Neuroscience is a discipline that seeks to understand how the brain and nervous system works to control behavior and emotions. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that draws from psychology, biology, philosophy, molecular biology, and psychiatry. This lecture and discussion course introduces key concepts in understanding the basic organization of the brain, how the brain develops, neuronal communication, neurotransmitters, and signal transduction. We discuss current ideas about how the nervous system controls behaviors ranging from the stress response, how we move, learning and memory, and sexual behavior. Each topic includes examples of how the nervous system can go awry in diseases and neurological disorders including: developmental disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. Recent treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including stem cell-based therapies will also be discussed. Hands-on interactive work with brain models and computer simulations of neuronal activity will supplement the readings and lectures.

Paul Lombroso, M.D.
(203) 737-2224
paul.lombroso@yale.edu