PSYC 3364 Poverty and Neurodevelopment

A growing body of research shows that poverty shapes the way children's brains develop. Children who grow up in low-income households show reduced gray matter in parts of the brain essential for memory, planning, and decision-making. However, simple interventions, like providing low-income mothers with a small monthly supplementary income, can dramatically mitigate these effects. How does poverty change the brain, and why do interventions like these help? In this class we will investigate the effects of poverty on the developing brain, focusing on understanding the physiological mechanisms involved. We will also learn about existing interventions, study their efficacy, and explore possible future interventions.

Course overview

Department
Psychology and Neuroscience
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Annually

Catalog details

Prerequisites
PSYC1110

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Neuroscience B.S.: Cognitive Neuroscience (3 Credits) — Any one of the following courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.67 / 5

Based on 156 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Regan Bernhard
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023 · Official rating 4.74/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Regan Bernhard · Campion Hall 300 TuTh 01:30PM-02:45PM · Offered