New Anatomy & Neurobiology Special Topics Course

New Special Topics Course Announcement:

ANAT 840: Neuroscience of Music and Healing

Instructor: Žak Ozmo, PhD

Duration: July 6 - August 5, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Delivery: Synchronous Online Seminar

Credit Hours: 3hrs

Registration Deadline: July 5, 2026

Course Overview

This graduate-level seminar explores the neuroscience of music and healing, integrating empirical research, clinical practice, and cross-cultural perspectives to examine music and sound as mechanisms for health, well-being, and recovery.

Drawing on disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, music therapy, medical ethnomusicology, and neuroaesthetics, the course investigates how music influences:

• Brain function and neuroplasticity
• Emotion regulation and pain perception
• Social bonding and autonomic regulation
• Clinical outcomes across the lifespan

Perfect for graduate students interested in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, music therapy, public health, and related fields. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor prior to registration to ensure the course aligns with their degree requirements and academic plan.

Interested in learning more? This course is grounded in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics - the study of how music, art, sound, and other sensory experiences influence the brain, health, and behavior. Learn more through the Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics. The institute explores how music, sound, visual arts, and architecture affect brain function and well-being, and develops evidence-based applications for healing and community health.