This course studies the relationship between behavior and neurochemical changes in the brain. It begins with a detailed study of neurotransmitter systems, drug-receptor interactions, and sources of individual differences in drug response, such as gender and genetics. Special topics include the behavioral consequences of prenatal drug exposure, the role of classical and operant conditioning in the development and maintenance of alcohol and drug abuse, the neural basis of reward, and the interaction between cerebral lateralization and behavioral effects of drugs. Format: lecture, discussion and required empirical project. Requirements: an hour exam, an oral presentation, and a written report of research. This course will have several short writing exercises, and a final minimum 15-page paper that will be submitted in 4 sequential parts with revisions. The emphasis is on learning how to write clear and elegant scientific prose. Prerequisite: Neuroscience 201, Biology 212, or Psychology 212. Enrollment limit: 16 (expected: 16). Priority given to Psychology majors and Neuroscience concentrators. This course is writing intensive. Satisfies one semester of the Division III requirement. Empirical Project