Neurobiology of Social Bonds

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course examines the neural and endocrine underpinnings that regulate social behavior. We will explore how sex steroids, neuropeptides, and other molecules signal within various networks in the brain to shape affiliative and aggressive behaviors. A central theme of the course is the reciprocal relationship between biology and environment: investigating how social interactions influence endocrine activity and how these systems adapt to shifting social landscapes. Additionally, throughout this course, students will sharpen their ability to critically evaluate primary scientific literature and independently interpret study implications. The semester culminates in the development of an original research proposal, where students identify novel questions and design a formal plan to answer them.