Courses

Course ID	Title	Offered
BIONB1100	Natural History of the Magic Kingdom: Understanding Animal Behavior through Animated Films Animals are frequently used to tell children's stories, especially in animated cinema. For the most part depictions of animals in classic films such as Lion King, Finding Nemo, or The Land Before Time are clearly not intended to depict an accurate natural history of their subjects. However, the ways in which movies get things wrong by having animals portray human roles opens an opportunity to explore the diversity of animal behavior. This course focuses on understanding the evolution, ecology, and natural history of diverse animals portrayed in films. It will cover a range of topics that apply generally to animated animal movies (e.g., Do animals use language?) as well as issues raised by specific movies (Does it make any sense for Scar to kill Mufasa in Lion King?). During this course students will engage with data and analyses used in the field of animal behavior, appreciate the diversity of experiences among animals, and consider our own biology and behavior in the light of the natural world. Full details for BIONB 1100 - Natural History of the Magic Kingdom: Understanding Animal Behavior through Animated Films	Spring.
BIONB1220	FWS: Special Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior The First-Year Writing Seminar is about introducing concepts in neuroscience and behavior and writing extensively about them. Topics vary by section. Full details for BIONB 1220 - FWS: Special Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior	Fall, Spring.
BIONB2220	Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience An introduction to neuroscience: the structure and function of the nervous system of humans and other animals. Topics include the cellular and molecular basis for cell signaling, the functions of neurons in communication and in decision making; neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, sensory systems, motor systems, neural development, learning and memory, and other complex brain functions. The course will emphasize how the nervous system is built during development, how it changes with experiences during life, how it functions in normal behavior, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease. Discussion sections will include a dissection of a preserved sheep brain. Full details for BIONB 2220 - Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience	Spring, Summer.
BIONB3215	Gender and the Brain Why are boys more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism, and why are women more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression? Are there different "gay" and "straight" brains? And how does brain science interact with gender and sexuality in popular debate? Reading and discussing the original scientific papers and related critical texts, we will delve into the neuroscience of gender. In this course, we will delve into the neuroscience of gender difference. Reading the original scientific papers and related critical texts, we will ask whether we can find measurable physical differences in male and female brains, and what these differences might be. Do men and women solve spatial puzzles differently, as measured physiologically? Do nonhuman animals display sex-specific behaviors mediated by brain structure, and can we extrapolate these findings to human behavior? Why are boys three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed as autistic, and is there any connection between the predominantly male phenomenon of autism and other stereotypically male mental traits? Are there physical representations of sexual orientation in the brain, and how are these related to gender identity? And how are scientific studies represented and misrepresented in popular debate? Full details for BIONB 3215 - Gender and the Brain	Spring.
BIONB3690	Chemical Ecology Why are chilies so spicy? This course examines the chemical basis of interactions between species and is intended for students with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology. Focuses on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microbes. Stresses chemical signals used in diverse ecosystems, using Darwinian natural selection as a framework. Topics include: plant defenses, microbial warfare, communication in marine organisms, and human pheromones. Full details for BIONB 3690 - Chemical Ecology	Spring.
BIONB4140	Principles of Pharmacology Undergraduate course surveying system- and organ-related aspects of pharmacology. Topics include mechanisms of drug action; drug disposition; pharmacokinetics; autonomic pharmacology; pharmacology of inflammation, allergy and platelet function; and endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal pharmacology. The course is designed for undergraduate life science majors, particularly those interested in medical or veterinary school. Full details for BIONB 4140 - Principles of Pharmacology	Spring.
BIONB4200	Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior Courses on selected topics in neurobiology and behavior; can include lecture and seminar courses. Topics vary by section; see Class Roster. Full details for BIONB 4200 - Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior	Fall, Spring.
BIONB4300	Experimental Molecular Neurobiology Experiments include PCR, western blots, RNAi, antibody staining, optogenetics, calcium imaging of neurons and behavioral assays. Students will also construct their own epifluoresence microscope. Experiments emphasize how molecular techniques can be applied to studying neurobiological problems and will culminate in designing your own experiments. It is critical to be present at the lab from 9am- 11am and then again from 1pm-2pm as the experiments have incubation steps at the beginning and the experiments must be evaluated at the close of class. However, if students would like to take a conflicting course in the 11am-1pm range on Tuesdays, the instructor will support a time conflict approval form. A discussion section on Thursdays will also be scheduled after the course begins. Instructor will work with students to find an agreeable time on Thursdays. If you have additional questions please contact me at dld14@cornell.edu. Full details for BIONB 4300 - Experimental Molecular Neurobiology	Spring.
BIONB4330	Topics in Cognitive Science A seminar series examining current and classical ideas in human sciences and the humanities. Themes vary from semester to semester. Full details for BIONB 4330 - Topics in Cognitive Science	Fall, Spring.
BIONB4370	Neural Circuits of Motivated Behavior This class examines the neural circuits of motivated behavior and reward, and involves the critical reading and discussion of classic and contemporary papers in this subject. Topics include neural processes related to reward, punishment, risk, effort, appetite, aggression, addiction, and depression. Full details for BIONB 4370 - Neural Circuits of Motivated Behavior	Spring.
BIONB4530	Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature and origin of behavioral, morphological, physiological, and ecological traits that form the intrinsic barriers to gene exchange. Lecture topics include species concepts and definitions, the history of ideas about speciation, the biological basis of intrinsic barriers to gene exchange, current models for the origin of such barriers, genetic architecture of speciation, rates of speciation. Emphasis is on developing a rigorous conceptual framework for discussing speciation and on detailed analysis of a series of case histories. Full details for BIONB 4530 - Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior	Spring.
BIONB4740	Neural Dynamics of Learning, Memory and Decision Making This course examines the neural circuit dynamics that support learning, memory and flexible decision making. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subject. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subjects. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. Topics will cover both fundamental and translational research in different animal models and humans. Full details for BIONB 4740 - Neural Dynamics of Learning, Memory and Decision Making	Spring.
BIONB4910	Principles of Neurophysiology Laboratory-oriented course designed to teach the concepts and tools of cellular neurophysiology through hands-on experience with extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological techniques, and computer acquisition and analysis of laboratory results. Students explore signal transmission in the nervous system by examining the cellular basis of resting and action potentials, and synaptic transmission and optogenetic control of behavior and physiology. Lecture time is used to review nervous system physiology, introduce laboratory exercises, discuss lab results and primary research papers, and for presentation of additional experimental preparations and methods. Invertebrate preparations are used as model systems. Full details for BIONB 4910 - Principles of Neurophysiology	Spring.
BIONB4980	Teaching Experience Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring. Full details for BIONB 4980 - Teaching Experience	Fall, Spring.
BIONB5910	Principles of Neurophysiology Laboratory-oriented course designed to teach the concepts and tools of cellular neurophysiology through hands-on experience with extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological techniques, and computer acquisition and analysis of laboratory results. Students explore signal transmission in the nervous system by examining the cellular basis of resting and action potentials, and synaptic transmission. Lecture time is used to review nervous system physiology, introduce laboratory exercises, discuss lab results and primary research papers, and for presentation of additional experimental preparations and methods. Invertebrate preparations are used as model systems. Full details for BIONB 5910 - Principles of Neurophysiology	Spring.
BIONB7201	Research Design in the Study of Animal Social Behavior A weekly journal club-style discussion. Graduate students may be expected to present a summary of their research or a summary of research in the literature related to their thesis once per year. Full details for BIONB 7201 - Research Design in the Study of Animal Social Behavior	Fall, Spring.
BIONB7202	Topics in Neural Basis of Behavior A weekly journal club-style discussion. Graduate students may be expected to present a summary of their research or a summary of research in the literature related to their thesis once per year. Full details for BIONB 7202 - Topics in Neural Basis of Behavior	Fall, Spring.
BIONB7640	Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar Group intensive study of current research in plant-insect interactions. Topics vary from semester to semester but include chemical defense, coevolution, insect community structure, population regulation, biocontrol, tritrophic interactions, and mutualism. Full details for BIONB 7640 - Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar	Fall, Spring.

BIONB1100

Natural History of the Magic Kingdom: Understanding Animal Behavior through Animated Films

Animals are frequently used to tell children's stories, especially in animated cinema. For the most part depictions of animals in classic films such as Lion King, Finding Nemo, or The Land Before Time are clearly not intended to depict an accurate natural history of their subjects. However, the ways in which movies get things wrong by having animals portray human roles opens an opportunity to explore the diversity of animal behavior. This course focuses on understanding the evolution, ecology, and natural history of diverse animals portrayed in films. It will cover a range of topics that apply generally to animated animal movies (e.g., Do animals use language?) as well as issues raised by specific movies (Does it make any sense for Scar to kill Mufasa in Lion King?). During this course students will engage with data and analyses used in the field of animal behavior, appreciate the diversity of experiences among animals, and consider our own biology and behavior in the light of the natural world.

Full details for BIONB 1100 - Natural History of the Magic Kingdom: Understanding Animal Behavior through Animated Films

Spring.

BIONB1220

FWS: Special Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior

The First-Year Writing Seminar is about introducing concepts in neuroscience and behavior and writing extensively about them. Topics vary by section.

Full details for BIONB 1220 - FWS: Special Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior

Fall, Spring.

BIONB2220

Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience

An introduction to neuroscience: the structure and function of the nervous system of humans and other animals. Topics include the cellular and molecular basis for cell signaling, the functions of neurons in communication and in decision making; neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, sensory systems, motor systems, neural development, learning and memory, and other complex brain functions. The course will emphasize how the nervous system is built during development, how it changes with experiences during life, how it functions in normal behavior, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease. Discussion sections will include a dissection of a preserved sheep brain.

Full details for BIONB 2220 - Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience

Spring, Summer.

BIONB3215

Gender and the Brain

Why are boys more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism, and why are women more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression? Are there different "gay" and "straight" brains? And how does brain science interact with gender and sexuality in popular debate? Reading and discussing the original scientific papers and related critical texts, we will delve into the neuroscience of gender. In this course, we will delve into the neuroscience of gender difference. Reading the original scientific papers and related critical texts, we will ask whether we can find measurable physical differences in male and female brains, and what these differences might be. Do men and women solve spatial puzzles differently, as measured physiologically? Do nonhuman animals display sex-specific behaviors mediated by brain structure, and can we extrapolate these findings to human behavior? Why are boys three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed as autistic, and is there any connection between the predominantly male phenomenon of autism and other stereotypically male mental traits? Are there physical representations of sexual orientation in the brain, and how are these related to gender identity? And how are scientific studies represented and misrepresented in popular debate?

Full details for BIONB 3215 - Gender and the Brain

Spring.

BIONB3690

Chemical Ecology

Why are chilies so spicy? This course examines the chemical basis of interactions between species and is intended for students with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology. Focuses on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microbes. Stresses chemical signals used in diverse ecosystems, using Darwinian natural selection as a framework. Topics include: plant defenses, microbial warfare, communication in marine organisms, and human pheromones.

Full details for BIONB 3690 - Chemical Ecology

Spring.

BIONB4140

Principles of Pharmacology

Undergraduate course surveying system- and organ-related aspects of pharmacology. Topics include mechanisms of drug action; drug disposition; pharmacokinetics; autonomic pharmacology; pharmacology of inflammation, allergy and platelet function; and endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal pharmacology. The course is designed for undergraduate life science majors, particularly those interested in medical or veterinary school.

Full details for BIONB 4140 - Principles of Pharmacology

Spring.

BIONB4200

Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior

Courses on selected topics in neurobiology and behavior; can include lecture and seminar courses. Topics vary by section; see Class Roster.

Full details for BIONB 4200 - Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior

Fall, Spring.

BIONB4300

Experimental Molecular Neurobiology

Experiments include PCR, western blots, RNAi, antibody staining, optogenetics, calcium imaging of neurons and behavioral assays. Students will also construct their own epifluoresence microscope. Experiments emphasize how molecular techniques can be applied to studying neurobiological problems and will culminate in designing your own experiments. It is critical to be present at the lab from 9am- 11am and then again from 1pm-2pm as the experiments have incubation steps at the beginning and the experiments must be evaluated at the close of class. However, if students would like to take a conflicting course in the 11am-1pm range on Tuesdays, the instructor will support a time conflict approval form. A discussion section on Thursdays will also be scheduled after the course begins. Instructor will work with students to find an agreeable time on Thursdays. If you have additional questions please contact me at dld14@cornell.edu.

Full details for BIONB 4300 - Experimental Molecular Neurobiology

Spring.

BIONB4330

Topics in Cognitive Science

A seminar series examining current and classical ideas in human sciences and the humanities. Themes vary from semester to semester.

Full details for BIONB 4330 - Topics in Cognitive Science

Fall, Spring.

BIONB4370

Neural Circuits of Motivated Behavior

This class examines the neural circuits of motivated behavior and reward, and involves the critical reading and discussion of classic and contemporary papers in this subject. Topics include neural processes related to reward, punishment, risk, effort, appetite, aggression, addiction, and depression.

Full details for BIONB 4370 - Neural Circuits of Motivated Behavior

Spring.

BIONB4530

Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior

Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature and origin of behavioral, morphological, physiological, and ecological traits that form the intrinsic barriers to gene exchange. Lecture topics include species concepts and definitions, the history of ideas about speciation, the biological basis of intrinsic barriers to gene exchange, current models for the origin of such barriers, genetic architecture of speciation, rates of speciation. Emphasis is on developing a rigorous conceptual framework for discussing speciation and on detailed analysis of a series of case histories.

Full details for BIONB 4530 - Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior

Spring.

BIONB4740

Neural Dynamics of Learning, Memory and Decision Making

This course examines the neural circuit dynamics that support learning, memory and flexible decision making. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subject. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. We will critically read and discuss classic and current papers in these subjects. Topics may include neural mechanisms of different types of learning, memory-guided behavior, spatial navigation, memory replay, neural oscillations, brain computation, etc. Topics will cover both fundamental and translational research in different animal models and humans.

Full details for BIONB 4740 - Neural Dynamics of Learning, Memory and Decision Making

Spring.

BIONB4910

Principles of Neurophysiology

Laboratory-oriented course designed to teach the concepts and tools of cellular neurophysiology through hands-on experience with extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological techniques, and computer acquisition and analysis of laboratory results. Students explore signal transmission in the nervous system by examining the cellular basis of resting and action potentials, and synaptic transmission and optogenetic control of behavior and physiology. Lecture time is used to review nervous system physiology, introduce laboratory exercises, discuss lab results and primary research papers, and for presentation of additional experimental preparations and methods. Invertebrate preparations are used as model systems.

Full details for BIONB 4910 - Principles of Neurophysiology

Spring.

BIONB4980

Teaching Experience

Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring.

Full details for BIONB 4980 - Teaching Experience

Fall, Spring.

BIONB5910

Principles of Neurophysiology

Laboratory-oriented course designed to teach the concepts and tools of cellular neurophysiology through hands-on experience with extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological techniques, and computer acquisition and analysis of laboratory results. Students explore signal transmission in the nervous system by examining the cellular basis of resting and action potentials, and synaptic transmission. Lecture time is used to review nervous system physiology, introduce laboratory exercises, discuss lab results and primary research papers, and for presentation of additional experimental preparations and methods. Invertebrate preparations are used as model systems.

Full details for BIONB 5910 - Principles of Neurophysiology

Spring.

BIONB7201

Research Design in the Study of Animal Social Behavior

A weekly journal club-style discussion. Graduate students may be expected to present a summary of their research or a summary of research in the literature related to their thesis once per year.

Full details for BIONB 7201 - Research Design in the Study of Animal Social Behavior

Fall, Spring.

BIONB7202

Topics in Neural Basis of Behavior

A weekly journal club-style discussion. Graduate students may be expected to present a summary of their research or a summary of research in the literature related to their thesis once per year.

Full details for BIONB 7202 - Topics in Neural Basis of Behavior

Fall, Spring.

BIONB7640

Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar

Group intensive study of current research in plant-insect interactions. Topics vary from semester to semester but include chemical defense, coevolution, insect community structure, population regulation, biocontrol, tritrophic interactions, and mutualism.

Full details for BIONB 7640 - Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar

Fall, Spring.

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