Organizer Description: The course has the aim to strengthen knowledge related to the brain mechanisms underlying behavior in health and disease by examining the foundational aspects of learning, memory and social behavior. In particular, it will explore:

• the physiological and molecular processes that underpin memory formation and recall and how these processes are influenced by various internal and external factors

• the impact of neuroplasticity on learning and memory, emphasizing how experiences and learning continuously reshape the brain's structure and function throughout life

• the foundational aspects of the social brain, focusing on how neural circuits facilitate social interactions and behaviors

• the neural mechanisms that support social cognition, empathy, and the interpretation of social cues, which are crucial for navigating complex social environments

• innovative approaches for studying neural circuits using Allen Institute resources.

By bringing together leading research in these areas, this course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how neural circuits govern behavior, offering insights into both the social brain and the mechanisms of learning and memory.