Course Syllabus

For a day-by-day breakdown, click here: Breakdown 2026

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.

Faculty

Dr.  Beth Wee 

Ph.D. (Zoology/Neuroscience, Michigan State University, 1986). Postdoc, 1986-1991. Northwestern University, Tulane University, Instructor/Biol Lab Coord. 1992-2005. Co-Director Neuroscience Program, 2000-2015. Professor of Practice (PoP) Neuroscience/Psychology, 2007-2013. Senior PoP, 2013 - present. Academic Director Tulane/DIS summer programs. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Tulane School of Science and Engineering, 2009 - 2025, Director MS, BS Neuroscience Programs, 2015-2025. With DIS for Summer 2025, 2026.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will:

1. be familiar with the structure and function of the brain and other components of the mammalian nervous system
2. understand basic neurobiological concepts, including neural and synaptic transmission, mechanisms of drug and hormone action, homeostasis, learning and memory, sensorimotor integration, and sleep
3. have an appreciation for the importance of neurobiological research and some of the methods used in this research

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical bases of nerve cell structure and function
2. 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)
3. 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 class session, so please check the calendar to identify what you should read before class. Note that accompanying journal articles may be updated closer to the start date for the course.

Required textbook (available as ebook in CANVAS):

• 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 and assignments. Ask questions during class if something is not clear. Consult the syllabus! Show up to class and field trips on time and be an active participant in class discussions. Work cooperatively with your group members. Make a point of attending Dr. Wee's additional help sessions and ask questions during or after class. **

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and similar platforms) may be used to support learning and studying in this course. Appropriate uses include asking questions about course material, generating study guides, creating practice questions, reviewing concepts, and receiving feedback on written work.

However, AI tools may not be used to generate content that is submitted for credit. All assignments, discussion posts, reflections, and presentations must represent your own work, understanding, and scientific reasoning.

Unless explicitly authorized by the instructor, students may not:

• Use AI to write any portion of an assignment that will be submitted for grading.
• Use AI to generate summaries, analyses, interpretations, or conclusions for written or oral assignments.
• Use AI to complete discussion posts or responses to classmates.
• Use AI-generated text, figures, citations, references, or data in submitted work.

Students are responsible for critically evaluating all information obtained from AI tools. Because AI systems may produce inaccurate, incomplete, or fabricated information, AI-generated content should never be considered a substitute for assigned readings, primary scientific literature, lectures, or independent analysis.

Keep in mind that data entered into AI tools is not private. Thus, your personal data must never be uploaded to AI tools!

If you are uncertain whether a particular use of AI is permissible, ask the instructor before using it for coursework.

To summarize: You may use AI to help you learn the material, but not as a substitute for your own scientific thinking!

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 Dr. Wee can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk about it with her. 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.