Behavioral Neuroscience
An Introduction to the Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neurosciences
About This Book
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the biological foundations of behavior, covering the structure and function of the nervous system, sensory and motor systems, and the neurobiology of complex behaviors such as learning, memory, emotion, and psychological disorders.
Book Review | Amerbach
Behavioral Neuroscience, 8th Edition, serves as a foundational resource for students exploring the intersection of biological processes and behavioral outcomes. The book is structured to guide readers through the complexities of the nervous system, beginning with fundamental neuroanatomy and neurophysiology before transitioning into the biological mechanisms underlying sensory perception, motor control, and homeostatic regulation. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the neurobiology of complex psychological phenomena, including learning, memory, language, and the biological basis of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The authors employ a clear, pedagogical approach, utilizing illustrative diagrams and case studies to bridge the gap between abstract neurobiological concepts and observable behavior. The scope of the book is broad, ensuring that students gain a holistic understanding of how neural circuits influence human and animal action. By integrating clinical perspectives with basic research findings, the book provides a balanced view of the field, highlighting both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of neuroscientific inquiry. The organization of the material facilitates a logical progression of knowledge, making it suitable for students who may have varying levels of prior exposure to biology or psychology. The inclusion of current research findings ensures that the content remains relevant to contemporary scientific discourse. In the context of academic study, this book functions as a primary reference for undergraduate-level courses, offering a rigorous yet accessible entry point into the discipline. It effectively synthesizes disparate areas of research into a cohesive narrative, providing a solid framework for further study in specialized areas of neuroscience and behavioral science. The Amerbach perspective identifies this book as a standard-setting text that successfully balances technical depth with clarity, making it an essential tool for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the biological determinants of behavior.
Academic Use
Introductory Behavioral Neuroscience courses
Who Is It For?
Undergraduate students in psychology, biology, and neuroscience programs.
Table of Contents
- 1. Behavioral Neuroscience: Scope and Outlook
- 2. Functional Neuroanatomy: The Nervous System and Behavior
- 3. Neurophysiology: The Generation, Transmission, and Integration of Neural Signals
- 4. The Chemistry of Behavior: Neurotransmitters and Neuropharmacology
- 5. Hormones and the Brain
- 6. Evolution of the Brain and Behavior
- 7. Life-Span Development of the Brain and Behavior
- 8. General Principles of Sensory Processing, Touch, and Pain
- 9. Hearing, Vestibular Perception, Taste, and Smell
- 10. Vision: From Eye to Brain
- 11. Motor Control and Plasticity
- 12. Sex: Evolutionary, Hormonal, and Neural Bases
- 13. Memory, Learning, and Development
- 14. Attention and Higher Cognition
- 15. Emotions, Aggression, and Stress
- 16. Psychopathology: Biological Basis of Disorders
- 17. Sleep and Biological Rhythms