HD 4660

Psychobiology of Temperament and Personality

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Seminar oriented to students planning to enter either a Ph.D. program in biological aspects of psychology or an M.D. program. It relies on basic research literature that requires detailed studying. The development of neurobehavioral systems as a means of adapting to critical stimuli has formed the basis of emotional systems in humans, and individual differences in these systems form the basis of temperament and personality. The nature of temperament and personality is explored from psychometric, experiential, genetic, and neurobiological points of view. There is a focus on the general role played by the biogenic amines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), neuropeptides (corticotrophin releasing hormone, opiates, oxytocin), genetic polymorphisms in these neuromodulators, and early experience in determining individual differences in temperament and personality. The manner in which these biological factors influence the encoding of experience is explored as the basis of stability in personality traits.

When Offered Fall.

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: 20 students.
Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: HD 3660.

View Enrollment Information