BIONB 4740 - Neural Dynamics of Learning, Memory and Decision Making

(BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIONB 2220 or instructor consent.

A. Fernandez-Ruiz.

This course examines the neural circuit dynamics that support learning, memory and flexible decision making. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subject. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subjects. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. Topics will cover both fundamental and translational research in different animal models and humans.

Outcome 1: Develop proficiency with current approaches and discoveries on the neural dynamics and circuit mechanisms that support learning, memory and decision making in health and disease.

Outcome 2: Critically read, synthetize, and evaluate both the primary scientific literature and review articles summarizing this literature.

Outcome 3: Generate creative new ideas about the neural circuits that mediate flexible behaviors and their dysfunction and design experiments to test these ideas.

Outcome 4: Articulate these new ideas in the form of a research plan that can advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition, behavior or disease.