Course Syllabus
Brain and Behavior |
| Semester & Location: |
Summer Session 3 (2025) DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Psychology, Neuroscience |
| Prerequisite(s): |
One psychology course at university level |
| Faculty Members: |
Beth Wee, PhD (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) |
| Program Contact |
Department email address- psy.cns@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
See Course Schedule Classroom: N7-C25 |
Catalog/Course Description
Prerequisite: One semester of psychology at university level.
How do neurons communicate with each other? What controls how we move and how we sense the environment around us? What role do hormones play in our behavior? Why do animals sleep? How does learning occur? How does the body react to stress? These are some of the questions we will answer during this course.
Lectures and associated activities cover the function and structure of the nervous system and the role of brain activity in the regulation of behavior. This course provides students with a first exposure to the biological bases of behavior and is not recommended for students who have taken other courses in this area of study.
Instructor information
Dr. Beth Wee
Ph.D. (Zoology/Neuroscience, Michigan State University, 1986). Postdoc, 1986-1991. Tulane, Instructor/Biol Lab Coord. 1992-2005. Co-Dir Neuroscience Program, 2000-2015. Professor of Practice (PoP) Neurosci/Psych, 2007-2013. Senior PoP, 2013 - present. Academic Director Tulane/DIS summer programs. Assoc. Dean Undergrad Progs, Science/ Engineering, 2009 - present, Director MS, BS Neurosci Programs, 2015-present. With DIS for Summer 2025.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will:
- be familiar with the structure and function of the brain and other components of the mammalian nervous system
- understand basic neurobiological concepts, including neural and synaptic transmission, mechanisms of drug and hormone action, homeostasis, learning and memory, sensorimotor integration, and sleep
- have an appreciation for the importance of neurobiological research and some of the methods used in this research
Course Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical bases of nerve cell structure and function
- apply this knowledge to explain the role of the nervous system in a variety of behaviors and physiological processes (including learning and memory, sensorimotor integration, response to stress, sleep)
- compare the nervous system of a healthy individual to that of an individual with disease or damage of the nervous system
Required Student Resources
Required readings will be listed for each individual class, so please check the calendar to identify what you should read before class. Note that accompanying journal articles will be updated closer to the start date for the course.
Required textbook:
- Watson, N.V. & Breedlove, S.M. (2024). The Mind’s Machine: Foundations of brain and behavior. Sinauer Associates (5th edition). Sinauer Associates.
The e-book has many additional online resources including flashcards, animations, quizzes, videos, and assorted activities to help students learn the course concepts.
Evaluation Procedures and Grading Criteria
Students are expected to attend all classes and required field trips unless they are ill or prevented from attending by exceptional circumstances. In that case, be sure to contact Dr. Wee (ASAP!) and plan to get notes from classmates about material discussed in class or on a field trip. Assignments related to the lecture/discussion/field trip will still be due, but the deadlines might be modified to accommodate the illness. Be sure to consult with Dr. Wee about this!
Additional Information
**Summer sessions go by fast!! One class period during the summer is equal to 2-3 classes during the regular semester. Thus, it is imperative that you keep up with the course. Make a point of reviewing the material every day and keep up with the readings. Ask questions during class if something is not clear. Make a point of attending Dr. Wee's additional help sessions and ask questions during or after class. **
DIS Accommodations Statement
Your learning experience in this class is important to us. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure your faculty receive your DIS accommodations letter immediately from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways your faculty can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk about it with them. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupp@dis.dk.
ADA/Accessibility Statement
Any students with disabilities or other needs, who need special accommodations in this course, are invited to share these concerns or requests with Dr. Wee.
Tentative Syllabus
The syllabus will be updated after we have had a chance to get student feedback on topics to cover and field trips to take! It also will be updated periodically during the course, so be sure to check back for the latest version. Please check with Dr. Wee to be sure you understand what the topics are that will be discussed and the assignment due dates.
| Date | Start Time | Topic |
Reading |
Assignment |
| Wed. July 9 | noon | Introductions | Introduce Yourself, Interest Survey (due today) | |
| Intro to Neuroscience | MM Intro, Ch 1 | Discussion: Important Brain/Nervous System Qs (due 7/10 9pm) | ||
| Thurs. July 10 | 10am | Neuroanatomy | MM Ch 1 | Neuroanatomy Assignment (Due 7/14 9pm) |
| Concept Map (due 7/14 9pm), Topic Review: Neuroanatomy | ||||
| Fri. July 11 | 10am | Neurophysiology | MM Ch 2 | Discuss Concept Maps |
| Topic Review: Neurophysiology | ||||
| Mon. July 14 | 10am |
Neurophysiology/ Neurochemistry |
MM Ch 2, 3 | Neurophysiology Virtual Lab (Due 7/15 noon) |
| Tues. July 15 | 10am | Neurochemistry | MM CH 3 | Drug Assignment (Student Choice!) (Due 7/18 9pm) |
| pm, student choice | QUIZ #1 | |||
| Wed. July 16 | 10am | Sensory System | MM CH 5 |
Topic Review: Sensorimotor Systems |
| 12:30pm |
Illusions Reflection (Due 7/17 9pm) |
|||
| Thur. July 17 | 10am | Motor Systems | MM CH 5 | Sensorimotor Systems in Copenhagen (Due 7/21, noon) |
| Fri, July 18 | 10am |
Traumatic Brain Injury Sleep |
MM CH 10 |
TBI reflection (Due 7/22, 9pm) Topic Review: Sleep |
| Mon. July 21 | 10am | Brain Disorders/Psychopathology | MM CH12 | Topic Review: Brain Disorders/Psychopathology |
| pm student choice | QUIZ #2 | (neurochemistry and sensorimotor systems) | ||
| Tues. July 22 | 10 am | Hormones | MM CH 8 |
Topic Review: Hormones/Stress |
| 11:30am | Guest Speaker: Dr. Ben Hall, Lundbeck | Speaker Reflection (Due 7/23 9pm) | ||
| Wed. July 23 | 10am |
Meet at the Zoo! |
Behavior Observation Assignment (Due 7/25 9pm) | |
| Thurs. July 24 | 10am | Finish Hormones, Stress | Topic Review: Hormones/Stress | |
| Individual Disease/Disorders presentations |
Upload final product to CANVAS by 9pm this evening (7/24/25). Reflection on Individual Presentations due by 9pm Thursday 7/24/25. |
|||
| Fri. July 25 | 10am |
Learning and Memory |
Topic Review: Learning and Memory Drugs, Diseases, Diversity Discussion due by 9pm Sunday July 27 |
|
| Mon. July 28 | 10am | NSCI in the News presentations, time to work on group presentations | NSCI in the News assignment due by 9pm | |
| pm student choice | Quiz #3 | covers sleep, brain disorders, psychopathology, hormones, stress, learning and memory | ||
| Tues. July 29 | 10am | Group Presentations |
NSCI in Copenhagen Assignment due by 5pm Upload group presentation to CANVAS by 5pm. |
|
| Cisterns! Cisternerne - Frederiksbergmuseerne |
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|