Neural Correlates of Learning and Memory

Course Number: 03365

This course will examine the biological substrates of learning, memory, and behavioral adaptation. The focus will be on addressing how neural circuits change during new skill acquisition and adapt to variations in the environment. An introduction to experience-dependent changes in neural structure and function, in addition to behavioral learning paradigms, will be provided. Then we will consider the ways in which specific changes in biological substrates give rise to the emergent properties that drive behavioral adaptation, followed by in depth coverage of deciphering which biological substrates constitute a lasting memory trace. Finally, the concept of age-dependent learning will be examined. Concepts and specific examples will come through reading of primary literature and selected readings from advanced texts.

Academic Year: 2023-2024
Units: 9
Prerequisite(s): 03161 or 85219 or 03240 or 03320