51³ÉÈËÁÔÆæ

Course Description

Summary

When people choose one painting over another to decorate their room, or when they like one type of music more than another, how do their brains store and communicate these preferences?  Cognitive neuroscience relates brain activity to the processes of noticing, remembering, liking, and choosing.  In the first few weeks, we will review basic brain anatomy and compare what three main techniques (EEG, TMS, and fMRI) can tell us about those cognitive functions.  With this background, we will read and discuss recent research on liking for words, music, and images.  Students will make two short oral presentations during the term and will prepare either a research proposal or an illustrated guide related to their interests. Registration is first-come, first-serve, starting Wednesday, May 17th at 1pm.  To register see David Anderegg, Barn 236.