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.
BIONB3280	Biopsychology of Learning and Memory Surveys the approaches that have been or are currently being used in order to understand the biological bases for learning and memory. Topics include invertebrate, "simple system" approaches, avian song learning, hippocampal and cerebellar function, research using MRI in humans. Many of the readings are from primary literature. Full details for BIONB 3280 - Biopsychology of Learning and Memory	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.
BIONB4260	Animal Communication Communication is the "glue" that holds societies together. This course examines how and why animals communicate. Topics include the role of the environment in shaping animal signals, whether animals tell the truth to each other, why some bird songs are simple and others complex, and what kinds of signals might be exchanged between species. Full details for BIONB 4260 - Animal Communication	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. If you have additional questions please contact 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.
BIONB4460	Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture How do plants respond to antagonists, such as herbivores and pathogens? What are the checks and balances that keep mutualist organisms in their tight interactions? How are symbioses organized on molecular, metabolic and ecological levels? What are the molecular, plant hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms mediating plant biotic interactions with other organisms? What ecological and evolutionary consequences do these interactions have for the fitness of the plants and their interactors? This course provides an overview of plants' myriad interactions with antagonists and mutualists, from microbes to multicellular organisms, and explains the underlying ecological and evolutionary concepts. It gives an introduction to the study of induced plant responses in the light of a behavioral biology framework. Full details for BIONB 4460 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture	Spring.
BIONB4461	Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory Laboratory course covering topics presented in BIOEE 4460/BIONB 4460/PLSCI 4460. Full details for BIONB 4461 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory	Spring.
BIONB4560	Neural Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism Food intake is a complex behavior that is strictly regulated by sensory, homeostatic, and hedonic neural circuits, which balance energy intake with energy expenditure. An integrated system of external sensory information works together with peripheral body organs and the central nervous system to produce the sensation of food and the drive to consume. The balanced functioning of this interconnected physiological system is critical for humans and other organisms to control the nutrient intake and maintain stable body weight. In eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, or in metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, the perception of food and the homeostatic balance between hunger and satiety is dysregulated leading to weight loss or gain and associated health problems. In this course, students will learn about the current and past research on neural control of food intake and energy metabolism. I will introduce the topic and cover the main discoveries in a discussion-based lecture. After the lecture, each week, students will collaboratively present a topic. The first student will present an overview of the research topic. The second student will present the research article for the week. Each student will present twice (once in each slot). Everyone must do the readings each week and come prepared to discuss the science. There will be ample time for discussion and questions, which are strongly encouraged. Full details for BIONB 4560 - Neural Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism	Spring.
BIONB4750	Sleep – Evolution and Neural Basis This class examines the neural circuits that regulate sleep and how sleep changes or preserves across different species. It will help students to extract critical information from research literature regarding sleep and related biological rhythms. Topics will range from comparison of sleep in different animals, description of the different sleep stages, brain computations during different sleep phases and pathological implications of sleep associated disorders. Full details for BIONB 4750 - Sleep – Evolution and Neural Basis	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.

BIONB3280

Biopsychology of Learning and Memory

Surveys the approaches that have been or are currently being used in order to understand the biological bases for learning and memory. Topics include invertebrate, "simple system" approaches, avian song learning, hippocampal and cerebellar function, research using MRI in humans. Many of the readings are from primary literature.

Full details for BIONB 3280 - Biopsychology of Learning and Memory

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.

BIONB4260

Animal Communication

Communication is the "glue" that holds societies together. This course examines how and why animals communicate. Topics include the role of the environment in shaping animal signals, whether animals tell the truth to each other, why some bird songs are simple and others complex, and what kinds of signals might be exchanged between species.

Full details for BIONB 4260 - Animal Communication

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. If you have additional questions please contact 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.

BIONB4460

Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture

How do plants respond to antagonists, such as herbivores and pathogens? What are the checks and balances that keep mutualist organisms in their tight interactions? How are symbioses organized on molecular, metabolic and ecological levels? What are the molecular, plant hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms mediating plant biotic interactions with other organisms? What ecological and evolutionary consequences do these interactions have for the fitness of the plants and their interactors? This course provides an overview of plants' myriad interactions with antagonists and mutualists, from microbes to multicellular organisms, and explains the underlying ecological and evolutionary concepts. It gives an introduction to the study of induced plant responses in the light of a behavioral biology framework.

Full details for BIONB 4460 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture

Spring.

BIONB4461

Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory

Laboratory course covering topics presented in BIOEE 4460/BIONB 4460/PLSCI 4460.

Full details for BIONB 4461 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory

Spring.

BIONB4560

Neural Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism

Food intake is a complex behavior that is strictly regulated by sensory, homeostatic, and hedonic neural circuits, which balance energy intake with energy expenditure. An integrated system of external sensory information works together with peripheral body organs and the central nervous system to produce the sensation of food and the drive to consume. The balanced functioning of this interconnected physiological system is critical for humans and other organisms to control the nutrient intake and maintain stable body weight. In eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, or in metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, the perception of food and the homeostatic balance between hunger and satiety is dysregulated leading to weight loss or gain and associated health problems. In this course, students will learn about the current and past research on neural control of food intake and energy metabolism. I will introduce the topic and cover the main discoveries in a discussion-based lecture. After the lecture, each week, students will collaboratively present a topic. The first student will present an overview of the research topic. The second student will present the research article for the week. Each student will present twice (once in each slot). Everyone must do the readings each week and come prepared to discuss the science. There will be ample time for discussion and questions, which are strongly encouraged.

Full details for BIONB 4560 - Neural Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism

Spring.

BIONB4750

Sleep – Evolution and Neural Basis

This class examines the neural circuits that regulate sleep and how sleep changes or preserves across different species. It will help students to extract critical information from research literature regarding sleep and related biological rhythms. Topics will range from comparison of sleep in different animals, description of the different sleep stages, brain computations during different sleep phases and pathological implications of sleep associated disorders.

Full details for BIONB 4750 - Sleep – Evolution and Neural Basis

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.

Courses by semester

Courses for Spring 2024