Natural Science 0189 - Hormones, Brain, Behavior

Explore the function of the endocrine system and its role in behavior, specifically as examined in animal model systems. The social, nutritional and sensory environment of an organism can dramatically affect the expression of specific hormones. Those hormones, in turn, can determine the development, degree of plasticity and output of the nervous system. Thus, the behavior of an organism is set in a background of endocrine influences. This course examines the endocrine system and how it interacts with the nervous system to influence behavior in a range of organisms. This course includes basics of nervous and endocrine system physiology and anatomy and behaviors such as parental and reproductive behavior, feeding, and aggression. Students will analyze the primary scientific literature, write short papers, and develop a major independent paper that they present to the class Keywords:brain, behavior, animal, biology, science

Environments and Change Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time