Essentials of Neural Science and Behavior

Book excerpt: This textbook presents the fundamental principles of neuroscience and its effect on behavior. Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Topics will include: principles of brain organization; structure and ultrastructure of neurons; neurophysiology and biophysics of excitable cells; synaptic transmission; neurotransmitter systems and neurochemistry; molecular biology of neurons; development and plasticity of the brain; aging and diseases of the nervous system; organization of sensory and motor systems; structure and function of cerebral cortex; modeling of neural systems. It also examines such topics as mammalian sensory, motor, regulatory, and motivational mechanisms involved in the control of behavior, and higher mental processes such as those involved in language and memory.