Neurobiology, Behavior, and Consciousness: The Science and Study of the Mind

This one-quarter program will cover topics in neurobiology, philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, and philosophy of science. The brain will primarily studied from a scientific perspective, but we will also examine questions of the human mind raised by philosophers, psychologists, computer scientists, and anthropologists. What is involved in studying the brain/mind? What questions can be answered scientifically? What questions cannot? Is the mind nothing but the brain? If so, how do we account for human consciousness? What IS consciousness?

We will address these questions by exploring approaches from past and contemporary neurobiology, as well as issues in the philosophy of science and mind. In the consciousness studies portion of the program, we will examine the nature and role of consciousness from a wide variety of viewpoints including philosophical, psychological, and biophysical. Evidence for and against various models of self will be considered. The texts, lectures, and seminars will examine approaches to understanding consciousness through the study of perception and first-person approaches.

Theories about the nature of perception, attention, learning and memory, and current developments in the study of consciousness will be emphasized. The program will cover basic neurophysiology and systems neurobiology and move to more complex topics including learning and memory, sensory systems, and brain rhythms and sleep, to name a few.

Learning goals include the development of analytical and critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, reading, and writing skills. Weekly activities will include lectures, presentations, labs, workshops, and seminars. Students will be required to submit weekly homework assignments, lab and workshop reports, and seminar papers and to contribute actively to the learning community.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

Neurobiology and Behavior (6) - for 16 credit students only

Consciousness Studies (4)

Laboratory (2)

Seminar (4)