This course will provide students with a background on the biological underpinnings of the major psychiatric disorders and discuss emerging trends in the field. Course topics include: (1) the techniques used to study nervous system functioning in psychiatry; (2) the nervous system abnormalities observed in several major psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, unipolar and bipolar disorders, and anxiety disorders) in childhood and adulthood; (3) recent changes in how the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders is being studied; and (4) interactions between the brain and the environment. Students will investigate individual topics of interest and will present their findings in a formal class presentation and a final paper.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Open to juniors and seniors who meet one of the following conditions

Distribution Requirements: EC - Epistemology and Cognition; SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: