This course aims to provide you with a basic understanding of how the vertebrate brain is organized. The course begins with an overview of the basic organization of the vertebrate brain, associated vasculature and the peripheral nervous system. The anatomy of several major brain regions will then be examined in further detail followed by the functional organization of the sensory systems. Although the focus will be on the anatomy of the mammalian brain, comparisons will also be drawn with other vertebrates in order to provide a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the brain.

This advanced course explores the link between the nervous system and natural behaviours across a wide range of species. Some of the examples to be covered include: bats, weakly electric fish, owls, songbirds, voles, locusts and moles. We will explore these non-traditional animal models and how they are used in neuroscience to better understand fundamental principles of brain function and the evolution of the brain. Students should have a background in neuroscience or animal behaviour.