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Course:  Neurobiology of Behavior
PSY 341K
Fall 2006
MWF 1:00-2:00
SEAY 2.108
Unique Number: 44870
Instructor: Dr. Adriana Alcanatara TA: Kareshmeh Taravosh-Lahn
SEAY Building, Room #5.240 SEAY Building, Room #2.102A
(512) 232-5745 (512) 232-7953
alcantara@psy.utexas.edu Kereshmeh@mail.utexas.edu
Office Hours: MWF 12-1 pm MWF 2-3 pm

Course Description: The neural basis of human behavior will be investigated using a multidisciplinary approach. Cellular- and systems- level knowledge from such diverse disciplines, as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and clinical neuroscience will be integrated in order to understand how specific motor, limbic, and cognitive functions emerge within the brain.
Objective: The goal of this seminar will be to understand that behavior is a result of an integrated synthesis of various physiological processes. The part of the brain known as the basal ganglia will be used as a model in which to link neuronal processes to specific motor, limbic and cognitive functions. Basal ganglia-related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, drug addiction, and schizophrenia will be emphasized in this course. Once students have mastered the basal ganglia system from a global to microcircuit (synaptic) level, they will be asked to apply this integrated approach to study a second brain area or system and related clinical disorder of their choice.

Assignments and Grades: During the first part of the semester, students will choose a basal ganglia-related topic and will give an oral presentation, lead a class discussion, distribute an outline of the presentation to the class, and write a 10-page paper on that subject. Together, the basal ganglia paper and presentation will be worth 25% of the final grade. A midterm essay exam on the basal ganglia will be worth 25% of the final grade.

During the second part of the semester, students will choose a topic of their choice in which they will take a multidisciplinary approach to discuss the neural processes, from a global systems to microcircuit level, that underlie the function and clinical dysfunction ascribed to that system. Additionally, specific pharmacological and behavioral treatments that target the specific microcircuitry identified will be discussed. Students will give an oral presentation, distribute an outline of the presentation to the class, and lead a class discussion on that topic. Students will write a 20-page (double spaced) paper on that topic. A schematic diagram of the specific synaptic microcircuit that the student identifies as critical to that clinical disorder must be included in both the presentation and paper. Together, the final paper and presentation will be worth 50% of the final grade.

Assignment See Schedule for Due Dates Percentage of Grade
Presentation/Paper and Rewrite on Basal Ganglia 25%
Essay Midtern on Basal Ganglia 25%
Final Paper/Presentation 50%

There will be no make-up exams. Late papers will not be accepted.
Participation in all class discussions is required in this course. Your level of participation will affect your overall grade.

Please feel free to discuss your project/presentation with me during my office hours several days or weeks prior to your actual presentation. The best way to reach me in general is in my office during office hours

Readings: Selected articles will be provided in class. Additional Review articles will be provided by students for their respective topics. Access to those papers will be provied through links on the class website.
If you have not taken Psychology 308, it is strongly recommended that you read the textbook, Foundations of Physiological Psychology, 6th ed., Neil R. Carlson. Specifically, chapters 2-4. Please contact the TA for copies of these chapters.

Please Note: The Psychology Department will drop all students who do not meet the prerequisite of having passed PSY 301 (Introduction to Psychology) with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 (or an equivalent statistics course) with a grade of C or better, and upper division standing (60 hours completed).

The University Rules on Scholastic Dishonesty (i.e. unauthorized collaboration and plagiarism) will be enforced. Please refer to http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/academicintegrity.html

Also, please refer to the General Information Catalog regarding the official dates and procedures for adding or dropping a class or for the option of taking a course on the pass/fail or credit/no credit basis (http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/cals.html)

The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.  For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.