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Neuropsychophysiology / Nervous System Functions in Psychophysiology

50 hours of CE credit, $550

At home learning format based on audiovisual CD lectures and readings. You can start anytime and work with the instructor via e-mail.

Instructor: Gerald P. Kozlowski, Ph.D., EEG-BCIA

Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in general biology. It is easier if you have had an introductory neurofeedback course as well.

Concept: This course covers central and peripheral nervous system anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on nervous system pathophysiology, case studies and assessments. The brain/spinal cord is discussed from both anatomical and physiological perspectives concentrating on plasticity in response to changes in the external and internal environment as well as viewing the system as an interactive organ with hormonal, nerve based, and blood flow based feedback and control systems. Current theories of memory formation and change with time and emotions are emphasized as are effects of emotions and the environment on brain function. Psychophysiological recording methodology including EEG and scans such as MEG and PET are examined in relation to their uses in behavioral medicine. Neurological disorders centered on the CNS (such as epilepsy) are discussed in relationship to psychophysiological evaluations and behavioral interventions. The anatomy and physiology of the autonomic and somatic branches of the peripheral nervous system are discussed to provide a basic understanding how the system works in relationship with the whole body's function and health. Emphasis is on the ever-changing balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic portions of the autonomic nervous system which alters functions of nerves, glands, and muscles which can be trained to achieve a balanced life. This is an advanced level course that builds on previous, more basic courses that have led up this, more complete, study of the central nervous system and its role in determining normal and abnormal behavior, as well as the role of the clinician in assessing and treating abnormal behaviors.

Objectives:

1. To provide clients with a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the CNS and PNS relevant to their professional duties.
2. To describe the dynamic nature of neuronal systems: e.g. sensory, motor, auditory, visual, etc.
3. To explain the basis of the symptoms that result from trauma and disease.
4. To present and describe some of the most recent advances in the neurosciences and future directions in research.

Required Text:
Kolb B and IQ Whishaw, Fundamentals of Neuropsychology. 5th ed., 2003, Worth Publishers, NY. ISBN: 0-7167-5300-6

Format: The course first begins with a discussion between the student and instructor via phone. For the instructor, it will be useful to know the student’s background and intended goal for taking the course, as well as a discussion of the students computer capabilities. The course is divided into 12 units that follow the sequence of chapters in the book. There are usually 2 chapters per unit. After reading each unit, 1 essay question will be asked per unit. The essays are assigned topics from the instructor and the student is expected to provide their answer within the equivalent of 2-3 typewritten pages. Here, conciseness counts. The essay is sent by email to the instructor and comments are returned to the student. Discussion of the essay and instructor comments will be by phone or e-mail. Most teaching will occur by 1) reading the book carefully, 2) discussing the content of each unit with the instructor, 3) writing the 12 essays assigned and, 4) writing a 5 page research proposal on any of the areas touched on during the progress of the course.

Topic Outline:

1. Part I, Background: Chap 1 (The Development of Neuropsychology) and Chap 2 (Origins of the Human Brain and Behavior)
2. Chap 3 (Organization of the Nervous System) and Chap 4 (The Structure and Electrical Activity of Neurons)
3. Chap 5 ( Communication Between Neurons), Chap 6 (The Influence of Drugs on Behavior) and Chap 7 (Imaging the Brain’s Activity)
4. Part II, Cortical Organization: Chap 8 (Orgainzation of the Sensory Systems) and Chap 9 Organization of the Motor Sytem).
5. Chap 10 (Principles of Neocortical Function), Chap 11 (Cerebral Asymmetry) and Chap 12 (Variations in Cerebral Asymmetry)
6. Part III, Cortical Functions: Chap 13 (The Occipital Lobes), Chap 14 (The Parietal Lobes) and Chap 15 (The Temporal Lobes)
7. Chap 16 (The Frontal Lobes) and Chap 17 (Disconnection Sydromes)
8. Part IV, Higher Functions: Chap 18 (Memory), Chap 19 (The Origins of Language) and Chap 20 (Emotion)
9. Chap 21 (Spatial Behavior) and Chap 22 (Attention, Mental Images and Consciousness)
10. Part V, Plasticity and Disorders: Chap 23 (Brain Development and Plasticity), Chap 24 (Developmental Disorders) and Chap 25 (Plasticity, Recovery, and Rehabilitation of the Adult Brain)
11. Chap 26 (Neurological Disorders) and Chap 27 (Psychiatric and Related Disorders)
12. Chap 28 (Neuropsychological Assessment)

NOTE: For more information about the class, you can go to the course web site http://gpkozlowski.com.

Faculty: The course is taught by Gerald Kozlowski, PhD. Dr. Kozlowski received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1970. His work history includes Physiology; Teaching Fellow, University of Rochester (1971 – 1973); Assistant and Associate Professor of Anatomy & Physiology, Colorado State University (1973 – 1976); Associate Professor of Anatomy & Physiology & Biophysics, Colorado State University (1976 – 1978); Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston (1978 – 1980); Associate Professor of Physiology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (1980 – 1998); Full Faculty Member, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School (1980 – 1998); Senior Lecturer of Department of Cognition and Neurosciences, University of Texas at Dallas (1998 – current). Dr. Kozlowski publishes widely in applied psychophysiology.

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