The lectures here focus on the study of neurochemicals, which include neurotransmitters and other molecules such as neuro-active drugs that influence neuron function. These courses closely examine the manner in which these neurochemicals influence networks of neural operation and thus affect human behavior. The rating represents the breadth of material available, the effectiveness of the lecturer, and the accessibility of the website and lecture topics in general. If you have comments or suggestions, feel free to email me at eric@psychlectures.com. Enjoy!
Electrophysiology of Cognition
Prof. Marta Kutas, Spring 2009 – UCSD podcasts
[mp3 audio]
Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission
Prof. Richard Wurtman, Fall 2007 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“This course considers the process of neurotransmission, especially chemicals used in the brain and elsewhere to carry signals from nerve terminals to the structures they innervate. We focus on monoamine transmitters (acetylcholine; serotonin; dopamine and norepinephrine); we also examine amino acid and peptide transmitters and neuromodulators like adenosine. Macromolecules that mediate neurotransmitter synthesis, release, inactivation and receptor-mediated actions are discussed, as well as factors that regulate their activity and the second-messenger systems and ion fluxes that they control. The involvement of particular neurotransmitters in human diseases is considered.”
[syllabus] – [required readings] – [assignments] – [study materials] – [downloadable content]
Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jeremy Thorner, Fall 2006 – UC Berkeley Webcasts
“A comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of biological chemistry, including the properties of intermediary metabolites, the structure and function of biological macromolecules, the logic of metabolic pathways (both degradative and biosynthetic) and the molecular basis of genetics and gene expression.“
[mp3 audio]
Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jeremy Thorner, Fall 2006 – UC Berkeley Webcasts
“A comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of biological chemistry, including the properties of intermediary metabolites, the structure and function of biological macromolecules, the logic of metabolic pathways (both degradative and biosynthetic) and the molecular basis of genetics and gene expression.“
[mp3 audio]
Experimental Molecular Neurobiology
Prof. Yasunori Hayashi & Prof. Carlos Lois, Fall 2006 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“Designed for students without previous experience in techniques of cellular and molecular biology, this class teaches basic experimental techniques in cellular and molecular neurobiology. Experimental approaches covered include tissue culture of neuronal cell lines, dissection and culture of brain cells, DNA manipulation, synaptic protein analysis, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy.”
[syllabus] – [required readings] – [laboratory guides] – [assignments] – [downloadable content]
Drugs & Behavior
David Presti, Winter 2006 – UC Berkeley Webcasts
“Theoretical and empirical approaches to the explanation of psychological dysfunction. The relation between theories of psychopathology and theories of intervention. A critical evaluation of the effects of individual, family, and community approaches to therapeutic and preventive intervention. Thematic focus of the course may change from year to year. See department notices for details.”
[mp3 audio]
Cellular Neurobiology
Prof.Troy Littleton & Prof.William Quinn, Spring 2005 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“This course serves as an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of neurons and other excitable cells. Topics covered include the structure and biophysical properties of excitable cells, synaptic transmission, neurochemistry, neurodevelopment, and the integration of information in simple systems and the visual system.”
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [lecture notes] – [assignments] – [examinations] – [study materials] – [downloadable content]
Neuroscience of Behavior
Gerald Schneider, Fall 2003 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“This course covers the relation of structure and function at various levels of neuronal integration. Topics include functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, centrally programmed behavior, sensory systems, sleep and dreaming, motivation and reward, emotional displays of various types, “higher functions” and the neocortex, and neural processes in learning and memory.”
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [assignments] -[study materials] – [mp3 audio] – [examinations] – [downloadable content
Neural Basis of Movement
Prof. Emilio Bizzi et al., Spring 2003 - MIT OpenCourseWare
"Surveys general principles and specific examples of motor control in biological systems. Emphasizes the neural mechanisms underlying different aspects of movement and movement planning. Covers sensory reception, reflex arcs, spinal cord organization, pattern generators, muscle function, locomotion, eye movement, and cognitive aspects of motor control. Functions of central motor structures including cerebellum, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex considered. Cortical plasticity, motor learning and computational approaches to motor control, and motor disorders are discussed."
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [assignments] – [examinations] – [study materials] – [related resources] – [downloadable content]
Investigating the Neural Substrates of Remote Memory using fMRI
Prof. Suzanne Corkin, Spring 2003 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“This course is an investigation to distinguish episodic memory, which is memory of personal events, from semantic memory, which is general knowledge independent of time and place.”
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [assignments] – [study materials] – [downloadable content]
Cellular Neurophysiology
Prof. Guosong Liu, Fall 2002 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“Surveys the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal communication. Coversion channels in excitable membrane, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Correlates the properties of ion channels and synaptic transmission with their physiological function such as learning and memory. Discusses the organizational principles for the formation of functional neural networks at synaptic and cellular levels.”
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [assignments] – [study materials] – [downloadable content]
Cognitive and Behavioral Genetics
Prof. Elly Nedivi & Prof. Steven Pinker, Spring 2001 – MIT OpenCourseWare
“How genetics can add to our understanding of cognition, language, emotion, personality, and behavior. Use of gene mapping to estimate risk factors for psychological disorders and variation in behavioral and personality traits. Mendelian genetics, genetic mapping techniques, and statistical analysis of large populations and their application to particular studies in behavioral genetics. Topics also include environmental influence on genetic programs, evolutionary genetics, and the larger scientific, social, ethical, and philosophical implications.”
[syllabus] – [calendar] – [required readings] – [assignments] – [study materials] – [downloadable content]
