Course Information

New Courses

New section: PSYC 315 | Introduction to Human Neuropsychology. FALL 2011

An introduction to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as related to human and animal brain function and behaviour. Consideration of the contributions of neurology, experimental and clinical neuropsychology to the understanding of normal cognitive and affective functioning and of disturbances resulting from brain damage in selected areas.

Psyc 491 | Special Topics Seminar on the Neuroscience of Meditation

This fall, come join Dr. Colette Smart in her new Psyc 491 Special Topics Seminar on the Neuroscience of Meditation. In this seminar we will explore the rapidly developing field of “contemplative neuroscience”, or the scientific study of how meditative practices impact brain-behavior relationships. We will explore the reasons why it is scientifically interesting to study expert meditators, what they can tell us about neuroplasticity and maintenance of brain health, and how meditation-based interventions might be used clinically to improve cognition and enhance personality, health and well-being. This course will be of particular interest to students with an interest in human neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, and psychology of emotion, and how these topics interface with discussions of philosophy and spirituality. In the class students will also have an opportunity to learn some meditative practices for themselves, allowing them to explore the “laboratory between their ears”, in the words of the cognitive neuroscientist Francisco Varela. As this is a fourth-year seminar, enrolment is limited to 25 students, and Psyc 315 (Human Neuropsychology) or some closely equivalent class is a required prerequisite for admission. Please contact Dr. Smart at csmart@uvic.ca if you have questions or would like more information.

Aging Explored Through Film: how we live and understand our lives

How is the journey through later life depicted in modern films? How do these portrayals relate to the scientific data available on aging and development? Dr. Holly Tuokko, Director, Centre on Aging, will introduce students to contemporary views on aging and later life from multiple theoretical and interdisciplinary scientific perspectives. Film, more than other contemporary mediums, offers portrayals of later life in a breadth of social contexts and offers alternatives to the now-outdated views of aging and decline.

For further details, please refer to the detailed course description or visit the Centre on Aging.

The course is offered as a Psych 391 A03, Geog 391 A03, and Soci 390 A01 class in the UVic calendar. Spring 2012 Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., room TBA