Biological Basis of Abnormal Behavior

(3 Credits)

An overview of biological psychiatry, including recent insights obtained from genome-wide association studies, biomarker identification, human brain imaging, and animal models. Risk, diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, and new directions are covered with regard to drug addiction, obesity, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, and schizophrenia. Readings are taken from the recent scientific literature. There are no exams. Students do in-depth reading/research on a topic of personal interest, leading to a PowerPoint presentation and final paper.