This single hour lecture provides students with their first exposure to the broad workings of the autonomic nervous system. After providing an explanation of how the autonomic nervous system is different than the somatic nervous system (a concept previously covered in the course), the lecture explores the functional and anatomical characteristics of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Key concept check ins throughout the hour assess students' understanding of learning objectives in real time, and additional guided study tools are provided to students to aid in their independent learning of the material.

"Jessica taught perhaps one of the most difficult lectures this semester not because of the content, but because it was the first lecture after Hurricane Ida. They did an excellent job recognizing the difficulties that the students were experiencing. The lecture was well organized and the content was reinforced through the interactive questions posed by Jessica throughout the lecture. As a student that had been displaced for several weeks due to the storm, Jessica's empathy and professionalism to their students was comforting and much appreciated." - Fall 2021

"The comparison of Peter Parker and Spiderman to the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous system simplified the concept so much and was super helpful. I will never confuse the two now that I know that example." - Spring 2022

"Jessie used great examples and tricks to really help the information stick. Their content material came up over the course of the semester, and it was very easy to refer back and feel caught up." -Fall 2022