Autumn 2009 - 4 credits
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-3:20 in CDR 201 (syllabus)
Instructor
Course description
This class will introduce the major theories, methods, and applications in the science of learning, including simple stimulus learning, complex associative learning, and memory storage/retrieval, with a special emphasis on the biological basis of learning and memory.
Book
- ISBN:019514175X [Eichenbaum]
Readings
- Class 2 - Non-associative learning / Classical and operant conditioning
- Class 3 - Neurons and simple memory circuits / Cellular mechanisms of memory
- Class 4 - Brain damage-induced amnesia
Recommended readings
Be prepared for graduate school.
Grading
There will be 3 exams (worth 100 points each) with questions drawn from both the reading assignments and classroom discussions. For each test, the class average will be determined and adjusted to at least 70% (C). For example, if the class average is 65%, 5% will be added to all grades to bring the average up to 70%. Note that the average will never be adjusted down. Also, note that it is possible to end up with a score of higher than 100%. There will be no make-ups after test day. If a test is missed, you will receive a score of 0 for that test. However, there will be an optional comprehensive final exam. Your 3 highest test scores will be used to calculate your grade. Therefore, taking the final exam can only help your grade. Additionally, each student will write a paper on a topic of interest and present a talk on that topic (50 points paper / 5 points talk - details to be presented in class). Finally, 20 points will be assigned for classroom participation (attendance, discourse, not sleeping, etc – especially during the student presentations).
Grading Scale
- 378-420 90% A
- 336-377 80% B
- 294-335 70% C
- 252-293 60% D
- 0-251 ouch F
Study guide ("stuff that may be on the test")
CLASS 1
CLASS 2
- definitions of "learning" and "memory”
- relationship between learning and memory
- biological basis
- evidence of learning
- behaviors that may appear to be "learning"
- Tolman and Honzick (1930) latent learning
- methods of studying learning / memory
- behavioral
- cognitive
- neuropsychological
- orienting response
- habituation / sensitization
- parametric features of habituation
- classical (Pavlovian) conditioning
- associative learning
- predicting / measuring the relationship between stimuli
- critical features of a classical conditioning experiment
- extiction
- spontaneous recovery
- generalization
- discrimination
- the role of contiguity
- phobias
- operant / intrumental conditioning
- associative nature
- Thorndike and "instrumental" learning
- stimulus-response learning
- Skinner and "operant" learning
- reinforcers
- theories of reinforcement
- brain centers important for "reward"
- Premack principle
- biofeedback
- positive vs. negative reinforcers
- primary vs. secondary reinforcers
- punishers
- positive vs. negative punishment
- reinforcement schedules
- continuous / partial
- interval / ratio
- interval / fixed
- shaping
- similarities and differences between classical and operant conditioning
CLASS 3
- crash course in neurophysiology and neuroplasticity
- neurotransmitters
- synaptic relationships between neurons
- polarized nature of cell membrane
- post-synaptic potentials
- excitatory
- inhibitory
- characteristics of the post-synaptic potential
- axonal / dendritic relationships
- role of the axon hillock
- ion channels at the hillock
- action potential characteristics
- result of an action potential
- refractory period
- biological models of learning / memory in the Aplysia snail
- neuronal circuit for the gill withdrawal reflex
- habituation
- behavioral habituation (and dis-habituation) of the reflex
- presynaptic mechanism
- postsynaptic mechanism
- basis of short-term memory (function)
- basis of long-term memory (structure)
- basis of "forgetting"
- sensitization
- behavioral sensitization of the reflex
- addition of facilitating interneurons to the circuit
- presynaptic mechanism
- postsynaptic mechanism
- basis of short-term memory (function)
- basis of long-term memory (structure)
- prevention of long-term memory formation
- classical conditioning
- same circuit as sensitization
- associative learning due to temporal relationship of the stimuli (“activity dependent”)
- amplication of presynaptic facilitation
- “reflexive” nature of classical conditioning
- overview of cellular processes that alter neuronal function / structure (neuroplasticity)
- Calcium
- cAMP
- CREBs
- RNA transcription > production of proteins
Disability accommodation
If you are registered with the Dean's office for disability accommodation, please see me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability and wish accommodation, please visit the Dean’s Office of your school. See the Accommodation for Disability policy.
Academic integrity policy
Don’t cheat.
