In this course we will discuss the many types of memory we use daily, from remembering the name of a new friend, a favorite birthday party, or even how to ride a bike. We will explore the constructive nature of memories and how they may change over time as well as how memory capabilities develop over the life course. We will also explore the neurological underpinnings of memory and the limits of our brains' memory systems. However, a background in neuroscience is not necessary.

This course is an introduction to and survey of the biological bases of behavior, including physiological, biochemical, and neurophysio- logical determinants of sensation, motor control, sleep, eating and drinking, learning and memory, language, and mental disorders.

Psychopharmacology focuses on the impact that drugs (both illicit and prescription) have on the brain, neurocircuitry, and behavior. Students will explore the underlying neurotransmitter systems of the brain and discover how substances influence nervous system function including the experience of pain, sleep, emotional states, motivation, addiction, and mental health. The course will bridge concepts in chemistry, biology, psychology, and neuroscience by highlighting major drug classes and their underlying mechanisms of action.

In this course we will examine the neurobiological, physiological, and psychological responses to stress. We will investigate mechanisms of stress resilience and vulnerability as it pertains to physical and psychological health states, including how our individual responses to stress and methods of intervention. We will also explore developmental, social, and cultural implications of stress.

As U.S. racial group populations are on the rise, educational institutions need to prepare for racial diversity reflected in classrooms from elementary school to college. In this lab course, students will use qualitative research methods and social justice frameworks to code and analyze three distinct data sets, one collected from Puerto Rican parents in Holyoke; one from a college course on social justice; and one from pre-service teachers in public schools.

This course will explore conceptualizations of childhood and adolescence in the United States today. Using both academic articles and media resources, the course will address topics such as: early education and school readiness; play and extracurricular involvement; college access and attendance; mental health, self-esteem, and social media; and youth activism. We will use developmental psychology as the lens for most of our readings and discussion, although the course will integrate concepts from sociology, history, and education.

Drawing on research in developmental, social, clinical, and health psychology, this speaking-intensive course investigates how close relationships "get under the skin" to affect our health and well-being. Topics include relational contexts of physical and mental health, sleep, stress, psychoimmunology, substance use, and behavior change. We will focus on attachment relationships, but other close relationships will be investigated as well. The course will emphasize presentations, debate, and student-led discussions, as well as writing assessments and reflection.

Adult illiteracy in the U.S. presents an ever-growing challenge. To understand this problem, we will learn various theories of reading. However, since many models of reading are based on data gathered from children, we will also examine how the cognitive abilities of adults are different from those of children. A large component of this class concerns learning the lab techniques associated with assessing reading abilities. In addition, since this is a community-based learning course, each student will become a tutor for an adult enrolled in an area literacy program.

Art and music are a part of all human cultures. Is there something about the human brain that drives us to paint and sing? We will examine how the brain simultaneously processes different aspects of visual and auditory stimuli, ask how this processing may affect the way we do art and music, and explore where these phenomena may occur in the brain. As we engage in discussion and hands-on activities, we will discover the commonalities between the arts and the sciences including practice, experimentation, exploration, innovation, and creativity.

This intensive laboratory course will train students to use the technical methods and tools commonly used in behavioral neuroscience research. Skills covered will include animal care and handling, use of behavioral assays, pharmacology, and brain chemistry analyses. Students will engage in weekly exercises and hands-on experiments to study the link between brain function and behavioral responses. These preclinical tools will be used to test research questions related to learning and memory, social-emotional responses, and drug-seeking behaviors.