GCC North Students Learn About the Brain
Expanded Site Offers Full Services and More Courses
September 25, 2008
Contacts:
Suzanne Higgins
suzanne.higgins@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3808
Patricia Rhodes Vogel
pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014
At Glendale Community College North, a group of Honors Psychology 101 students had an opportunity recently to hold a human brain in their hands in class–something most people will never do. As part of their study of the form and functions of the brain, students wearing gloves took turns holding and observing visible structures of the brain that they had been studying.
"Due to years of being preserved in formaldehyde, this brain feels a bit rubbery and stiffer than a fresh brain would feel," said their teacher, Dr. René Díaz-Lefebvre. "The brain normally is soft and fragile. That's why humans have thick and strong protective skulls."
The honors students in the class appeared awed and very curious as they took turns holding the brain in their hands. None had ever had that class-enriching experience before.
The number of classes offered at GCC North has exploded with the opening of four new buildings that quadrupled the site's square footage. More than 3,000 students are enrolled this semester, representing a huge increase over the spring 2008 semester. With these new facilities, the site now provides comprehensive student services, and individuals can now complete a full associates degree program without traveling to the main campus.
Visit www.gccaz.edu/north to discover all that this "new" and greatly expanded site has to offer. Or call 623.845.4000 or 623.845.4002 for more information. GCC North is located at 5727 W. Happy Valley Road in northwest Phoenix.
