This course (ZO 488/588) is currently taught every Fall semester. It offers an overview of the incredible field of neuroscience. Through the use of case studies and interactive lectures, students learn about the nervous system at multiple levels of analysis, from molecular to behavioral. Graduate students and advanced undergraduates who have completed ZO250 or BIO183 or equivalent are invited to register.

Neurobiology course syllabus

I teach graduate (and advanced undergraduate) seminars on various topics in neuroscience every Spring semester. Topics are chosen from the cutting edge of neuroscience. Seminars will focus on discussion and analysis of primary articles. Undergraduates can take courses at the 500 level only after meeting with me and gaining permission to enroll. In all cases, ZO488 is highly recommended as preparation.


The Neurobiology of Addiction
This seminar (ZO495V and ZO592V) is co-taught with Dr. Heather Patisaul (Dept of Zoology). This course will focus on the neurobiology of addictive substances and behaviors. We will address topics from the molecular basis of addiction to the evidence regarding an “addictive personality” to the neurobiological effects of various treatments. Undergraduates should enroll in ZO495V. We strongly encourage students to take ZO488 (Intro to Neurobiology) prior to taking this course.

Offered next: Spring 2008


Honors Seminar on Sex Differences in the Brain
This course is part of the Honors Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). We commonly hear and read about sex differences in brain function and behavior. The (former) president of Harvard University reinvigorated a popular debate about the ability of women to succeed at the highest levels in scientific and mathematical fields. But what is the scientific basis for such claims? How strong is the evidence? Is there evidence that any such differences are strictly genetically determined? Or is there evidence that experience plays an important role? Is the science accurately represented in the popular media? What are the implications for individuals and for society as a whole? Students will select an area within the field of sex differences in brain function and explore it through a critical examination of primary research articles. We will consider how the research is interpreted and presented by scientists and by the popular media.

Offered: Spring 2008


Experience and the Brain
This graduate seminar (permanent course number pending) focuses on how interactions with the environment influence the structure and function of the nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Maternal caregiving, social status, and stress were among the topics covered last time. Emphasis is on reading and discussing primary literature. Undergraduates require consent of instructor to register. ZO488 is strongly encouraged as preparation for this course.

Offered next: probably Spring 2009


Sex Differences: Neurobiology and Society
This graduate seminar (ZO 508) is taught in conjunction with Dr. Mary Wyer (Department of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies). The course explores the evidence for differences between the sexes in the structure and function of the nervous system, as well as the societal influences on how/why such research is done and how it is interpreted by scientists and by the popular media. Undergraduates require consent of instructor to register.

Offered next: uncertain

Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain
This graduate seminar focuses on a fairly recent paradigm shift in neurobiology. Contrary to previous dogma, we now know that new neurons are produced in the brain throughout life. Current debates center on the extent of neurogenesis in different brain regions and in different species. We will read the primary literature to explore the basis of this new view, some of its history, current debates, and potential implications. Undergraduates require consent of instructor to register.

Offered next: uncertain