PSYC 0140. Introduction to Biopsychology
Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 40
Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An introduction to biopsychology focusing on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Emphasis on physiological, biochemical, and neuroanatomical foundations of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the central nervous system function and its relation to psychoactive drug effects, sensory/perceptual processes, sleep and dreaming, learning phenomena, memory mechanisms, human communication disorders, and abnormal behavior. (C-ID PSY 150) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0140 - Introduction to Biopsychology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/psyc-0140/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as PSYC 40 Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: An introduction to biopsychology focusing on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Emphasis on physiological, biochemical, and neuroanatomical foundations of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the central nervous system function and its relation to psychoactive drug effects, sensory/perceptual processes, sleep and dreaming, learning phenomena, memory mechanisms, human communication disorders, and abnormal behavior. (C-ID PSY 150) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe the structure and physiology of the nervous system at the anatomical, cellular, and molecular levels and relate this structure and physiology to behaviors and psychological disorders. Compare and contrast the specialty areas within Biological Psychology and the related disciplines within the neurosciences and the types of research that characterizes the biological approach. Critically evaluate the major issues in human evolution, genetics, and behavioral development that underlie the “biology of behavior.” Course Content Outline 1. Biological Psychology as a Course of Study 2. Genes and Behavior and Human Evolution 3. Research Methods and Ethical Considerations of Biological Psychology and Neuroscience a. Invasive vs Non-invasive b. Research Ethics Applied to Animals and Humans 4. The Nervous System 5. Anatomy 6. Development and Plasticity 7. Communication within the Nervous System 8. The Effects of Psychoactive Drugs 9. Mechanisms of Perception, Conscious Awareness, and Attention 10. Wakefulness and Sleep 11. Motivation 12. Ingestive Behavior 13. Hormones, Sexual Development, and Sexual Behavior 14. Learning and Memory 15. Emotion and Stress 16. Biological Bases of Psychological Disorders, Including Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe the various methods used to study the biological basis of behavior. 2. Use scientific terminology appropriately in reference to biology and behavior. 3. Read and critically evaluate published biopsychological research. 4. Identify the divisions of the brain and nervous system and describe their functions. 5. Describe the structure of neurons and how neural impulses are generated. 6. Describe the structure and functioning of synapses. 7. Identify the major neurotransmitters and discuss the impact of each on behavior. 8. Explain the role of the nervous system in sensation and perception. 9. Describe the nature and function of the endocrine system and its effect on behavior. 10. Relate behavior and mental processes to anatomical, biological, chemical, and genetic mechanisms. 11. Compare and contrast proposed treatments for psychological disorders, motor disorders, and other central nervous system pathologies. 12. Describe the brain-behavior relationships associated with motivation, emotion, addiction, sex, sleep, stress, learning, and memory. 13. Summarize the historical and recent research on lateralization. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read Chapter 1 of the textbook and then take the Chapter 1 quiz in LMS and be prepared tod discuss in class. 2. Read the article "The Brain Implants That Could Change Humanity" from the New York Times (posted in LMS) and be prepared for a class discussion. 3. Read the article "The Frozen Addicts" posted on LMS and answer the question: How did the case of frozen addicts advance our understanding of the etiology of Parkinson's disease? Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Listen to the podcast of "“His and Hers: Sex Differences in the Brain," on Dana Foundation's web site: https://www.dana.org/explore-neuroscience/neuro-news/videos-and-podcasts-explore-neuroscience-dana-foundation/. Discuss what Dr. Catherine Woolley believes is true and not true about sex differences in the brain, and why she thinks this is an important topic. 2. Find a biopsychology-related website and write a review. In this review, you should include: - A brief, 2 – 3 sentence description of the site – IN YOUR OWN WORDS. - The number of "brains" you would give the site, with one brain being the worst and five brains being the best. - A review (500 - 600 words) of the site in which you MUST: a) Discuss your opinion of the site (be specific about what you liked and or didn't like; that is, give examples). b) Indicate if you think the site would be helpful to others and to what type of others, and why (or why not). Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Find a recent article in the popular media (newspaper, online news source, etc.) on a research discovery in the field of behavioral neuroscience. Next, find the original paper (from a scholarly journal) in which this research is reported. Write a paper in which you: 1) Describe the research as presented in the magazine/newspaper. 2) Give more details on the actual study, based on the research article. 3) Discuss discrepancies between the two reports, information that you think is critical but was left out of the newspaper/magazine article, etc. 4) Discuss your own thoughts on the research – if it is relevant to you or someone you know, how it fits in with what you have learned elsewhere, etc. 5) Write a conclusion. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...115 PSYC 0106 PSY 120 PSYC 0107 PSY 130 PSYC 0130 PSY 150 PSYC 0140...
