2008-2009 Junior Seminars

Addiction and Motivation (fall term)

Gene Heyman / Medical School / gmheyman@mclean.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 95, Tuesdays 4 - 6 p.m., 14 Story Street room 412

Provides an understanding of self-destructive human behavior, focusing largely on drug addiction. Topics include environmental and behavioral influences on gene expression and neural functioning, how to make sense of heritability in regard to behavioral traits, key findings in the epidemiology of addiction, similarities and differences between addiction and OCD, and recent advances in the understanding of choice, particularly the tendency for stable yet suboptimal preferences. (catalog # 4890)

From Baseball to Beethoven: Cerebellar Integration, Motor Learning, and Behavior (half course throughout the year)

Tamily Weissman / Molecular and Cellular Biology / tamily@mcb.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hff, Thursdays 4-6 p.m., location TBD

Have you ever wondered how your brain controls complex behaviors such as playing an instrument, throwing a baseball, or learning to dance? This course will cover current theories on how a brain region called the cerebellum integrates neural information to control motor coordination and learning, as well as aspects of cognition, emotion, and even our perception of music. We will also cover cerebellar development and new research into potential treatments for disease. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 3038)

The Biology of Conscious States: Waking, Sleeping, and Dreaming (spring term)

Robert Stickgold / Medical School / rstickgold@hms.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 93, Tuesdays 1 - 3 p.m., 14 Story St., Room 412

Focuses on waking, sleeping, and dreaming as examples of conscious states in both humans and animals. Original papers and books by Allan Hobson (The Dreaming Brain) and Antonio Damasio (The Feeling of What Happens) from the background for discussions of waking, sleeping, and dreaming from the perspectives of neurology, physiology, psychology, and cognitive neurosciences. Discusses various approaches to understanding the functions of sleep and wake (consciousness) and reviews several theories on the topic. (catalog # 4017)

Bird Song and Human Language: Learning from the Birds (half course throughout the year)

Antoniu Fantana / Organismic and Evolutionary Biology / fantana@post.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfh, Mondays 6:30-9, location TBD; first meeting Monday, September 15th, 6:30-8 p.m., BioLabs 1075

This course approaches language with a heavy emphasis on the insights gained from birdsong research. We will read and discuss original publications showing that, like humans, songbirds are vocal learners. They go through developmental phases similar to those of their human counterparts (including babbling), exhibit regional song dialects, show critical periods and require auditory feedback for song learning and maintenance. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 2579)

Can We Learn about How We Learn? Neurogenetics in Learning and Memory (fall term)

Yun Zhang / Organismic and Evolutionary Biology / yzhang@oeb.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95a, Mondays and Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m., Northwest Science Building, 52 Oxford Street, B109; first meeting Monday, September 15th, 4-5:30 p.m., Northwest Science Building, 52 Oxford Street, B109

Learning is a remarkable function of the nervous system. This seminar series is focused on the genetic effects on learning processes. We will first review the basic physiology of and molecular signaling in neurons. We will then discuss current understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of learning based on studies in Aplysia, C. elegans, Drosophila and mammalian hippocampus. Finally, we will discuss current progress on addiction and drug abuse, and possible treatments. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 9013)

Conscious Experience: Image, Space, and Self (spring term)

Daniel Pollen / Psychology / PollenD@ummhc.org

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 92, Mondays 2-4 p.m., 14 Story Street room 412

Join renowned neuroscientists from Harvard and elsewhere who will lead highly interactive seminars addressing core problems underlying the emergence of conscious visual experience. Topics include the requisite neuronal representations of the content of visual images, their localization within extrapersonal space and the sense of ownership of such images by a self. Subsidiary topics include selective attention, the binding problem, binocular rivalry, change blindness, recursive neuronal networks and distinction between phenomenal and access consciousness. (catalog # 7390)

Evolution and Medicine (spring term)

Peter Ellision / Human Evolutionary Biology / pellison@fas.harvard.edu

Human Evolutionary Biology 1357, Thursdays 3-5 p.m.

An undergraduate research seminar on the application of evolutionary theory to problems in medicine. (catalog # 2307)

Eye Can't Hear You: Blindness and Deafness in Society (half course throughout the year)

Jonathan Matsui / Neurobiology / jmatsui@fas.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfi, Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m., Leverett Library L-9; first meeting Tuesday, September 16th, 7:30-9 p.m., Bio Labs 2080

This course presents the ear and retina as model systems to investigate neural degeneration and regeneration. We will first examine how the loss of hearing and vision though genetics, aging, and the environment affects the individual and their families. We will then examine different mechanisms by which partial restoration of these senses may occur through the use of stem cells, prosthetics, and other treatments. Prerequisites: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 9859)

History of the Unconscious: Proseminar (spring term)

Alison Simmons / Philosophy / asimmons@fas.harvard.edu

*Philosophy 158q, Wednesdays 2-4 p.m., location TBD

An investigation of the roles that consciousness and unconsciousness have played in philosophical, psychological and psychiatric treatments of the human mind with particular attention to debates about whether there is any such thing as an unconscious mental life. Historical and contemporary readings. (catalog # 8247)

Human Sexuality: Research and Presentation Seminar (fall term)

Judith Chapman / Anthropology / jflynn@fas.harvard.edu

*Human Evolutionary Biology 1312, Fridays 1 - 3 p.m., Quincy House Spindell Private Dining Room

An examination of human sexuality from a scientific perspective. Students will read and present primary scientific literature that highlights current research on a variety of topics including: sexual development, gender identity, sexual orientation, cross cultural variations in mating systems, promiscuity, the evolution of monogamy, sexual attraction, sexual communication, including an exploration of the existence of human pheromones, libido and sexual dysfunction. Enrollment: Limited to 15. (catalog # 5008)

Mechanisms of Neurological Disease (half course throughout the year)

Eng Lo / Medical School / lo@helix.mgh.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfk, Tuesdays 2-4 p.m., location TBD

Advances in molecular and cellular biology have revealed similar basic mechanisms of brain cell death in a wide range of disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke etc). These pathways include excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This seminar examines (1) the molecular mechanisms of cell death, (2) the evidence that implicates specific pathways in specific disorders, and (3) rational therapeutic targets for disease. Prerequisite: MCB 80 and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 7431)

More than Glue: Glial Cells in Health and Neurological Disease (half course throughout the year)

Ken Colodner / Harvard Medical School / kenneth_colodner@student.hms.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfg, Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., location TBD

Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) play an active role in both the normal physiology of the brain and the pathogenesis of many degenerative disorders. They modulate synaptic transmission, monitor brain "health", and secrete molecules that affect a variety of brain functions. This class will be an in-depth exploration into the normal function of glial cells and how their dysfunction can contribute to a variety of neurological disorders: MS, ALS, gliomas, regeneration, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 3370)

Music and the Brain (fall term)

Mark Tramo / Medical School / mark_tramo@hms.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 91 (formerly MBB 98), Wednesdays 6:30-9:30 p.m., William James Hall 1305

This seminar course takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding neural systems that govern music perception and cognition. Students master relevant topics in psychophysics, cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neurology. Individual seminars are thematic (e.g., melody and harmony perception; talent and creativity). The course also provides students with the opportunity to develop oral presentation skills and to learn how to read science literature critically. (catalog # 3562)

Narrative and Neurology (spring term)

Anne Harrington / History of Science / aharring@fas.harvard.edu

*History of Science 171, Thursdays 12-2 p.m.

An exploration of the complex relationship between the making of brain science and the human stories/experiences of brain damaged people. Topics include iconic cases of brain damage like Phineas Gage and H.M (and who speaks for them), the emergence and historical function of neurological case histories, the study of brain-damaged soldiers in WWI, the "neurological novels" of Alexandr Luria, the popular writings of Oliver Sacks, the brain-injured patient as author, and internet-based writings celebrating "neurodiversity." (catalog # 3222)

The Neglected Synapse: Gap Junctions in the Nervous Systems (half course throughout the year)

Carole Landisman / Harvard Medical School / Carole_Landisman@hms.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfe, Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m., Northwest Science Building, 52 Oxford Street, Room 230; first meeting Wednesday, September 17th, 4-5:30 p.m., Northwest Science Building, 52 Oxford Street, Room 230

Only recently has the prevalence of gap junctions in the mammalian brain been realized. As a result, a surge of studies have begun to reveal the importance of electrical synapse function throughout the nervous system. This tutorial covers foundational studies as well as the broad functional implications revealed by recent technological advances. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. Notes: MCB 115 recommended. (catalog # 0277)

Problem Solving in Neuroscience: An Interactive Case-Based Online Network (ICON) (half course throughout the year)

James Quattrochi / Molecular and Cellular Biology / jquattr@fas.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfd, Thursdays 6:30-8 p.m., Kirkland House Senior Common Room; first meeting Thursday, September 18th, 6:30-8 p.m., Kirkland House Senior Common Room

The ICON tutorial facilitates hypothesis-driven thinking, problem solving, decision making, and team cooperation to enhance the integration of information and to encourage student-faculty partnerships of practice in the learning of neuroscience. ICON is real time, "live" case simulation using web-based modules and an embedded assessment instrument that permit students to enhance their learning and to communicate in thoughtful dialogue with a multidisciplinary assembly of Harvard faculties, scientists, national and international contributors, and with the "virtual patient" in each case to achieve the best possible outcome. To help students develop a deeper appreciation for contemporary global challenges in science and medicine, we collaborate this year with a team of students and faculty from the Universidad de Chile in our cases. By emphasizing the student-centered process of learning, ICON can yield a translational advantage linking theory with practice and a new interdisciplinary competency in the Life Sciences that helps to shape the way the student thinks. Prerequisite: MCB 80 and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 3437)

The Science of Happiness (spring term)

Nancy Etcoff / Medical School / netcoff@partners.org

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 96, Thursdays 1 - 3 p.m., 14 Story Street room 412

Focuses on the science of happiness, integrating findings from positive psychology, psychiatry, behavioral genetics, neuroscience, and behavioral economics. Begins with a brief history of ideas on happiness from Aristotle to Kahneman. Considers the genetics of happiness including the notion of a biologically determined hedonic set point, the brain's pleasure circuitry, and the mind's power to frame events positively, a tool used in cognitive therapies. Questions whether pleasure and happiness are our purpose. (catalog # 2517)

The Sleeping Brain (half course throughout the year)

Jeffrey Ellenbogen / Medical School / jeffrey_ellenbogen@hms.harvard.edu

Jessica Payne / Medical School / jdpayne@bidmc.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfj, Wednesdays 6-7:30 p.m., 14 Story Street room 214; first meeting Wednesday, September 17th, 6-7:30 p.m., 14 Story Street room 214

This seminar will focus on the neuroscience of sleep. We will begin broadly, by employing a systems-level perspective on the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of sleep. We will then focus on key regions in detail. We will introduce models of animal research, computational models, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, human disease, and a section on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience of sleep. Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 6361)

Theories of Violence (fall term)

Alan Stone / Law School and Medical School / stone@law.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 94, Tuesdays 2 - 4 p.m., 14 Story Street room 412

Consider how law and science "construct" violence. Review clinical examples of violence (videotapes of a serial killer, a sexually violent predator, and a case of maternal infanticide) and the responses of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Then examine the spectrum of scientific theories that seek to explain human violence and their relevance to law. (catalog # 7611)