Neuroscience of Motivation & Reward

3 Credits.

This course will explore the neurobiological bases of motivated behavior through study of original research articles and scholarly reviews, with a focus on mammalian model systems. We will discuss neural systems underlying innate motivated behaviors, as well as how learning can guide the expression of these behaviors. Neural mediation of processes such as reward and aversion will be considered in depth, as will applications of these findings to the understanding of addiction and other behavioral disorders. The course will be a mixed lecture/seminar format. Students should have completed an introductory course or courses in neuroscience; a background in basic neuroscience, including neural/synaptic transmission is required.