Let’s get NEURDY

Course Description

The brain is the coolest and most complex organ in the body… but how does it work? That is the question neuroscientists ask themselves every day, and in this course, students will gain insights into how this question is answered!

This mini-course is split between classroom lessons and hands-on lab activities.

In the classroom, students will learn how the brain is organized, how brain cells communicate, and how genes influence behaviour in lessons that will broaden their knowledge in biology and neuroscience. Students will also hear from neuroscience professors on hot topics in neuroscience like addiction, chronic pain, and how what we eat affects the brain.

In the lab, students will learn and apply basic neuroscience techniques to identify brain structures with the naked eye, visualize brain cells under a microscope, determine what genes someone has, and test if someone is lying. At the end of the week, students will go home with their very own picture of a neuron!

Disclaimers:
• There will be a mandatory lab safety lesson on the first day of class — all students must attend this lesson in order to participate in lab activities.
• This course may include discussions on sensitive topics and will involve working with biological tissue samples.
• Though not required, a basic knowledge of biology is recommended.