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Explorations in Neuroscience: Neurons, Behavior, and Beyond

Program(s): Immersion

This course is currently at capacity for students applying in the Extended round. We are admitting students to the waitlist only, and students who currently are on the waitlist will be given priority if places become available.

How does the brain work, and how do changes in brain structure and function give rise to neurological conditions and deficits? Developing a deeper understanding of the brain has been deemed one of the 21st century’s Grand Challenges, and this course will draw on different research methodologies to begin unraveling one of life’s greatest mysteries. Through inquiry-driven investigations that include close examination of primary data, we will explore the mechanisms by which electrochemical and circuit activity in nervous systems give rise to sensation, perception, and behaviors, including, but not limited to, movement, language production, spatial navigation, emotional responses, sleep, and learning and memory. Students will also be introduced to experimental and other methods used in neuroscience research (e.g. molecular DNA and protein) sequence analysis, fluorescence microscopy of nervous tissue, and behavioral assays). Finally, through our tour through nervous systems across phyla, we will develop and discuss insights into the evolution history and inner workings of our own brain.

See sample syllabus here.

Remote or Residential

✓ Residential (On-Campus)

 

Course Considerations

Students should have completed at least one year of high school biology as a prerequisite to this course.

Course Overview

Start Date

July 10

End Date

July 26

Current Grade / Education Level

9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade

Program

Immersion

Class Details

Course Code

BIOS 14000 94

Class Day(s)

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

Class Duration (CST)

9:00

3:00 P.M.

Session

Session II

Course Length

3 weeks

HS Orientation Date

July 08
July 09

Primary Instructor

Megan McNulty

Academic Interest

Biological Sciences
Human Body
Psychology and Neuroscience