The Brain: Structure, Function and Evolution

The human brain is an enormously complex system. It regulates all of our physical and mental functions and shapes who we are. This six-week course explores this remarkable organ: how it has evolved, how it works and how it changes over the course of our lives. Each week participants will draw from essays, media resources, textbook readings and online discussion forums to explore aspects of brain function - from sensing to decision-making to expressing ourselves. A weekly case study, written by a neuroscientist, will describe cutting-edge research in area as wide-ranging as functional MRIs as a diagnostic tool, the neurology of hearing and the evolution of mammalian brains. Students will complete the course with a solid grasp of how the brain works, how we know what we know and the exciting research prospects ahead.

Fall, Spring