PY 834 - Neuroimaging, Mental Health and Criminal Behavior

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Brain imaging methods, particularly functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI, coaxial tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and event-related potentials (ERPs) are common tools to study specialized human brain regions involved in cognitive and social-emotional functions. This course will cover an overview of these neuroimaging methods and how these methods contribute to neuroscience and our understanding of criminal behavior. Throughout the course discussion will focus on the merits and limitations of neuroimaging as a tool for neuroscientists as well as clinical practitioners and the application of this technology to criminal behavior. Additionally, the course will address the psychology of crime and criminals, the contributory factors to criminal behavior as well as who and when ordinary people commit a crime, and why and when they do not.