Dr. Karin Hu, Batmale 332, e-mail: khu2@mail.ccsf.edu, website: http://doctorhu.tripod.com

 

Psyc 1B: Biological Psychology

Mind-body interactions, inherited behaviors, hormones, neurotransmitters, the senses, and more...

 

Description: Exploration of the interaction between behavior and biological factors. Includes heritability of behavior, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the senses, and the biological factors underlying behaviors such as learning and memory, food, and sexual motivation, speech, emotions, altered states of consciousness, psychosis, and depression.

 

Prerequisite: Psyc 1. Course is 3 units, transferable to CSU and UC, IGETC Area 5: Biological Sciences. Articulates to UCB MCB 61 (Brain, Mind & Behavior)

 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

As a result of successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Define basic terms and concepts used in biological psychology.
  • Describe the relationship between behavior and genetic, nerve and endocrine functions.
  • Illustrate how normal and abnormal behaviors can be explained at different levels, incorporating genes, neurons, regions of the brain, individual behavior, and society.
  • Analyze and evaluate biopsychological studies for scientific design, interpretation, and implications.
  • Compare scientific findings, which may sometimes be incomplete or contradictory, and synthesize a perspective on nature-nurture, and mind- body and behavior.
  • Identify and compare how electrical, biochemical, anatomical, surgical, and genetic techniques are used to investigate the relationship between the body and behavior.

 

 

Required: Textbook: The Mind’s Machine: Foundation of Brain and Behavior. Watson & Breedlove, 1st edition.  Options: the textbook can be purchased as a paperback, loose-leaf or e-book, and can be accessed in CCSF Rosenberg Library Reserves (2-hr Library-use only).

 

Required Skills: College level English skills in reading and writing, 3-6 hours/week study time.

 

Grading

1) 40%: 4 quizzes. The best 2 quizzes will be counted. No make-up exams.

2) 40%: Final Exam, covers all previously tested topics.

3) 10%: Term Paper

4) 10%: Participation and Attendance. 7% Participation credit is based on Mini-quizzes given throughout the semester. 3% Absence credit earned if there are 3 or fewer Unexcused Absences. Late arrival w/first 50% of class = ½ an Absence, more than 50% missed = 1 absence.

5)  Extra Credit Options, up to 10%. Note: only limited extra credit (3%) is applicable towards an “A” grade. An “A” represents excellent knowledge of course material as measured by standard academic skills, e.g. comprehension and memorization of reading & lecture material, test-taking skills, writing papers.

 

Testing Aid

For each quiz and the Final Exam you are allowed to bring a one sheet of notes.

--Write your name on the top of the sheet.

--maximum size is 8.5 x11 inches (standard letter-size), both sides.

--your original handwritten notes (i.e. not shared, not word processed, not photocopied)

--notes will be turned in with test and will not be returned. (If you want to keep info, make a photocopy prior to test.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSYC 1B: Biological Psychology

 

Important CCSF Dates

Check CCSF Online Schedule for updated info on Deadlines and Final Exam schedule.

https://www.ccsf.edu/Schedule/Fall/psychology.shtml

Aug 29: last day to drop with Refund

Sep 11: last day to withdraw w/o “W”

Nov 13: last day to Withdraw

 

modules

 

Sequence of Readings  (tentative)

Read assignments prior to class meeting. Read entire chapter, unless specific pages listed.

 

Testing:  No make-up tests.

1

 

Chap 1: Introduction to Brain and Behavior

 

2

 

Chap 2: Anatomy of the Nervous System

 

3

 

Chap 3: Nerve Signals

 

4

 

Chap 4: Neurotransmitters

 

5

 

(continued)

 

6

 

(continued)

 

7

 

Chap 12: Disorders

Quiz #1: Chap 1 Intro, 2 anatomy, 3 signals, 4 neurotransmitters

8

 

Appendix: A-2 to A-3, Genes, Behavioral Genetics

 

9

 

Chap 13: p. 380-392 Development of the Brain, Memory p. 370

 

10

 

(To be announced)

 

11

 

Chap 8: p. 232-247 Sexual Differentiation and Orientation

 

12

 

Chap 5: p. 106-117, Sensory systems, somatosensory system

Quiz #2:  Chap 12 disorders, A-2 behavioral genetics, Chap 13 dev, 8 sex

13

 

Chap 7: Vision

 

14

 

Chap 9: p. 250-253 Homeostasis, p. 258-267 Hunger

 

15

 

Chap 10: Biological rhythms and sleep

Quiz #3: Chap 5 sensory, Chap 7 vision, Chap 9 hunger, Chap 10 sleep

16

 

Independent readings: Chap 14: Consciousness, Chap 15: Language

 

17

 

(To be announced)

Quiz #4: Chap 14 consciousness, 15 language

18

 

 

 

FINAL EXAM (comprehensive)