Psychological Science: Five Senses and Beyond

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: PSYS 2002; and PSYS 2100 or PSYS 2200 or PSYS 2300 or PSYS 2400 or PSYS 2500.

Prereqs: (PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002) and and (PSYS 2200 or NSCI 2100 or NSCI 2105); Junior and Senior standing only PSYS & NEUR majors and minors only Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations. PACE students by permission and override.

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This course will explore the traditional five senses (olfaction, vision, somatosensation, gustation, audition) as well we the "non-traditional" senses such as proprioception, itch, pain, and balance. Lastly, we will also talk about motor movements, as these are inherently connected to somatosensation! Overall, this course involves identifying the underlying mechanics for all the senses (and how they relate), examining the sensory pathways, determining the medical consequences for injuries/disease at different parts of these pathways, and reading primary literature on these senses. The specific course goals are: 1. Diagnosing potential illnesses and symptoms from a given injury/disease & the reverse (identifying a potential injury/disease from symptoms). 2. Relating the senses and their pathways, which includes comparing how these senses are similar, different, and interconnected to create our unique perception of the world 3. Describing the differences and complexities of both sensation and perception 4. Identifying neuroanatomical landmarks from different brain imaging methods for different species (ie, humans & rodents). This includes describing their functions.

Class will meet twice a week, attendance is expected but not mandatory (many in-class activities will require special equipment that you must be in class to use!). You are expected to complete 1-2 readings per week outside (and before) lecture. You will also be assigned in class assignments that require live participation. This is a content-heavy course but discussion is expected and welcome. Required Textbook: "Neuroscience" (ISBN 1605353809) 6th edition by Purves

This course will involve a mixture of exams (2-3), a group project & presentation, and assignments ("mini-labs") that take place in the class and might carry over into homework