Neurobiology

1. Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology
   1. Mechanisms of Learning and Memory
      1. Types of Memory
         1. Short-term Memory
            1. Characteristics and Function
            2. Neural Substrates
         2. Long-term Memory
            1. Mechanisms of Consolidation
            2. Role of the Temporal Lobes
         3. Working Memory
            1. Interaction with Attention
            2. Prefrontal Cortex Involvement
      2. Molecular Basis of Memory
         1. Synaptic Plasticity
            1. Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
            2. Long-Term Depression (LTD)
         2. Role of NMDA and AMPA Receptors
         3. CREB and Gene Expression
      3. Neural Circuits of Memory
         1. Hippocampal Function
            1. Spatial and Contextual Memory
            2. Pattern Separation and Completion
         2. Role of the Amygdala
            1. Emotional Memory
            2. Fear Conditioning
         3. Cortico-Striatal Loops
            1. Procedural Learning
            2. Habit Formation
   2. Emotion and Motivation
      1. Neural Basis of Emotions
         1. Limbic System
            1. Amygdala’s Role
            2. Prefrontal Cortex Regulation
         2. Neurotransmitters in Emotional Processing
            1. Serotonin and Emotional Balance
            2. Dopamine and Mood
      2. Reward Systems
         1. Mesolimbic Pathway
            1. Dopaminergic Projections
            2. Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)
         2. Reinforcement Learning
            1. Reward Prediction Error
            2. Role in Addiction and Habituation
      3. Stress and Arousal
         1. HPA Axis and Cortisol Function
         2. Acute vs Chronic Stress Responses
         3. Effects on Memory and Behavior
   3. Consciousness and Awareness
      1. Neural Correlates of Consciousness
         1. Brain Networks Involved
            1. Default Mode Network (DMN)
            2. Thalamocortical Loops
         2. Functional Connectivity
            1. Coherence and Synchrony in Conscious States
      2. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
         1. Stages of Sleep
            1. REM vs Non-REM Sleep
            2. Functions in Memory Consolidation
         2. Neural Oscillations
            1. Alpha, Beta, and Delta Waves
            2. Circadian Regulation and Light Influence
         3. Role of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
   4. Cognitive Functions and Disorders
      1. Attention and Executive Function
         1. Frontal Lobe Involvement
         2. Attention Networks
            1. Dorsal and Ventral Streams
      2. Language and Communication
         1. Broca’s and Wernicke’s Areas
         2. Aphasia and Language Processing Disorders
      3. Decision Making and Problem Solving
         1. Risk and Reward Analysis
         2. Neural Basis of Cognitive Control
   5. Social Behavior and Neurobiology
      1. Neural Underpinnings of Social Interactions
         1. Mirror Neurons and Empathy
         2. Social Cognition Networks
      2. Disorders of Social Behavior
         1. Autism Spectrum Disorders
         2. Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior
      3. Attachment and Bonding
         1. Oxytocin and Vasopressin
         2. Role in Parenting and Social Attachments