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

 

Psyc 1B: Biological Psychology, Fall 2010

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

 

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) 45%: 5 quizzes. The best 3 quizzes will be counted. No make-up exams.

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

3) 15%: Term Project

4) 5%: Participation

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psyc 1B: Biopsychology

 

 

 

Tentative Schedule

Textbook Assigned Readings:

Testing 

(No make-up tests)

Important Dates

1

Aug 17

Introduction.

Module 1.1 Mind-Brain

Module 1.3 Animal Research

 

 

2

Aug 24

Module 1.2: Behavioral Genetics

 

 

3

Aug 31

Chap 2: Nerve Cells & Impulses

 

 

4

Sep 7

(continued)

 

Sep 9 Last day to drop.

5

Sep 14

Chap 3: Synapses

Quiz #1: Chap 1,2

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

6

Sep 21

(continued)

 

 

7

Sep 28

Chap 4: Anatomy of the Nervous System

 

 

8

Oct 5

Chap 5: Development & Plasticity

 

 

9

Oct 12

(tba)

Quiz #2: Chap 3,4,5

 

10

Oct 19

Chap 8: Movement

 

 

11

Oct 26

Chap 6: Module 6.1, 6.2:  Vision

 

 

12

Nov 2

Chap 9: Wakefulness & Sleep

 

 

 

13

Nov 9

Chap 10: Module 10.3 Hunger

Quiz #3: Chap 8,6,9

 

14

Nov 16

Chap 11: Module 11.2:  Reproductive Behaviors

 

Nov 18 Last day to withdraw.

15

Nov 23

(To be announced)

 

 

16

Nov 30

Chap 12: Module 12.1, 12.3: Emotions

Quiz #4: Chap 10,11,12

 

17

Dec 7

Chap 14: Module 14.2 Language

Module 14.3 Consciousness

 

 

18

Dec 14

Chap 15: Mood Disorders & Schizophrenia 

Quiz #5: Chap 14, 15 and Final Exam

 

 

 

FINALS: 3PM