Fundamentals of Behavioral Neuroscience Behavioral neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that combines approaches and knowledge from psychology, biology, and chemistry to further our understanding of human and non-human animal behavior.   In this course, you will study the interrelationships among elements of the nervous systems, co-functioning bodily systems, and behavioral output such as emotions, sex, memory, consciousness, sleep, and language.  You will be given an opportunity to  apply your knowledge from NSCI 0251 of the nervous system at the micro and macro levels and will revisit the basic concepts of behavioral genetics and psychopharmacology.  This cumulative knowledge base will serve as your foundation for advanced study of neural systems and their relative roles in progressively more complex behaviors such as basic reflexes, motivation, rational thought, neural disorders, and therapeutic efficacy.

Psychological Statistics This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application and interpretation of statistics in psychological empirical research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical analyses.

Genes, Brain, and Behavior What we experience—and how we experience it—is influenced by our unique combination of genes. For better or worse, the gene variants we inherit from our parents contribute to our predispositions to psychological disorders, our personalities, and even the way in which we perceive the world around us. To be clear, anything that you can do or think is in some way influenced by your genes. However, this statement comes with a large caveat: except in the case of (relatively) rare single gene mutations, your genes do not determine but rather contribute to who you are. Working within the field of behavior genetics, we will cover topics such as social behavior, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, language, intelligence, and psychopathology.

Introduction to Psychology  This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Behavioral Genetics Why are some people shy while other people are very outgoing?  Why do some people do well at school while others struggle just to pass?  This course examines the roles that genes and the environment play in creating individual differences among us humans. In order to answer these questions, this course will cover topics including molecular genetics, Mendelian genetics, metabolic disorders, chromosomal disorders, linkage and association designs, and the genetics of complex disorders. (PSYC 0226 or BIOL 0145 or NSCI 0251; Open to psychology or neuroscience majors only, others by approval) 3 hrs lect.

Clarissa Parker

Reviews and ratings for Clarissa Parker at Middlebury College.Clarissa Parker teaches Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychological Statistics, Genes, Brain, Behavior and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Clarissa Parker good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Although her exams are detailed, her grading is fair. If you read the textbook and paid attention to her lectures, all the answers are there. However, you will need to dedicate many hours to studying the material. She really encourages partner and group work, so a few big assignments involved group work. She also provides a few extra credit opportunities. 

I loved Professor Parker's teaching style so much that I decided to beg her to be my advisor. I was going through it mentally and she was really helpful. She does not make me feel stupid which is great when you have questions to ask. You also just get the feel that she wants to help all her students do well and I love her for that. 

Professor Parker was happy to meet outside of class and answer questions and she was very organized. However, she was pretty intense and the exams covered a lot of material with what felt like random details from class (rather than broader concepts). I think the class is hard with any teacher though, so I recommend her/ 