BIONB 4240 - [Neuroethology: A Comparative Approach to Neural Circuits and Behavior]

(crosslisted) PSYCH 4240
(PBS-AS)

Fall. Next Offered: 2019-2020. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: BIONB 2220 or equivalent with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to: 25 students. There is a required discussion section with this course.

Staff.

Neuroethology is the comparative study of neural circuits used in behavior. The course will emphasize fundamental principles in neuroscience using comparative examples drawn from invertebrate and vertebrate species. Each case will emphasize a specific behavior and how neural systems are adapted to that specific behavior. This course will emphasize sensory systems: vision, hearing, chemosensing, mechano-sensing and other unusual sensory systems. Students will learn about the natural context of behavior and how sensory and other systems are adapted to solving behavioral problems.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate mastery of core principles in the field of neuroscience using specific examples drawn from the comparative literature on natural behaviors of animals.

Outcome 2: Demonstrate knowledge of original papers in neuroscience by making use of bibliographic searches and tools; reading and analyzing original articles; and by making written summaries of key points of original research. Students will demonstrate competence in making oral presentations of neuroscience research.

Outcome 3: Demonstrate through speech and writing both the power and usefulness of the comparative method in neuroscience by making reference to specific examples from anatomy, physiology, and behavior.

Outcome 4: Explain in terms of neuronal circuits how some well-studied behaviors are controlled by a particular pattern of neuronal and synaptic connections of neurons with specific cellular properties.

Outcome 5: Cite and explain examples of neural circuits have undergone changes during evolution.