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.

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.

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. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors, others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken  MATH 0116 (aka STAT 0116) or STAT 0201 or ECON 0210)

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.

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, Introduction To Psychology, Psychological Statistics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Clarissa Parker good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I enjoyed this course with Parker. NSCI 252 is a hard class but Parker wanted everyone to succeeded and do their best. She is very accommodating and her lectures are very informative. I would take another course with parker!

Clarissa is an amazing professor! She provides potential questions before exams, so it was very helpful to study from that. The content material is difficult, but it's expected for a 252 neuro class. 

I don't have a lot to say about this class as it's a pretty basic stats course but with examples from psychology research. I really enjoyed taking it with professor Parker as she is a very good professor and takes time to make sure everyone understands the content before moving on. she gives lots of practice time on class too. 