The Cerebellum in Action and Cognition

This course examines behavior, learning, and cognitive capacities with a focus on the cerebellum, a brain structure that is universal to vertebrates. The cerebellum's microcircuit architecture is largely conserved, so that its local information processing can provide a rigorous starting point for analysis. Cerebellar function will be considered in terms of evolution, development, microcircuit physiology, connectomics, long-distance connectivity to the rest of the brain, animal behavior, and human function and dysfunction, including autism. Readings will draw on original literature, and weekly discussions will be led partly by students.