Michael Platt

Past Courses

• ANTH003 - INTRO HUMAN EVOLUTION

  How did humans evolve? When did humans start to walk on two legs? How are humans related to non-human primates? This course focuses on the scientific study of human evolution describing the emergence, development, and diversification of our species, Homo sapiens. First we cover the fundamental principles of evolutionary theory and some of the basics of genetics and heredity as they relate to human morphological, physiological, and genetic variation. We then examine what studies of nonhuman primates (monkeys and apes) can reveal about our own evolutionary past, reviewing the behavioral and ecological diversity seen among living primates. We conclude the course examining the "hard" evidence of human evolution - the fossil and material culture record of human history from our earliest primate ancestors to the emergence of modern Homo sapiens. You will also have the opportunity, during recitations, to conduct hands-on exercises collecting and analyzing behavioral, morphological, and genetic data on both humans and nonhuman primates and working with the Department of Anthropology's extensive collection of fossil casts.

• ANTH199 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

  A study under faculty supervision of a problem area or topic not included in the formal curriculum. Junior or senior standing and written permission of instructor and undergraduate chair required to enroll.

• BIBB399 - INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

  Individual research of an experimental nature with a member of the standing faculty leading to a written paper. The grade is based primarily on a serious term paper describing original research carried out by the student. Students must submit a proposal prior to registering. During the semester, students must attend two seminars to discuss planning and independent research project, ethical concerns in research and writing a scientific paper. Attendance at the meetings is mandatory. Students doing more than one credit of independent study will be required to present a poster at the annual BBB Symposium.

• BIBB499 - ADV INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

  Continuation of BIBB 399 research. Students will be required to give an oral presentation of their research at the annual BBB symposium Honors Seminar and attend weekly seminars.

• COGS301 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

• COGS398 - SENIOR THESIS

  This course is a directed study intended for cognitive science majors who have been admitted to the cognitive science honors program. Upon admission into the program, students may register for this course under the direction of their thesis supervisor.

• MKTG237 - BRAIN SCIENCE F/BUSINESS

  This course provides an overview of contemporary brain science and its applications to business. Students are first rapidly introduced to the basic anatomy and physiology of the brain and become familiar with important techniques for measuring and manipulating brain function. The course then surveys major findings in neuroscience with applications to business, including vision, attention and advertising; valuation and marketing; decision making; learning, innovation and creativity; social influence, team-building, and leadership; and discussion of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of applying neuroscience to business. Applications to business, education, sports, law, and policy are discussed throughout.

• MKTG399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

• MKTG737 - BRAIN SCIENCE F/BUSINESS

  This course provides an overview of contemporary brain science and its applications to business. Students are first rapidly introduced to the basic anatomy and physiology of the brain and become familiar with important techniques for measuring and manipulating brain function. The course then surveys major findings in neuroscience with applications to business, including vision, attention and advertising; valuation and marketing; decision making; learning, innovation and creativity; social influence, team-building, and leadership; and discussion of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of applying neuroscience to business. Applications to business, education, sports, law, and policy are discussed throughout.

• MKTG899 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

  A student contemplating an independent study project must first find a faculty member who agrees to supervise and approve the student's written proposal as an independent study (MKTG 899). If a student wishes the proposed work to be used to meet the ASP requirement, he/she should then submit the approved proposal to the MBA adviser who will determine if it is an appropriate substitute. Such substitutions will only be approved prior to the beginning of the semester.

• NGG 699 - LAB ROTATION

• NGG 899 - PRE-DISST LAB ROTATION

• NGG 995 - DISSERTATION

• PPE 401 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

  Student arranges with a faculty member to pursue a research project on a suitable topic. For more information about research and setting up independent studies, visit: https://ppe.sas.upenn.edu/study/curriculum/independent-studies

• PSYC399 - MENTORED RESEARCH

  Individual research involving data collection. Students do independent empirical work under the supervision of a faculty member, leading to a written paper. Normally taken in the junior or senior year.

• PSYC474 - SEMINAR CULTURAL PSYCH

  Prerequisite: Undergraduates only. PSYC 474 and 601 are LPS courses.

• PSYC699 - INDIV RES FOR 1ST YR GRD

• PSYC999 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

• VISR699 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

  This course enables student to undertake a self-directed study on a topic in Veterinary Medicine, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to submit an Independent Study & Research (ISR) application to the Registrar Manager in the Office for Students. Credit may vary.

• Michael Platt Appointed Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, PennNews - 06/15/2015

Knowledge @ Wharton

• Perspective Taking: A Brain Hack That Can Help You Make Better Decisions, Knowledge @ Wharton - 3/22/2021
• How Neuroscience Can Transform Your Leadership, Knowledge @ Wharton - 2/8/2021
• Neuroscience Can Help You Become a Better Leader, Knowledge @ Wharton - 10/27/2020
• Better Communication Through Neuroscience, Knowledge @ Wharton - 10/13/2020
• Cracking the Code on Brand Growth, Knowledge @ Wharton - 1/7/2019
• Kickstart Your Job Search: How Neuroscience Can Help, Knowledge @ Wharton - 3/14/2018
• What Ants, Mice and Monkeys Can Teach Us About the Impact of Stress, Knowledge @ Wharton - 10/10/2017
• What Insights Lie at the Intersection of Neuroscience and Marketing?, Knowledge @ Wharton - 6/28/2017
• Are You a Superforecaster? What Good Decision-makers Have in Common, Knowledge @ Wharton - 3/7/2017
• This Is Your Brain on Decision-making, Knowledge @ Wharton - 10/29/2015

Wharton Stories

• What Neuroscience Can Tell Us About Political Advertising, Wharton Stories - 03/10/2020
• How This Doctoral Student Is Exploring the Nexus Between Business and Brain Science, Wharton Stories - 08/03/2018
• Why This Professor Believes Neuroscience Is the Future of Business, Wharton Stories - 07/17/2018
• Configuring a ‘Road Map’ for Neuroscience and Business, Wharton Stories - 03/27/2018
• ‘Intellectual Candy’ and Cross-Industry Connections at the Global Forum in Miami, Wharton Stories - 03/21/2017