Health, Cognition & Behavior

Gateway Courses:

• For all 200-level and 300-level courses in Biomedical Science: Introduction to Life Science

100-level:

• Functional Anatomy

300-level:

• Pharmacology
• Infection & Immunity
• Mechanisms of Disease

Course descriptions

100-level: Functional Anatomy
Functional Anatomy studies the structures and functions of the human body’s organs and tissues. This course is thought by means of imaging through surface anatomy, endoscopic anatomy, radiological anatomy and scientific drawing. Anatomical study by dissection of human corpses in the dissecting room is, however, also included. Studying anatomy inevitably touches upon an ethical paradox: respect for the human body is taught through objectifying the human body. Moreover, today’s anatomical knowledge is built upon an obscure past and gender, identification, and representation issues still characterize the current anatomic debate. An important part of the course will therefore also be dedicated to making this undercurrent more explicate. This course, at minimum, will meet second year level of the medical curricula at the Dutch Universities.

300-level: Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the science of drugs including their origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use and toxicity. Functioning of the body can be affected by drugs, which act through a variety of molecular mechanisms. Pharmacodynamics and kinetics will be extensively discussed, followed by different aspects of drug use. At the end, students will be able to explain drug therapies in terms of molecular targets, cellular actions and their physiological consequences. They will also be able to suggest targets for drug development based on their newly acquired knowledge and skills.

300-level: Infection & Immunity
Infections and immunity disorders are a continuous threat to our lives. The fundamental processes in immunology (self vs non-self, innate and adaptive immune responses) are crucial for the understanding how the immune system deals with the daily threats. Also knowledge of the highly diverse microbial world is needed. A detailed specific understanding of microbial strategies to circumvent host resistance will be acquired. Basic principles as microbial virulence, inflammatory responses, tissue damage and apoptosis are discussed. The course will also deal with immune processes and diseases.

300-level: Mechanisms of Disease
The defects in molecular and cellular processes that constitute the triggers of specific pathologies are referred to as mechanisms of disease. Research in this area is vital for designing appropriate and effective treatments. In the course you present clinical cases, discuss the underlying disease and the outcome of treatment. Representative cases from gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, cardiac and infectious disease are discussed. You also have to invent an imaginary disease, complete with symptoms, diagnosis, mechanism and treatment.

Gateway Courses:

• For all 200-level and 300-level courses in Clinical Psychology: Introduction to Brain & Behavior

200-level:

• Medical & Health Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology

300-level:

• Developmental Psychology
• Psychodiagnostics & Psychotherapies

Course descriptions

100-level: Brain & Behavior
This 100-level course ‘Introduction to Brain & Behavior’ constitutes the Gateway Course for the Cluster Health, Cognition and Behavior: Units ‘Cognitive Science’ and ‘Clinical Psychology’. In this course you will gain foundational knowledge and essential skills that you will need in intermediate and advanced courses of these units.
In this course, we will look at the various ways in which psychologists and neuroscientists have
approached questions such as: Why do people behave the way they do? Can we predict behavior and mental processes in a particular situation, for example after brain damage? Is it possible to change these behaviors and mental processes? How do nature and nurture interact in the development of how we think, feel and behave? Which areas of the brain serve which function, and how do neurons communicate with each other and with the body?
We will explore these complex and fascinating topics together from a neuroscientific and psychological perspective, learning about functional brain anatomy on a micro and macro scale, research methodologies and tools in the field of Cognitive Science and Clinical Psychology, as well as main psychological theories and the relevance of main clinical skills in Psychology.

200-level: Medical & Health Psychology
How do lifestyle and stress influence our health? What is the impact of medical diagnosis and treatment on patients and their families? What factors may affect the relationship patient–practitioner? How can we help people cope with pain or chronical illness? Medical and Health Psychology is concerned with elements that influence health and illness across the life span, treatment methods and the role of psychological experts in medical settings. The aim is to understand the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence health and illness outcomes.

200-level: Abnormal Psychology​
Abnormal Psychology is about people distressed by life, their relationships, and their position in the social world. It is as much about unusual patterns emotions, thoughts, and behavior, as it is about the scientific battle about definitions what may be considered to be ‘abnormal’.
Within the course we are looking into the contemporary standard diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, and we are dealing with the history of and the political debates within the discipline. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the situation of people in distress.

300-level: Development Psychology
How do we all become unique individuals, with our own personality, different interests, goals, habits, attitudes? Which factors and how do they interplay in each stage of our development during our life? In this course we will explore these and many other questions about human development. The students will acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking and understanding of the main concepts, issues and methods related to the emotional, physical, cognitive and social development throughout the lifespan: from pregnancy to infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older age.

300-level: Psychodiagnostics & Psychotherapies
The course explores the field of Clinical Psychology, focusing on theoretical and practical perspectives in psychodiagnostics and psychotherapies. The student will develop an in-depth understanding of the psychodiagnostic process and treatments of mental health conditions and disorders, by gaining knowledge and skills in psychological assessment (learning to administer and interpret personality tests, clinical interviews, intellectual assessment, etc.), as well as main theories and techniques of psychotherapy (For example, Psychoanalysis, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) in adults and children.

Gateway Courses:

• For all 200-level and 300-level courses in Cognitive Science: Introduction to Brain & Behavior

200-level:

• Neurobiology
• Experimental & Quantitative Methods in Health & Behavioral Sciences

300-level:

• Advanced Cognitive Science: Higher Order Functions
• Advanced Cognitive Science: Research Seminar

Course descriptions

100-level: Brain & Behavior
This 100-level course ‘Introduction to Brain & Behavior’ constitutes the Gateway Course for the Cluster Health, Cognition and Behavior: Units ‘Cognitive Science’ and ‘Clinical Psychology’. In this course you will gain foundational knowledge and essential skills that you will need in intermediate and advanced courses of these units.
In this course, we will look at the various ways in which psychologists and neuroscientists have
approached questions such as: Why do people behave the way they do? Can we predict behavior and mental processes in a particular situation, for example after brain damage? Is it possible to change these behaviors and mental processes? How do nature and nurture interact in the development of how we think, feel and behave? Which areas of the brain serve which function, and how do neurons communicate with each other and with the body?
We will explore these complex and fascinating topics together from a neuroscientific and psychological perspective, learning about functional brain anatomy on a micro and macro scale, research methodologies and tools in the field of Cognitive Science and Clinical Psychology, as well as main psychological theories and the relevance of main clinical skills in Psychology.

200-level: Neurobiology
In this course, the focus will be on the biological aspect of neuroscience. We will practice with experimental techniques in the laboratory, such as cell staining and using a microscope, and compare the (brain) anatomy of different animal species. Next, we discuss the use of animals in neuroscientific research and discuss ethical and welfare implications. We will then focus on evolutionary pressures on animals, resulting in anatomical and behavioral adaptations. Lastly, you will gain a greater understanding of biorhythms and natural behaviors.

200-level: Experimental & Quantitative Methods in Health & Behavioral Sciences
The course is necessary for students who want to pursue master programs in psychology and adjacent disciplines, as well as research masters in the medical domain. It is highly recommended also for all those who want to be researchers, whether in data science, business analytics, market research, political science, or sociology. In addition to technical training, the course emphasizes clear academic communication through structured report writing that adheres to established guidelines. By progressing from fundamental concepts to more sophisticated analytical strategies, students are thoroughly prepared for advanced studies and research careers.

The course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to apply advanced statistical techniques to real-world research problems. The course covers topics such as linear regression, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis, and analysis of (co)variance, as well as several non-parametric methods. With a focus on practical application through case studies and data analysis projects, students develop the ability to choose the appropriate statistical model for various research scenarios and address common challenges in data interpretation.

300-level: Advanced Cognitive Science: Higher Order Functions
The course builds upon the knowledge gained in the introductory course in Cognitive Science. It will deepen your knowledge of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. In addition, your knowledge of experimental approaches in the field of cognitive neuroscience will be enhanced; such that you become able to evaluate research findings and to design your own experiments. A selected number of higher order cognitive processes will be dealt with, including memory, emotion, social cognition, attention, consciousness, decision making and planning. Psychopharmacology will also be addressed, in which we will briefly look at how drugs (medical and illicit) interact with the body and the brain. We will approach these topics from both neuroscientific and psychological perspectives, trying to understand the mechanisms behind certain processes, behaviors and deficits. We will be interpreting scientific findings around these topics based on experimental set-ups and their outcomes. In addition to established knowledge, current research questions will be discussed in depth.

Gateway Courses:

• For all 200-level and 300-level courses in Life Science: Introduction to Life Science

200-level:

• Molecular Cell Biology
• Human Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Life Science Laboratory

300-level:

• Molecular Pathology & Genetics

Course descriptions

100-level: Introduction to Life Science
This course introduces the fundamental characteristics of life on earth: The Cell as Unit of Life, Basic Molecular Biology, and Cellular Physiology and Communication. All biological life is composed of cells that are the basic building blocks of life. Cells take in energy and nutrients from their environment and convert it to biologically useful forms. Genetic information, i.e. nucleic acids that encode all cellular activities, is transmitted from one generation to the next. Mutations and recombination of genes, cause variation that enables evolution by natural selection.

200-level: Molecular Cell Biology
New discoveries and advancements in scientific research are proposed everyday. It can be overwhelming to keep up. This course provides the foundation for students to understand a vast array of practical applications in a multitude of life science topics. In this course students take a closer look at cell biology through five themes: Cellular chemistry and components, Genomes, Cellular dynamics (transport and signaling), Cell fates and Research methods. This course is open to any student that has successfully completed the Introduction to Life Science course.

200-level: Human Physiology
Physiology is the study of normal functioning of living organisms and its component parts, including all its chemical and physical processes. The focus is on the normal function of the adult human body and its different organ systems. Knowledge of the subject is essential for students with a (bio)medical interest and recommended for every student interested in their own body. To understand the fundamental concepts of bodily functions, the course is divided in 4 units: 1. Basic cell processes, 2. Homeostasis and control, 3. Integration of function, and 4. Metabolism, growth, and aging.

200-level: Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the chemistry of life, chemistry being the basic science underlying biology. Although all organisms on our planet can vary enormously in complexity and biological properties, the same major bio-molecules are used as are many of the same or similar metabolic pathways. Thus biochemical knowledge is essential for understanding the molecular biology of cells, diseases and developing new bio-technologies. This course is recommended for pre-medical students or any curious science student wanting a deeper understanding of the chemistry of life.

200-level: Life Science Laboratory
This course is designed for a broad group of UCR student interested in life sciences. This course provides an introduction to the biochemical and molecular laboratory work performed in most labs today, and hence is a highly recommended course for all life science and medical track students. The students will be introduced to the following themes: Blood, Protein, Bacteria (identification and hygiene), DNA, and Bioinformatics. These themes are characteristic or representative of clinical and biomedical research. Additional clinical diagnostic themes are added whenever there is an opportunity.

300-level: Molecular Pathology & Genetics
This course comprises of selected topics from general and molecular pathology and human (molecular) genetics.  This includes cell injury and cell death, acute and chronic inflammation, tissue repair, regeneration and fibrosis, hemodynamic disorders and  thrombosis, diseases of immunity, general pathology of infectious diseases, neoplasia, chromosome structure and function, genes in pedigrees and populations, human gene expression, functional genomics, instability of the human genome, genetic mapping of Mendelian characters, identification of human disease genes and molecular pathology from genes to diseases.