Günther K.H. Zupanc Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02466, U.S.A. Teaching Successfully “Neurobiology and Behavior” by Employment of an Integrative and Interdisciplinary Approach Abstract: The option “Neurobiology and Behaviour” of the IB Biology curriculum is commonly met with great interest by the students, but due to the complexity of the subject and the interdisciplinary nature of the underlying scientific disciplines it is one of the most challenging topics to teach. The learning purpose of this workshop is to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage this challenge by integrating theory, teacher demonstrations, lab sessions, and student presentations. Furthermore, together with the instructor the participants will explore ways of how to cross-link neurobiological and neuroethological concepts with some of the core ideas of other IB curricula, particularly those of physics; and how to capitalize on some of the exciting discoveries made in the neurosciences to develop suitable Theory of Knowledge topics. The format of the workshop will include short lectures, hands-on experiments, and group discussions. In addition, the participants will receive handouts and access to PowerPoint slides for the teaching of the “Neurobiology and Behaviour” module, which will enable them to apply immediately what they have learned as part of the workshop to the teaching of their own classes. Instructor Biosketch: Günther K.H. Zupanc is Professor of Biology at Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (U.S.A.).He graduated in Biology and Physics from the University of Regensburg (Germany). He received his Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the University of California, San Diego (U.S.A.) and his Habilitation (Dr. rer nat. habil.) in Animal Physiology from the University of Tübingen (Germany). After working as a Research Biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, Zupanc headed a Junior Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen, Germany, and he was on the faculty of the University of Manchester (U.K.) and of the International University Bremen (Germany). His research focuses on neural plasticity in the adult brain, and on its relevance to plastic changes in behaviour. Professor Zupanc has taught lecture and laboratory courses at both the undergraduate and the graduate level to numerous students in the U.S.A. and in Europe. His book Behavioral Neurobiology: Integrative Approach (Oxford University Press) is currently the most frequently adopted text for teaching behavioral neurobiology classes in the world. In recognition of his research and teaching, and of his contributions to the public understanding of science, he has received many awards.
Gnther K.H. Zupanc Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of
Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02466, U.S.A. Teaching
Successfully Neurobiology and Behavior by Employment of an
Integrative and Interdisciplinary ApproachAbstract: The option
Neurobiology and Behaviour of the IB Biology curriculum is commonly
met with great interest by the students, but due to the complexity
of the subject and the interdisciplinary nature of the underlying
scientific disciplines it is one of the most challenging topics to
teach. The learning purpose of this workshop is to equip the
participants with the knowledge and skills required to successfully
manage this challenge by integrating theory, teacher
demonstrations, lab sessions, and student presentations.
Furthermore, together with the instructor the participants will
explore ways of how to cross-link neurobiological and
neuroethological concepts with some of the core ideas of other IB
curricula, particularly those of physics; and how to capitalize on
some of the exciting discoveries made in the neurosciences to
develop suitable Theory of Knowledge topics. The format of the
workshop will include short lectures, hands-on experiments, and
group discussions. In addition, the participants will receive
handouts and access to PowerPoint slides for the teaching of the
Neurobiology and Behaviour module, which will enable them to apply
immediately what they have learned as part of the workshop to the
teaching of their own classes. Instructor Biosketch: Gnther K.H.
Zupanc is Professor of Biology at Northeastern University, Boston,
Massachusetts (U.S.A.).He graduated in Biology and Physics from the
University of Regensburg (Germany). He received his Ph.D. in
Neurosciences from the University of California, San Diego (U.S.A.)
and his Habilitation (Dr. rer nat. habil.) in Animal Physiology
from the University of Tbingen (Germany). After working as a
Research Biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La
J olla, California, Zupanc headed a J unior Research Group at the
Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tbingen, Germany,
and he was on the faculty of the University of Manchester (U.K.)
and of the International University Bremen (Germany). His research
focuses on neural plasticity in the adult brain, and on its
relevance to plastic changes in behaviour. Professor Zupanc has
taught lecture and laboratory courses at both the undergraduate and
the graduate level to numerous students in the U.S.A. and in
Europe. His book Behavioral Neurobiology: Integrative Approach
(Oxford University Press) is currently the most frequently adopted
text for teaching behavioral neurobiology classes in the world. In
recognition of his research and teaching, and of his contributions
to the public understanding of science, he has received many
awards.
