Biological Sciences

This course defines how endocrine and brain circuits control sexual, affiliative, and aggressive behavior. Students are introduced to comparative examples from the animal kingdom and underlying genetic mechanisms, as well as neuroendocrine circuits and peptide relays in the brain. Where possible, examples are drawn from the medical literature to indicate the common nature of these processes in our own species, and governing our behavior.

Aquatic environments make up more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. They host a huge diversity of life and ecosystems, many of which are vital to man. Topics covered in this module include diversity and ecology of freshwater and marine habitats and organisms, the impacts of humans on these environments, and the conservation and management of these critical resources. Overall learning outcomes include an appreciation and understanding of aquatic habitats, their physical and biological properties and their associated ecosystems. The importance of both marine and freshwater environments to Singapore will be highlighted.

This course provides an overview of imaging methods for the characterization of biological objects at scales ranging from micron to nanometer (light microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, near-field microscopy) in connection with academic and industrial research. The course covers image analysis and 3D reconstruction.

This course includes electrophysiological recordings (patch-clamp recordings) of neurons in acute brain slices from mice. The basic properties of neurons and their synaptic connections are analyzed. The patch-clamp technique (current and voltage-clamp), neuropharmacology, and stimulation protocols for long-term changes in synapses are taught as methods. Programs such as IGOR are used for the quantitative analysis of the data. In the accompanying seminar, the students present their own project and other relevant publications.

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the functional architecture of the brain. While cognitive science has traditionally restricted itself to describing human and animal behavior at the functional level, neuroscience has focused on the understanding of biological processes and neuroanatomical substrates. As the brain is such a complex organ, cognitive neuroscience is inherently multi-disciplinary. Therefore, the course works towards an integrated understanding of information theory, cognition, neurobiology, and anatomy. This course provides in-depth coverage of two main research areas in cognitive neuroscience: perception and higher cognition. The course examines the neurobiological aspects of human behavior by focusing on neurological patients, non-invasive brain imaging techniques, and animal models where the underlying neurobiology is better understood than in humans.

This is a course about the study of birds that covers the classification, evolution, physiology, behavior, ecology, research methods, conservation and management issues of birds. The course introduces the birds of Taiwan and issues surrounding their conservation. Classes include lectures, video viewings, and discussion of current events. The course also requires at least one bird watching trip. Text: F.B. Gill, ORNITHOLOGY. Assessment: midterm, final exam, field trip participation, in class participation.