2011-2012 Junior Seminars

Mind/Brain/Behavior Seminars

RECENTLY-ADDED COURSE: The Self (spring term)

Marie-Christine Nizzi / Philosophy / mnizzi@fas.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 94z, Wednesdays 1-3 p.m., William James Hall room 422

Gives a more integrative understanding to sense of self using philosophical theories, neuropsychological quantitative cognitive tests, and neurological conditions involving self disorders. Considers two primary dimensions for sense of self: the diachronic self as based on memory and the synchronic self grounded in the body. Topics include personal identity, mind/brain reduction, first vs. third person perspective, phenomenology of self, introspection, quantitative vs. qualitative methods. Provides appreciation of the advantage of bringing together cross-disciplinary perspectives (neurological, philosophy, and psychology) and research methods (introspection, philosophical intuitions, psychometric tests, behavioral tests, empirical research, and clinical approach). (catalog # 96139)

RECENTLY ADDED COURSE: Cutting Edge Neuroscience in Film and Television: Study Abroad in Trento, Italy (summer 2012, through Harvard Summer School)

George Alvarez / Psychology/FAS / alvarez@wjh.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior S-95

Film and television shows often capture the cutting edge of science, and they sometimes even anticipate future scientific advances. In this class, we'll use examples from film and television as an introduction to several hot topics in the field of neuroscience, such as mind control, mind reading, smart pills, and brain machine interfaces, which are all quickly moving from the realm of science fiction to reality. Will neuroscientists ever be able to control a person's thoughts, or to know what a person is thinking? Can taking a pill really awaken untapped brain power? Will you ever be able to drive a car without touching a steering wheel? In this course, we'll cover the state of the art science and the future of these exciting areas of neuroscience (and entertainment). Because these are not textbook topics, this is an advanced course that will focus on lectures and reading the primary literature. Prerequisite: MBB S-101. (summer school catalog number # 32815)

Addiction, Choice, and Motivation (fall term)

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

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 95, Thursdays 4-6 p.m., Barker Center 024 (McFadden Room)

Seeks to better understand addiction and uses it as vantage point to understand voluntary behavior. Drug use and addiction involve genetic factors, drug pharmacology, principles governing choice, and the culturally universal voluntary/involuntary distinction. Topics include characteristics of addiction, neuronal communication, brain plasticity, OCD, genetic influences on behavior and gene expression, motivation and reward, choice, popular and scientific understanding of voluntary behavior, and the role of cultural values in drug consumption and individual choice. (catalog # 4890)

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

Robert S. Stickgold / Medical School / rstickgo@bidmc.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 93 (formerly Psychology 987f), Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. (first meeting September 7th), William James Hall 4

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) form 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 # 5017)

Creativity Research: Madmen, Geniuses, and Harvard Students (fall term)

Shelley Carson / Psychology, carson@wjh.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 99z, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., William James Hall 474

Examines human creativity from three perspectives: a) empirical research sources, b) case studies of eminent creative achievers, and c) ourselves as creative subjects. Topics include the definition and measurement of creativity, the creative process, the neuroscience of creativity, the creative personality, the role of family life and culture in creativity, the relationship of creativity to IQ, gender differences, and the relationship of creativity to psychopathology. (catalog # 40379)

Hormones, Brain, and Behavior: Study Abroad in Trento, Italy (summer 2011, through Harvard Summer School)

Marc J. Tetel / Wellesley College

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior S-94

Hormones act throughout the body to coordinate basic functions such as development, differentiation, and reproduction. This course investigates how hormones act in the brain to regulate behavior. Students study how steroid hormones regulate a variety of functions, including sexual differentiation of the brain during development, reproductive behavior and physiology, homeostasis and stress. In addition, the course explores how hormones influence complex events such as sexual orientation, cognition, and mental health. Students read original research articles and discuss multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding the influence of hormones on brain and behavior. Prerequisite: MBB S-101. (summer school catalog # 32698)

Interspecies Communication: Can We Really Talk to the Animals – and What Would It Mean? (spring term)

Irene Pepperberg / Psychology / impepper@media.mit.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 97z, Tuesdays 3-5 p.m., William James Hall 4

Teaching animals elements of human language was once considered cutting-edge science, but now receives little more than a chapter in comparative psychology textbooks. Considers rationale behind the original studies. Examines their successes and failures, and the political and scientific reasons most projects have ended. Would renewed interest in animal language re-energize studies on similarities and differences in human and nonhuman communicative behavior? What would we learn about the evolution of language? Enrollment: Limited. Preference to juniors in MBB tracks or MBB secondary field. (catalog # 34989)

Mind, Brain, and Behavior in Decision Making: Study Abroad in Trento, Italy (summer 2011 and summer 2012, through Harvard Summer School)

Giorgio Coricelli / University of Trento (and, for summer 2011 only, Scott L. Plous / Wesleyan University

Mind, Brain, and Behavior S-93

Economists have produced remarkable theories describing how people make decisions, but, until recently, their approach treated the human brain as a "black box." The introduction of neuroscience tools (brain imaging, neuropsychological studies, single-cell recording) and the discovery of evidence about the importance of emotional and social states in economic decision making are revealing new perspectives in the field of behavioral economics. This new discipline combines economics, psychology, and neuroscience in order to study decision making in individual and social contexts. Students learn about economic decision-making principles (e.g., choice under risk and uncertainty, intertemporal choices, bargaining, cooperation, and competition); lectures and laboratory sessions cover contemporary theories of behavioral economics as well as the application of methods from neuroscience (e.g., single-cell recording, fMRI, TMS) to the study of decision making. Prerequisite: MBB S-101. (summer school catalog # 32697)

Music, Mind, and Brain (spring term)

Peter Anthony Cariani / Medical School / peter_cariani@meei.harvard.edu

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 91z, Mondays 3-5 p.m., William James Hall room 1305

Survey of neuropsychology of music. Examines psychological and neural substrates of music perception and cognition (pitch and consonance, melody and harmony, timbre, rhythm and meter, Gestaltist grouping processes). Then considers affective psychology (emotion, meaning, pleasure), music therapy, music and language, and developmental, comparative, and evolutionary perspectives. (catalog #91901)

The Science of Happiness (spring term)

Nancy Etcoff / Medical School / mbbhappiness@gmail.com

*Mind, Brain, and Behavior 96, Thursdays 1-3 p.m., William James 1305

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. Enrollment: Limited. Preference to juniors in MBB tracks or MBB secondary field. (catalog # 2517)

Departmental Seminars

Building a Brain (half course throughout year)

Ryan Draft / Molecular and Cellular Biology / draft@fas.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfu, Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m., Barker Center 211

Neuronal connectivity underlies brain function. This tutorial focuses on discussing and debating research related to how synaptic connections are influenced by genes, the environment, and chance to generate functional circuits and accommodate learning. In particular we will discuss molecular mechanisms, activity patterns (spontaneous and experience-evoked), and organizational rules implicated in synaptic formation and refinement in the context of many regions within the nervous system (retina, olfactory bulb, cortex, autonomic, and neuromuscular system). Prerequisite: LPSA/LS 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. (catalog # 74392)

Comparison and Adaptation in Primate Evolutionary Biology (fall term)

Charles Lindsay Nunn / Human Evolutionary Biology / cnunn@oeb.harvard.edu

*Human Evolutionary Biology, Thursdays 3-5 p.m., 105 University Museum (Daly Seminar Room)

Understanding human evolution requires us to reconstruct the past and identify the adaptive basis of primate traits. How can this be achieved for behavior, language, culture and other traits that lack a clear fossil record? This course is designed to teach quantitative methods via active learning in a small class setting. Through readings, lectures, and computer labs, students will gain hands-on experience with basic statistics and comparative methods to reconstruct ancestral states and study evolutionary change. Students will apply these skills in an independent project of their choice. Enrollment limited to 8. (catalog #8252)

Dopamine (half course throughout year)

S. Barak Caine / Medical School / barak@mclean.harvard.edu & Morgane Thomsen / Medical School

*Neurobiology 95hfh, Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m., Northwest Building B-107)

A Parkinson’s victim regains control of her body with l-dopa. A schizophrenic man paralyzed by fear & hallucinations is freed from a mental institution by clozapine. A meth addict lies, cheats & steals, ending up emaciated & dead. Miracles and monstrosities, all related to a single molecule - dopamine. Three phases: (1) lectures & discussion led by Barak Caine; (2) Reading of 17 basic research articles and reviews with Socratic debate; (3) Presentations by students. Prerequisites: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog #2579)

Food for Thought: Metabolism and Excitability in the Brain (half course throughout year)

Mathew Tantama /Medical School / mathew_tantama@hms.harvard.edu

Neurobiology 95hfk, Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m., Science Center 116

Even though it represents only 2-3% of human body weight, the brain consumes 20-25% of the body's glucose and oxygen supply. In this course we will read primary literature concerning brain metabolism. We will focus on the relationship between energy metabolism and excitability and discuss currently debated topics, such as the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis. Prerequisites: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog #7431)

The Hijacked Brain: Neurobiology of Addiction (half course throughout year)

Elena Chartoff / Medical School / echartoff@mclean.harvard.edu & Heather Brenhouse / Medical School

*Neurobiology 95hfm, Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m., Bio Labs 1075

How do substances like cocaine, heroin, and alcohol hijack our brains’ reward systems and change us into addicts with no control over drug taking? Are we all susceptible? Is there any chance for recovery? We will explore the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction, including neuroplasticity, genetic predeterminants, and treatment approaches. As a group we will explore this fascinating brain disease, troubleshoot current treatment shortcomings and discuss where addiction research should go from here. Prerequisites: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog #78904)

Human Sexuality: Research and Presentation Seminar (spring term)

Judith F. Chapman / Human Evolutionary Biology / jflynn@fas.harvard.edu

Human Evolutionary Biology 1312, Thursdays 3-5 p.m., CGIS South S-040

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)

Medicine and Deviance: Conference Course (fall term)

Charles E. Rosenberg / History of Science / rosenb3@fas.harvard.edu

*History of Science 145, Thursdays 2-4 p.m., Science Center 469

Sociologists and historians have described what they call the medicalization of deviance: explaining certain behaviors as the consequences of disease rather than culpable choice. I refer to a variety of behaviors ranging from homosexuality to substance abuse, from chronic fatigue syndrome to premenstrual syndrome. This course will focus on the interrelated legal, medical, policy, and professional history of such problematic “diseases” during the past century and a half. Enrollment: Limited to 15> (Catalog #2795)

Modularity: Proseminar (spring term)

Susanna Siegel / Philosophy / ssiegel@fas.harvard.edu & Ned Block / Philosophy-New York University

*Philosophy 157x, Wednesdays 12-2 p.m., Emerson 310

An exploration of modularity theses in cognitive science, and their relationship to philosophical theories of perception and belief. Topics may include: challenges to the idea of central cognition, cognitive dissonance theory, and the distinction between rationally assessable and a-rational processes. (catalog #47625)

Moral Psychology: Proseminar (spring term)

Douglas Lavin / Philosophy / lavin@fas.harvard.edu

*Philosophy 176q, Thursdays 2-4 p.m., Emerson 310

An investigation of central topics in moral psychology with an emphasis on relations of recognition -- love, hatred, pride, shame, envy, forgiveness, gratitude, and others. Historical and contemporary readings. Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning. (catalog #72371)

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

Dorothy Schafer / Medical School / dorothy.schafer@childrens.harvard.edu & Jocelyn Lippman-Bell / Medical School

*Neurobiology 95hfg, Mondays 7-8:30 p.m., Northwest Building B-106

Glial cells have long been considered passive, supporting cells of the brain. Recently, the notion of glia as inert bystanders is being revised. In this course, we will address the physiological roles for glial cells in the normal nervous system (e.g. synaptic transmission, action potential propagation, brain wiring, etc.). In addition, we will investigate how glia play distinct and prominent roles during neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and mental illness. Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 3370)

Neurobiology of Sex and Aggression (half course throughout year)

Maria de la Paz Fernandez / Medical School / Maria_Fernandez@hms.harvard.edu & Kyle Gobrogge / Medical School

*Neurobiology 95hfx, Mondays 4-5:30 p.m., location TBA

Have you ever wondered why animals are attracted to the opposite sex, why they attack other animals, or how they decide with whom to mate and with whom to fight? In this course, we will study how genetic and neural pathways direct males and females to act the way they do. We will cover topics such as fighting flies, testosterone-promoted male behavior, same-sex sexual partners, and more. In the last weeks, we will also discuss the way sex research is covered by the media and its social implications. Prerequisite: LPSA/LS 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. (catalog # 59285)

The Neurobiology of Sociality: Seminar (spring term)

Katherine Jane Hinde / Human Evolutionary Biology / khinde@fas.harvard.edu

Human Evolutionary Biology 1416, Thursdays 2:30-5:30, Peabody Museum 52H

Recent research has illuminated the neural mechanisms underpinning sociality and social behavior in humans and other animals. In this seminar we will discuss publications that address modifications to neural structure and function as a result of behavioral specializations among taxa in relation to their social complexity or among individuals within species as a function of their social condition. This course will emphasize the value of approaching neurobiology from an evolutionary perspective and understanding the selective pressures that have shaped our mind, brain, and behavior. Note: Can be taken by Human Evolutionary Biology concentrators as a Junior Research Seminar. Open to graduate students. Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent registration in MCB 80 strongly recommended. Enrollment: limited to 15. (catalog #42215)

Novel Therapeutics in the Central Nervous System (half course throughout year)

Catherine Dubreuil / Medical School / catherine_dubreuil@hms.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfd, Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m., Northwest Building 169

Recent advances have elucidated new non-traditional molecular signaling pathways involved in many disorders and injury paradigms in the CNS. This seminar will focus on examining novel targets and ‘outside the box’ approaches to treat CNS disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Spinal Cord Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis. To do this we will examine primary and clinical literature and explore drug design strategies. Prerequisites: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog #3437)

Perception and Imagination (fall term)

NOTE: Space is still available in this class, which will not meet again before Study Cards are due. Contact the instructor to discuss enrolling in the course.

Justin Junge / Psychology / justinjunge@gmail.com

*Psychology 980o, Mondays 4-6 p.m., William James Hall 950

Perception is required to have a mind like yours. How does perceiving work? How are streams of sensory input processed into rich and useful models of the world around you? This course will converge on the 5 senses from many informative angles, explaining how perception tracks and shapes reality, then gives rise to imagination. Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one foundational course. Enrollment: Limited to 16. (catalog #97975)

Psycholinguistics (fall term)

Maria Polinsky / Linguistics / polinsky@fas.harvard.edu

Linguistics 130, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 noon, Sever 310

A survey of current psycholinguistics research for students in linguistics and related fields. Provides an overview of models of language comprehension and production from word to sentence level. Aims to expose students to models and methods used in the study of language acquisition, processing, disorders, and brain imaging. (catalog #76462)

Puzzles of the Mind: Humans, Animals, Robots: Seminar (spring term)

Guven Guzeldere / gguzeld@fas.harvard.edu

*Psychology 1357, Tuesdays 3-5 p.m., William James Hall 6

An interdisciplinary comparative study of human, animal, and robot minds. Particular emphasis on philosophical questions that frame the problems, and recent work in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience that attempt to tackle them empirically. Relation between consciousness and cognition, language and thought, conscious versus unconscious information processing, Manifestations of mental capacities in different underlying substrates: the human brain, nervous systems of non-human animals, and silicon-based computational systems. Additional readings from cognitive ethology and artificial intelligence. Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one from Psychology 13, 15, 16, or 18, or Molecular and Cellular Biology 80, or coursework in philosophy. Enrollment: Limited to 25. (catalog # 87888)

Sensation and Perception: Mapping the Touch, Sight, and Sound of Things (half course throughout year)

Heather Sternshein / Medical School / heather_sternshein@hms.harvard.edu

*Neurobiology 95hfs, Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m., Robinson 106

Our perceptions of the feel, sight, and sound of things relies upon how the external world is organized within the brain. This course will cover the neural basis of sensation and perception, focusing on how the outer world is mapped onto the cerebral cortex. We will examine how our behavior can influence sensory maps. We will also discuss disease, tricks (perceptual illusions), and "different" senses. Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog #44178)

The Sleeping Brain (half course throughout year)

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

*Neurobiology 95hfj, Wednesdays 4:30-6 p.m., MGH Sleep Lab Conference Room (5 Blossom Street, Boston)

This seminar will begin broadly, including discussion of the nature of conscious states, the theoretical concept of sleep, and rhythms of the brain. We will then zoom in on systems of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology pertinent to understanding the brain dynamics across the wake‐sleep continuum. Particular emphasis will be placed on human electrophysiology. Rigorous scientific thinking will be given priority over fact memorization. Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12.

Stress: Research and Presentation Seminar (fall term)

Judith F. Chapman / Human Evolutionary Biology / jflynn@fas.harvard.edu

*Human Evolutionary Biology 1313, Thursdays 3-5 p.m., CGIS-South S-040

An examination of stress from a scientific perspective with a focus on stress research in mammals, especially primate and humans. A writing and speaking intensive seminar that will explore the basics of the stress response, physiological effects of the stress and factors that affect stress responsiveness, such as perinatal and early life effects, social support, outlets for frustration and coping skills. The relationship between stress and disease will also be explored. Scientific studies of the effectiveness of modalities of stress reduction will also be discussed. Students will present primary scientific literature that highlights current research on a variety of topics in the field. Enrollment: Limited to 15. (catalog #27108)

Synaptic Plasticity: How the Brain Learns, Remembers, and Adjusts to Its Environment (half course throughout year)

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

*Neurobiology 95hfe, Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m., location TBA

Come explore how individual neurons store information and change their synaptic strength. We will investigate the mechanisms of short- and long-term plasticity, starting with the early discoveries of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) through recent discoveries of the effects of endocannabinoids on short-term plasticity. Learn how synaptic plasticity plays a role in everything from perception to memory, in brain regions from the retina to the hippocampus. Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor. (catalog # 0277). Enrollment limited to 12.

News and Events

2011-2012 MBB Distinguished Lectures by Dr. Patricia Kuhl
(Tuesday, April 3rd, 5 p.m. & Wednesday, April 4th, 5 p.m., Science Center Lecture Hall D)
For additional information, see http://mbb.harvard.edu/content/Kuhl.php.

For additional events not organized by MBB but of interest to its community, see the calendar at http://mbb.harvard.edu/resources/calendar.php.