Graduate student presentations on selected research topics in molecular and cell biology. Several sections covering different topics offered each semester. Concurrent enrollment in more than one section is permitted. List of topics to be announced before each semester.

This course will examine the ethical, legal, and social issues inherent to modern neuroscience. Neural devices show promise in treating a range of disorders while raising concerns about individuals’ privacy and agency, as well as societal notions of normality and enhancement. Our growing understanding of the brain is challenging legal definitions of criminality by exposing the neurobiological basis of mental states that lead to violent behavior. The use of animal models and organoids in neuroscientific research is forcing us to confront the privileged moral status of humans, the value of sentient life, and the generalizability of knowledge gained from diverse species. Through a discussion of the above topics and more, students will be introduced to emerging issues in the ethics of neuroscience. Support for this course comes from the Kavli Center for Ethics, Science and the Public.

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