BIOLOGY OF MIND

PSYCH 450

Explore the psychology and biology of our closest living ancestors and how it can provide insights into human behavior and cognition. Learn how a variety of factors (ecological, evolutionary, developmental, and experiential) shape the variation we see across and within primate species. Topics include investigation of similarities and differences across taxa in development, learning, memory, evolution of the brain, spatial navigation, tool-use, social behavior, parental behavior, communication, self-recognition, and theory of mind, as well as ethical issues and conservation.

PSYCH 454

Biological basis of human and animal behaviors, including perception, action, cognition, social interaction and disease. Weekly themes from "Cracking the Neural Code" to "Love and War". Learn, develop and use neural mechanisms to explain and (attempt to) predict what they and others think and do in all facets of life.

PSYCH 515

With intricate cultures, impressive technology, and layered social lives, humans seem to stand apart from their animal kin. However, humans and non-human animals share many aspects of their mental lives, and, upon closer inspection, some animals even reveal cognitive abilities far beyond the capacities of humans. Through comparing and contrasting human and non-human cognition, learn about human psychological uniqueness and its evolutionary origins, and fundamental properties of cognitive processes in general.

NEURODPT/NTP/PSYCH 611

Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the mammalian nervous system. Lectures will cover the neuroanatomy of the major subdivisions of the human brain, the major sensory and motor systems, and higher order functions. Lab/discussion sections will emphasize readings from the primary literature and hands-on dissections.

ANTHRO 603

Examination of theory relevant to the evolution of humans and nonhuman primates including morphological, behavioral, and genetic aspects.