Comparative Physiology Of Social Interaction

AY2016/2017 Semester 1

This course provides graduate students with an advanced introduction to empirical findings, methods, and theoretical perspectives from the field of social interaction using a comparative physiology approach. The main purpose of this course is for students to acquire knowledge and skills in the field of physiology across mammalian species of the regulatory system that mediate the social interaction. A secondary aim of the course is for students to develop their critical appraisal of how early social interaction between infants and their caregiver influence typical and atypical development in humans. Topics will include: (i) research methods in comparative physiology; (ii) historical precursors: Lorenz, Harlow & Bowlby; (iii) parenting in mammalian species; (iv) neural and hormonal basis of social interaction; (v) how early social interaction influence typical and atypical development (case studies on Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Postnatal Maternal Depression); (vi) technological applications to enhance and monitor social interactions.