BIONB 4370 - Neural Circuits of Motivated Behavior

(OPHLS-AG, BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIONB 2220. Permission of instructor required. Offered in odd-numbered years only.

M. R. Warden.

This class examines the neural circuits of motivated behavior and reward, and involves the critical reading and discussion of classic and contemporary papers in this subject. Topics include neural processes related to reward, punishment, risk, effort, appetite, aggression, addiction, and depression.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to critically read and understand the primary literature in motivated behavior.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to discuss the major current and historical debates in the field.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to identify questions raised in the scientific literature and use these questions to develop hypotheses.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to design experiments to test their hypotheses.