Basic survival depends on the brain's regulation of fundamental behaviors and physiological pathways, such as drinking, eating, digestion, thermoregulation, breathing, and cardiovascular function. How do the brain and body communicate with each other to achieve homeostasis under different physiological states, and what goes awry in disease? How have species adapted to thrive in challenging environments, such as extreme temperatures and resource scarcity? In this advanced seminar, students will take a deep dive into the exciting research taking place at the brain-body interface. We will explore the main components of the peripheral nervous system, such as the vagus nerve and the dorsal root ganglia, that act as gatekeepers into our internal and external sensory worlds. We will also explore pathways within the central nervous system that regulate our basic bodily functions. By reading primary literature and review papers and participating in in-class discussions, students will gain deep knowledge of this burgeoning field of neuroscience. Through short written assignments and oral presentations on topics of their choosing, students will gain practical skills in scientific scholarship and communication. |