes information. It also touches on neurological disorders and the biological basis of mental health conditions.

## Is Introduction to Brain and Behavior hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to biology or neuroscience concepts. There's a lot of terminology to learn and complex processes to understand. But don't worry, most students find it super interesting, which makes it easier to stay motivated. The key is to stay on top of the material and not let it pile up.

## Tips for taking Introduction to Brain and Behavior in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create mind maps to visualize neural pathways and brain structures
3. Use mnemonic devices for remembering neurotransmitters (e.g., DANSE Moms: Dopamine, Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin, Endorphins)
4. Watch "The Brain with David Eagleman" documentary series for visual explanations
5. Join a study group to discuss complex topics like neuroplasticity or the limbic system
6. Use online resources like Khan Academy for extra explanations on tricky concepts
7. Practice drawing and labeling brain regions to understand their functions better

## Common pre-requisites for Introduction to Brain and Behavior

1. Introduction to Psychology: This course provides a broad overview of psychology as a scientific discipline. It covers various subfields, including cognitive, social, and developmental psychology.

2. Biology: This class focuses on the fundamental principles of life sciences. It covers topics like cell structure, genetics, and basic human anatomy, which are helpful for understanding brain structure and function.

## Classes similar to Introduction to Brain and Behavior

1. Cognitive Psychology: Explores mental processes like perception, attention, and memory. You'll learn about how we think, reason, and solve problems.

2. Neuroscience: Dives deeper into the nervous system's structure and function. It covers topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neural signaling.

3. Behavioral Neuroscience: Focuses on the biological basis of behavior. You'll study how brain circuits influence various behaviors and psychological processes.

4. Psychopharmacology: Examines how drugs affect the brain and behavior. It covers the mechanisms of action for various psychoactive substances and their therapeutic uses.

## Majors related to Introduction to Brain and Behavior

1. Psychology: Focuses on understanding human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. Students learn about various psychological theories, research methods, and applications in clinical and non-clinical settings.

2. Neuroscience: Combines biology, psychology, and chemistry to study the nervous system. Students explore brain structure, function, and how it relates to behavior and cognitive processes.

3. Cognitive Science: Interdisciplinary field that examines the mind and its processes. Students study how information is represented, processed, and transformed in the brain and in artificial systems.

4. Biopsychology: Explores the biological basis of behavior, emotions, and mental processes. Students learn about the interplay between biology and psychology in shaping human experiences.

## What can you do with a degree in Introduction to Brain and Behavior?

1. Clinical Neuropsychologist: Assesses and treats patients with brain injuries or neurological disorders. They conduct cognitive tests and develop treatment plans to help patients improve their cognitive functioning.

2. Neuroscience Researcher: Conducts experiments to study brain function and behavior. They may work in academic institutions or research labs, investigating topics like memory, learning, or neurological disorders.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapist: Helps patients change negative thought patterns and behaviors. They use knowledge of brain-behavior relationships to develop effective treatment strategies for various mental health conditions.

4. Brain-Computer Interface Developer: Designs systems that allow direct communication between the brain and external devices. They apply knowledge of neuroscience to create technologies that can assist people with disabilities or enhance human capabilities.

## Introduction to Brain and Behavior FAQs

1. Do we dissect real brains in this class? Usually not, but you might get to examine preserved specimens or use virtual 3D models. The focus is more on understanding brain function than hands-on dissection.

2. Is there a lot of math involved? There's some basic statistics for understanding research methods, but it's not math-heavy. The course focuses more on conceptual understanding than complex calculations.

3. Will this class help me understand my own behavior better? Absolutely! You'll gain insights into how your brain influences your thoughts, emotions, and actions. It can be eye-opening to learn about the biological basis of your experiences.

Psychology

1.1 Overview of the nervous system

1.2 Cells of the nervous system: neurons and glia

1.3 Neuroanatomy: major structures and functions

2.1 Membrane potential and action potentials

2.2 Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters

2.3 Receptors and signal transduction

3.1 Spinal cord and brainstem

3.2 Cerebral cortex and subcortical structures

3.3 Limbic system and hypothalamus

4.1 General principles of sensory processing

4.2 Visual system

4.3 Auditory system

4.5 Chemical senses: taste and smell

4.4 Somatosensory system

5.1 Reflexes and central pattern generators

5.2 Motor cortex and voluntary movement

5.4 Cerebellum and motor coordination

5.3 Basal ganglia and movement disorders

6.3 Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning

6.1 Neural induction and neurulation

6.4 Critical periods and plasticity

6.2 Neural migration and differentiation

7.2 Neural basis of learning and memory

7.1 Types of memory: short-term, long-term, and working memory

7.3 Synaptic plasticity: LTP and LTD

7.4 Memory consolidation and retrieval

8.2 Reward systems and addiction

8.1 Neural basis of emotion

8.3 Stress and the HPA axis

8.4 Fear and anxiety

9.1 Language processing in the brain

9.2 Aphasia and language disorders

9.3 Non-verbal communication and social cognition

10.1 Neural mechanisms of attention

10.2 Theories of consciousness

10.4 Disorders of consciousness

10.3 Sleep and dreaming

11.1 Executive functions and frontal lobe

11.2 Decision-making and problem-solving

11.3 Creativity and insight

11.4 Intelligence and individual differences

12.1 Autism spectrum disorders

12.2 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

12.3 Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

12.4 Parkinson's disease and movement disorders

13.1 Mood disorders: depression and bipolar disorder

13.2 Anxiety disorders

13.4 Substance use disorders

13.3 Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders

14.1 Ethical considerations in neuroscience research

14.2 Neuroenhancement and cognitive enhancement

14.3 Brain-computer interfaces and neural prosthetics

14.4 Neurolaw and neuroscience in the courtroom

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