Course
Summary (2009)
The most intensely studied topic of brain research has been learning
and memory, which has captivated the interest of scientists ever since the biological
processes underlying it were accidentally stumbled upon. Since then a
determined and unceasing research effort has uncovered many of the secrets.
It is easy to underestimate the importance of learning and memory but it is,
above all else, the most important task the brain performs. It is our human
brains greater hunger and capacity for learning and memory that separates us
from all the other species. As individuals we are the sum of who we are
genetically and how the experience, knowledge and skills we acquire shape our
outlook on and relationship with the world and inform our choices in life.
Learning and memory come in several different forms, ranging from very complex,
long-term, ingrained memories that persist undiminished for all of our lives to
short-term memories that are forgotten all too quickly.
Different types of memory have their own distinct character: Acquiring your
native language almost unconsciously whilst you are a baby, learning a new
language later in life, learning to drive a car, childhood experiences with a
dog that paralyze you with fear for years to come, constantly memorizing new
information for tests at school and college, remembering where you put your
cell phone or someone’s name and phone number.
How does the brain manage to identify and sort these different memories into
the many categories then nurture them from 5 seconds to a lifetime, waiting for
a signal to recall them in the most minute detail? Individual memory abilities
vary greatly and there are famous figures with photographic memories who can
recall 5000 playing cards in exact sequence and others who cannot store any
long-term memories, where each morning is a strange new world.
Research and experimentation has increased our understanding even to the point
that we have discovered ways to manipulate cognitive powers like memory and
attentiveness. Likely heralding a new generation of lifestyle drugs to aid
ordinary healthy people in over-achieving everyday tasks.
In this course I will define the different forms of memory, teach you the
underlying brain systems and explain how these relate to normal life.
Additionally, we will look at a variety of neurological and psychiatric
diseases such as Schizophrenia, Depression and Alzheimer’s and their roots in
these systems.
This course will culminate in a field trip to the world-renowned Marine
Biological Laboratory (MBL) at Woods Hole,
Students completing this exciting course will gain useful knowledge and insight
into how the brain learns, remembers and forgets. We will also explore the
methods by which memory and learning can be reliably enhanced, gaining
invaluable insight into how to maximize learning and memory potential in study
and life.
Instructor: Dr Andrew P Mallon
Office: 476,
BioMed.
Office Hours: 7am-4pm
Office Phone: 401 315 5979
Email: Andrew_Mallon@brown.edu
(Email is, by far, the
best way to contact me to ensure a speedy response)
Class Hours: TBA
Course Aims:
Students who complete this course will:
1. Understand the psychological and behavioral basis of learning and memory.
2. Learn the underlying biology.
3. Explore the Neurological and Psychiatric diseases of learning and memory.
4. Realize the ways in which learning, memory and cognitive powers can be diminished and enhanced.
Organization of
the course:
Teaching Methods,
Assignments, and Activities
Each class meeting will have a lecture to explain and expand upon the reading assignments as well as a discussion component. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and activities, based on the background reading, primary journal articles and case studies. Lectures will be made available online.
Reading Materials
The background material presented in this course will be covered in the textbook: Learning and Memory: From Brain to Behavior; Gluck, Mercado and Myers. Specific chapters will be assigned.
However, this course will also concentrate on recent scientific and clinical discoveries. Learning and memory is a particularly dynamic area of research, with fascinating new discoveries being made and reported every day.
A detailed handout will be provided for each class including study worksheets.
Class Participation
Your appreciation and understanding of the issues will be strongly enhanced through regular attendance and participation in the class. Students are encouraged to read the assigned text prior to class and come prepared to actively participate in class discussions.
Grading:
Exam 1 25
points
Final exam
40
points
Paper and presentation 25 points
Lab report 10 points total
Paper: 5 pages,
with 10 minute presentation
Experimentation
During the course we will assess the variety of ways that learning and memory have been claimed to be enhanced by researchers, commercial companies and others. We will construct a simple experiment that will test the merit of some of these claims and seek to enhance the mental powers of a test group compared to a control group. This exciting component will also teach the students the very important principles of scientific design and analysis.
Group Presentation
The results of our experiments will form the foundation of group presentations. Students will learn how to present and interpret their results. This will teach students the skills required to communicate observed data and evidence in a compelling way that can withstand cynicism.
Field Trip
The summer course will end with an optional
field trip to the Marine Biological Laboratory at the picturesque seaside
resort town of
