PSYC 473WBehavioral Neuroimmunology

Catalog

Behavioral Neuroimmunology This seminar will explore how the immune system impacts brain function and behavior during both health and disease. The topics that will be covered range from how cytokines influence cognition and emotion, the effects of gut microbiota on stress and sleep, and the potential role of infections in the etiology of psychopathology (e.g. autism, schizophrenia). In this seminar, students will interactively present and discuss major findings from both the human and animal scientific literature. At the end of the semester, you will: 1) Be familiar with the neuroimmune system and the ways it can influence brain function and behavior, 2) Develop scientific writing skills, 3) Develop critical thinking, and 4) Become proficient in formal presentations. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher for this course to apply to the major. Prerequisites: PSYC 111 with a grade of C or higher, PSYC 243 with a grade of C or higher, PSYC 344 with a grade of C- or higher. PSYC 362 or equivalent - level neuroscience class. Course restricted to junior/senior psychology or integrative neuroscience majors only. This course will fulfill the seminar requirement for Integrative Neuroscience.