Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience

Preface

Online resources

1. Nervous systems

2. How neurons work

3. Sensory systems

4. Movement

5. Sleep-waking and circadian rhythms

6. Hunger

7. Sex

8. Brain development and plasticity

9. Long-term learning and memory

10. Attention and working memory

11. Reward, reinforcement, and addiction

12. Stress, fear and anxiety

13. Neuropathology in neurology and psychiatry

14. Higher cognitive function

Index

How does brain activity give rise to sleep, dreams, learning, memory, and language? Do drugs like cocaine and heroin tap into the same neurochemical systems that evolved for life's natural rewards? What are the powerful new tools of molecular biology that are revolutionizing neuroscience? This undergraduate textbook explores the relation between brain, mind, and behavior. It clears away the extraneous detail that so often impedes learning, and describes critical concepts step by step, in straightforward language. Rich illustrations and thought-provoking review questions further illuminate the relations between biological, behavioral, and mental phenomena. With writing that is focused and engaging, even the more challenging topics of neurotransmission and neuroplasticity become enjoyable to learn. While this textbook filters out non-critical details, it includes all key information, allowing readers to remain focused and enjoy the feeling of mastery that comes from a grounded understanding of a topic, from its fundamentals to its implications.

 

• Uses clear and conversational language to make even the challenging topics of neural plasticity and neurotransmission easy to understand
• Introduces cutting edge techniques such as optogenetics and epigenetics through the use of compelling example studies
• Creative thinking questions at the end of each chapter prompt reflection upon key concepts and their implications
• Focuses learning through Review Questions and a summary of Critical Concepts after each section of each chapter

 

 

Reviews & endorsements

'Horvitz and Jacobs have written a comprehensive text which covers both classical and recent findings. The book is clearly written and beautifully illustrated. This will be a great undergraduate text.' Professor Donald Pfaff, Rockefeller University

 

'This book is for the scientifically curious, accessible to nonscientists and fascinating for all. Horvitz and Jacobs explore the science of the mind, brain, and behavior by first providing a basic understanding of how neurons work, and then cleverly illustrate functions of the nervous system – how they relate to daily life, and how they are altered in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders.' Professor B. J. Casey, Yale University

 

'This textbook achieves the remarkable feat of bridging the brain, mind, and behavior from animals to humans to patients in a way that is comprehensive, offering a clear understanding of the broader picture of the wide field of neuroscience, whilst also being rich in depth of detail and presenting many state-of-the-art research findings. It is a true delight to read and will be a real asset to any student or expert of neuroscience alike.' Dr. Karen D. Ersche, University of Cambridge

 

'This textbook strikes a great balance between the big picture and the details that support the big picture. The authors have achieved their important goal of focusing on principles and concepts. Interesting images, key concepts, and reminders of the big picture will keep both introductory and advanced students engaged in the material.' Professor Angela J. Grippo, Northern Illinois University

 

'This is a beautifully illustrated book that will be the spark for many a student's fascination with how the brain underpins behavior and cognition. Its great achievement is how it manages to collate such a wide range of material – from neurons and neurotransmission to memory and language, from early descriptions of mental processes to cutting-edge techniques to measure and manipulate brain activity – without ever compromising clarity.' Dr. Mark Walton, University of Oxford

 

'A Behavioral Neuro textbook that is truly reader-friendly! Horvitz and Jacobs have exceeded their goal of thoroughly explaining brain and behavior without the extra encyclopedia-style detail. The consistently conversational tone and big-picture examples are as accessible as the colorful, modern figures. Students will be encouraged and engaged by this comprehensive yet legible text.' Professor Lisa Payne, Rutgers University

 

'Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience sets a new standard for readability in a textbook. The authors tell a story in each chapter with compelling examples. The book introduces technical terms as they are needed, with clear definitions in understandable language. Students thus learn the concepts and vocabulary in a meaningful context. This makes it much easier for students on first learning, and much easier to remember. The learning is aided by beautiful illustrations that distill concepts and experimental findings down to the important intellectual point. The organization of the book is so clear that, if there is a topic that you want to add or cover in greater depth, the modification should be seamless. The authors are to be congratulated on creating a truly superb teaching device.' Professor Peter Balsam, Columbia University

 

'Horvitz and Jacobs set the stage well in the first two chapters, providing the essentials of brain structure and neural function that allow students to explore the core biopsychological processes that are presented in later chapters (such as topics that range from the basics of movement and sensing the world to higher cognitive function). By stripping away non-essential details, the authors provide a readable and engaging text for students.' Professor Cindy J. Lahar, University of South Carolina–Beaufort

 

AUTHORS

Jon C. Horvitz, City College, City University of New York

Jon C. Horvitz grew up in Philadelphia, and graduated from Haverford College before receiving his PhD in Psychology at the University of Calfornia, Santa Barbara. After post-doctoral work in neuroscience at Princeton University, he was a professor of psychology at Columbia University, Boston College, and now City College of New York/CUNY. A passionate teacher who enjoys finding ways to excite his students, his brain–mind courses have won many accolades. His research examines brain circuits underlying natural and drug rewards, and he has been a grant reviewer for the National Institute on Drug Abuse. He loves to play jazz piano. He and his wife regularly travel to Spain to visit her family.

 

Barry L. Jacobs, Princeton University

Barry L. Jacobs was a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Princeton University. He taught one of the university's most popular courses, 'The Brain: A User's Guide', and was a leading researcher in the areas of serotonin, sleep, and depression. He grew up in Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois–Chicago, and received his doctorate in psychology from the University of California–Los Angeles. He was a postdoctoral fellow in the psychiatry department at Stanford University Medical School before coming to Princeton. He has taken joy in being a mentor to many young neuroscientists throughout the world.