Neurotechnology and Society Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) comprise a suite of techniques designed to connect our thoughts with modern technology. These miraculous tools are creating new opportunities for people with physical disabilities and providing scientists with an unprecedented view into the deep workings of human cognition. In this course, we will explore different types of BMIs and investigate their research, clinical, and consumer applications. We will also discuss new legal and ethical considerations around these technologies. For example, who owns your brain activity pattern once it leaves your head? Can we and should we use information from BMIs to create non-biological machine intelligence? If BMIs are a route to superhuman enhancement, as some parties view them, what are the implications for a society where some people have augmented brain function and others do not?

Pioneers of the Brain The field of neuroscience emerged from the collective efforts of anatomists, physiologists, chemists, and psychologists all striving to understand the immense complexity of the nervous system. In this course we will investigate a selection of pioneering researchers in the history of neuroscience, focusing especially from the mid-19th century to the present day. Utilizing a historical framework, we will examine their hypotheses, methodologies, conclusions, and how their work was received (or derided) by contemporaries. Topics will range from molecular mechanisms of neuronal function to animal behavior. BIOL 0145 or PSYC 0105; open to non-seniors only, others by approval)

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.

Neurodevelopment The generation of the nervous system is an intricate, stepwise process involving the coordinated action of progenitor cells, organizing centers, and signaling pathways. Drawing examples from vertebrate and invertebrate neurodevelopment, we will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in generating a healthy, functioning nervous system. Topics will range from early embryonic events (neural induction, patterning) through mid-gestation (neurogenesis, gliogenesis) and later stage processes (axon guidance, synaptogenesis). Students will also gain an appreciation for the emerging role of activity-dependent plasticity in neurodevelopment and how developmental processes become compromised in disease.

Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurons are the building blocks of complex circuits that underlie perception and behavior. In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular basis of neuron structure and function. The topics include the molecular and cellular basis of action potential propagation, the molecular biology of synaptic transmission, the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, and the molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction. Laboratory exercises will train students in commonly used neurobiology techniques and engage students in novel investigations. (BIOL 0145 (Note: AP credit in biology cannot be used to satisfy this requirement) Open to neuroscience majors, non-majors and seniors by waiver).

Clinton Cave

Reviews and ratings for Clinton Cave at Middlebury College.Clinton Cave teaches Neurotechnology & Society, Pioneers of the Brain, Behavioral Neuroscience and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Clinton Cave good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Cave is very engaging and accommodating. One of the classes is more lecture-based, where Professor Cave introduces new information and provides academic readings for us to explore. The other class is more like a book journal or discussion-based course. Each student is assigned a graph or figure from the readings and is responsible for explaining it to the class. Overall, the class was pretty relaxed and manageable, but I feel like I didn’t learn as much as I had hoped.


Very fun class. Loved the style of presentations which required creative formats and good collaboration with lab partners. The labs in particular were my favorite part. Small groups, simple but very formative projects. Lecture content was overall interesting, however neuro 252 picks up on more of the neurobiology that isn't discussed in neuro 251. 

I really enjoyed this course taught by Professor Dave. I really enjoyed the group work we did. in class. I think this is a good class to get a sense of neuroscience and how we got to where we are at. Prof. Dave was a really good lecturer. would recommend. 