330.623.01 BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR IN MENTAL DISORDERS

Examines mental disorders to illustrate neurobiological systems involved in abnormalities of thinking, feeling, and acting. Increases understanding of behavioral disorders, their assessment, neuroanatomical underpinnings, and systemic influences. Themes include mind-brain connections (e.g. stress response, inflammation), and the dynamic balance between brain vulnerability (e.g. Down’s Syndrome) and brain plasticity (e.g. recovery from stroke). Reviews some of the most pervasive disorders, discussion (1) clinical and case studies, (2) definitions and diagnostic methods, and (3) epidemiologic evidence regarding etiology.

Students will learn standard methods and terminology associated with neuropsychological assessment, along with developing experimental-clinical paradigms. They will also learn some of the fundamental principles of studying brain-behavior relationships across a variety of settings. Students will then develop learning skills to think critically about the putative modularity of brain regions and systems.