The Neurobiology of Brain and Behavioral Development

The Neurobiology of Brain and Behavioral Development provides an overview of the process of brain development that is suitable for use as a university textbook at a graduate level. There have been many exciting discoveries in the past few years that add to the body of knowledge of how a brain develops, and this book collates and integrates these findings to share with readers in an easily accessible manner.  The intent is to weave in the latest information with core information on the neurobiology of brain development that has stood the test of time.

The book focuses on cortical development but also features how the rest of the brain wires into the developing cerebral cortex.  A systems approach is used to describe the anatomical underpinnings of behavioural development and specifically aims at connecting anatomical and molecular features of brain development with behavioural development.  The disruptors of typical brain development are discussed in appropriate sections within the book as well as in a dedicated chapter at the end of the book.  The strength of this book is the integration of the neurobiology of brain development with the behavioural manifestations that accompany the changes in brain. In addition, the science of epigenetics provides a novel and instructive approach on how experiences (both individual and intergenerational) can alter features of brain development.  This body of knowledge contributes to our understanding of the fundamentals of brain plasticity and metaplasticity and these topics are showcased in this book as well.

• Provides an up-to-date overview of the process of brain development that is suitable for use as a university textbook at a senior undergraduate level
• Integration of the neurobiology of brain development with behavior to promote thinking of how animal models inform human development
• Emphasis on the role of epigenetics and brain plasticity in brain development and behavior