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

 

Psyc 1B Honors: Biological Psychology, Fall 2010

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

 

 

Honors section: The Psyc 1B Honors section offers students the opportunity to engage in a stimulating and challenging course, e.g. outside readings, lively student discussion, and an in-depth approach. In contrast to the regular Psyc 1B course, there are more readings, homework assignments, tests are given less weight and participation is given more weight. Also, there are no extra credit options. For more information about the Honors Program see: http://www.ccsf.edu/Departments/Honors/

 

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

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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: Biological Psychology, 10th edition, Kalat .  Options: the textbook can be purchased as a hardback, an e-book (cheaper electronic version) or be accessed in CCSF Rosenberg Library Reserves.

 

Recommended: Book Companion Site/Cengage:  Free website offers online testing/tutorial, flashcards, critical thinking questions, interactive websites, crossword puzzles, etc.  Excellent study resource.  http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780495603009&disciplinenumber=24

 

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

 

Testing

For each quiz and exam, you are allowed to bring a one card of notes.

--maximum size is 3x5 inches (standard index card), both sides

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

--card will be turned in with exam and will not be returned

 

Grading

1) 30%: 5 quizzes. The best 3 quizzes will be counted. No make-up exams.

2) 30%: Final Exam, covers all previously tested topics.

3) 20%: Term Project: oral presentation & written paper

4) 15%: Participation:  Class discussion, group tasks, homework assignments

5) 5% Attendance and Late. Earned if total penalty score is 3 pts. or less. Absence=1pt, Late (after roll call, before 50% of class time)=1/2 pt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psyc 1B Honors: Biopsychology

 

 

 

Tentative Schedule

Textbook Assigned Readings:

Testing 

(No make-up tests)

Important Dates

1

Aug 19

Introduction.

Module 1.1 Mind-Brain

Module 1.3 Animal Research

 

 

2

Aug 26

Module 1.2: Behavioral Genetics

 

 

3

Sep 2

Chap 2: Nerve Cells & Impulses

 

 

4

Sep 9

(continued)

 

Sep 9 Last day to drop.

5

Sep 16

Chap 3: Synapses

Quiz #1: Chap 1,2

Sep 16 Last day to request pass/no pass grading option

6

Sep 23

(continued)

 

 

7

Sep 30

Chap 4: Anatomy of the Nervous System

 

 

8

Oct 7

Chap 5: Development & Plasticity

 

 

9

Oct 14

Chap 8: Movement

Quiz #2: Chap 3,4,5

 

10

Oct 21

Chap 6: Module 6.1, 6.2:  Vision

 

 

11

Oct 28

Chap 9: Wakefulness & Sleep

 

 

12

Nov 4

Chap 10: Module 10.3 Hunger

 

 

 

13

Nov 11

Chap 11: Module 11.2:  Reproductive Behaviors

Quiz #3: Chap 8,6,9

 

14

Nov 18

Chap 12: Module 12.1, 12.3: Emotions

 

Nov 18 Last day to withdraw.

15

Nov 25

HOLIDAY

 

HOLIDAY

16

Dec 2

Chap 14: Module 14.2 Language

Module 14.3 Consciousness

Quiz #4: Chap 10,11,12

 

17

Dec  9

Chap 15: Mood Disorders & Schizophrenia 

 

 

18

Dec 16

FINALS: 3PM

Quiz #5: Chap 14, 15 and Final Exam