Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

List and describe the functions of the structural components of a neuron
List and describe the four main types of neurons
Compare the functions of different types of glial cells

"Like transistors in a computer, synapses perform complex computations and connect the brain's non-linear processing elements (neurons) into a functional circuit. Understanding the role of synapses in neuronal computation is essential to understanding how the brain works. In this course students will be introduced to cutting-edge research in the field of synaptic neurophysiology. The course will cover such topics as synapse formation, synaptic function, synaptic plasticity, the roles of synapses in higher cognitive processes and how synaptic dysfunction can lead to disease. This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching."

In this course, the student will explore neuropsychology, or the study of the structure and function of the brain as it relates to psychological processes. This course will begin with a brief history of neuropsychology. The student will then study the nervous system and the structure of the brain, identifying its different lobes and cortices, before concluding with a discussion of how the brain provides us with higher functioning abilities (i.e., learning, remembering, and communicating). Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: explain the development course of the science of neuropsychology; describe the basic organization of the nervous system; explain the mechanisms of communication within the nervous system; explain the mechanisms of communication between the nervous system and other parts of the body; describe historical and modern research techniques for investigating nervous system structure and function; describe the basic operation of each of the five (5) primary sensory systems; describe the basic operation of the motor system; discuss the importance and role of asymmetry in cerebral structure and function; describe the basic functions of each of the four (4) lobes of the cerebral cortex; discuss the neuropsychology of higher behavioral functions, such as language, emotion, learning, and consciousness. (Psychology 402)

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Identify the basic parts of a neuron
Describe how neurons communicate with each other
Explain how drugs act as agonists or antagonists for a given neurotransmitter system