Ever wonder how a 3 pound mass of tissue in your head gives rise to all your thoughts, emotions, and experiences? Or how neuroscientists can use new technologies to read thoughts and control minds? Come learn about how your brain works, from the level of individual neurons to massive networks of cells. We'll be talking about some of the groundbreaking new techniques that neuroscientists here at MIT use to study (and control!) the brain. We're excited to explore the brain with you! Note: The class will include a sheep brain dissection and an arm muscle control demo that involves a minor electrical shock. These are fully optional and students will not be required to participate if they so choose.

Ever wonder why some people hear “yanny” while others hear “laurel”? Or how visual illusions work? Come learn how the brain processes information from the senses to generate your perception of the world, and how this process can be hijacked. The classes will consist of interactive lectures followed by demonstrations, in which you will make sour things taste sweet, bend your vision, and mind control your classmates. During the last class, we will tour real neuroscience labs at MIT! We're excited to explore the brain with you! (Note: The first class will involve a sheep brain dissection. Any students who wish to leave during this portion of the class will be welcome to do so.)