The Sensory Brain
| Science Course | |
|---|---|
| Course Code | BSEN |
| Year Opened | 2001 |
| Sites Offered | ALE, CGV, GIL, HKY, LOS, SAN, SFD, SRF, |
| Previously Offered | CHS, SPE |
Course Description
From the CTY Course Catalog] (2023):
How can cats see in the dark? How can snakes smell with their tongues? How do optical illusions “trick” the brain? You’ll answer these questions while exploring the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the way different organisms’ brains process sensory information in order to experience their surroundings. You’ll learn about sensory abilities that humans don’t have, like electric organs and sonar navigation. In the lab, you and your classmates will dissect organs like a sheep’s brain and a cow’s eye to explore how senses relate to functionality. You’ll discover how the structure of the ear impacts sound location, balance, and hearing loss, and test reflexes to examine conduction of nerve impulses. After getting to know the structure and function of healthy systems, you’ll explore examples of disorders and deficiencies. Throughout this course, you’ll employ the scientific method by hypothesizing, collecting data, and answering fascinating questions about sensation, perception, and the brain.
