Neuroscience of Psychedelic Experiences
NEURO 101EE
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
During a psychedelic experience, people report profound alterations in their sensation, perception, and consciousness, ranging from visual distortions to a loss of the sense of self to a feeling of “oneness” with the universe. While the psychedelic experience may last only minutes to hours, many people with these experiences report long-lasting changes in their thought patterns and perspectives for weeks to months afterwards. Psychedelic experiences can be induced by use of substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca, as well as by practices such as breathwork or meditation. How do psychedelic substances and other practices produce such impactful changes in the brain and in daily experience? We will discuss the neuroscience of psychedelic experiences, including neural substrates and circuity underlying psychedelic substances, how psychedelic experiences may shape brain network activity through neuroplasticity, and the latest scientific developments investigating the utility of psychedelic experiences as treatments for other mental health conditions.
Course Notes
Enrollment for this course will be via lottery with preference given to junior Neuroscience concentrators. Lottery instructions, deadlines, and a link to the google form can be found here: https://www.mcb.harvard.edu/undergraduate/neuroscience/neuro-courses/?course-button=tutorials. Only one Neuro 101 tutorial may count towards the Neuroscience concentration or secondary requirements.
Recommended Prep
Prerequisite (strictly enforced): MCB/Neuro 80.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
