Hormones and Cognition

Catalog description

The brain is part of a larger, integrated biological system. One example of this whole-brain, whole-body level of integration is the interaction between hormone-producing organs in the body (e.g. gonads) and the nervous system. For example, estrogen receptors are found throughout the entire brain, which hints at the powerful role this hormone plays in shaping the brain and, ultimately, behavior. This course introduces students to the impact hormones have on brain structure, function and cognition. Through close examination of primary source material, review articles, book chapters and popular media, we consider hormones role in shaping brain function with a life-course perspective.