Instructor of Record (Sole Instructor):
Neuroscience 101: Biological Bases of Behavior - Summer 2019
Duke University
Approx. Enrollment: 12
Level: Undergraduate, Introductory Course
Course Description: Why do people behave the way they do? How much do genes and hormones really contribute to human behavior and emotion? In this introductory neuroscience course, we will explore the biological underpinnings of behaviors. By the end of the course, you will be able to describe neuroanatomical, neuroendocrine, and neuroimmune pathways and how those contribute to specific behaviors. After learning to appropriately dissect empirical research papers, you will also be able to construct your own research study based on neuroscientific methods and knowledge of the scientific method and reporting. There are no prerequisites required. You will be assessed by 3 exams throughout the semester, a group presentation, and an individual paper summarizing and expanding upon a research study. Recommended background: AP Biology.
Teaching Assistant:
Neuroscience 101: Biological Bases of Behavior - Spring 2015, Spring 2016
Duke University
Instructor: Dr. Christina L. Williams
Approx. Enrollment: in each discussion section: 30; in total per semester: 120
Level: Undergraduate, Introductory Course
Course Description: An introduction to the methods, models, and reasoning that have led to discoveries about brain-behavior relations, and a critical evaluation of the current theories that guide our thinking about the neurobiology, development and evolution of sensory and cognitive processes, sleep, pain, emotion, hunger, and thirst as well as maternal and sexual behavior patterns. Recommended background: AP Biology or strong Biology background.
Discussion section syllabus (co-created)
Neuroscience 278: Sex/Gender - Nature/Nurture: Intersections of Biology and Society - Fall 2016, Fall 2019
Duke University
Instructors: Dr. Christina L. Williams and Dr. Ara Wilson
Approx. Enrollment: 35
Level: Undergraduate, Upperclassmen, Seminar
Course Description: Debates about sexuality, sex, and gender hinge on radically different ideas about relative effects of biological forces vs. social forces, or nature vs. nurture. Course changes terms of arguments about sexuality and gender and nature/nurture. Explores how nature/nurture emerged as scientific and popular debate. Evaluates new developments in science and cultural fields that are now reconsidering how biology and environments interact. Showcases debates about how sex and sexuality are formed through interplay of genetic information, hormones, material bodies, and social environments.
Neuroscience 380L: Functional Anatomy of the Human Brain - Fall 2017
Duke University
Instructor: Dr. Leonard White
Approx. Enrollment: 20
Level: Undergraduate, Upperclassmen, Laboratory, Seminar
Course Description: The focus of this course is the structure of the human brain and spinal cord, and the functional organization of the central nervous system. This course will entail extensive, hands-on examination of human brain specimens as the primary means for instruction and learning. This experience will be supplemented by use of interactive digital atlases to learn the gross anatomy of the central nervous system and the organization of the major neural systems underlying sensory, motor and cognitive function. In addition, brain models and histological sections of the human brain will be examined. Readings from Blumenfeld (2010) and videos from Medical Neuroscience will provide reference for learning the functional anatomy of the human nervous system. Consideration and analysis of actual clinical cases representing a variety of neurological disorders will provide the means for consolidating understanding of functional neuroanatomy. In-class experiences will be organized around the principles of team-based learning, with students organized in small teams for Readiness Assurances, Team Applications and guided discovery in laboratory activities. This course is designed to provide an engaging and challenging means for mobilizing and consolidating knowledge learned throughout the curriculum for neuroscience majors, and applying it to clinical contexts where neurological injury and disease impairs function. This course covers in-depth the clinical neuroanatomy taught in the first year of medical education, making this course ideal for premed students. Non-neuroscience majors are welcome. Minimum prerequisites: NEUROSCI 101, 102 or 201.