Biopsychology

An introduction to the biological and neurological bases of human and animal behavior. Emphasis is placed upon neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral methodologies which contribute to an understanding of brain-behavior relationships. Particular emphasis is placed on human processes of perception, cognition, learning, memory, and language. Recent developments in neuroscience have revolutionized our views of familiar human experiences such as locomotion, substance abuse, mental illness, sleep, and memorization. The overall objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of neuroscience, enabling them to make important decisions that may affect their lives. Topics include neuroanatomy and neural communication; alterations in neurochemistry due to drug interactions; sensation and perception; movement and disorders of movement; neural substrates of learning and memory; research methods and ethics; and, the biology of psychological disorders.

PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1101H with a grade of C or higher 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nomenclature and function of many CNS structures and how they contribute to larger functional systems.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the tools used by neuroscience researchers, how they work and why they are used.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuronal communication and a systemic understanding of how hierarchical and parallel processing contributes to perceptual experiences.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological processes controlling a number of complex behaviors such as learning, sleeping, eating, sex, speech, emotions, etc.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the etiology and pathology of several CNS disorders; how this contributes to the constellation of symptoms elicited; and the rationale of targeted treatment strategies.

6. Demonstrate the ability to use knowledge of the brain to explore larger societal issues (e.g., stem cells, sexual orientation, obesity, and drug addictions).

Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2022). Brain & Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience (6th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. ISBN: 9781544373485. 

Churchland, P. (2013). Touching A Nerve: The Self as Brain. W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 978-0393058321.

Activities (5% of overall grade)

Throughout the semester, we will complete in-class and at-home activities and assignments designed to improve understanding and application of concepts. You will get credit for completing these activities. In-class activities cannot be made up; therefore, your consistent attendance is important. At-home activities will be turned in on D2L unless told otherwise. See D2L for these due dates.

Guided Reading Journal (10% of overall grade)

On D2L you will find a set of Guided Reading Journal questions for each of our required text for this class. Each set of questions will be due by a specific date. You should complete the questions for the assigned portion prior to the due date and turn them in on D2L. It is recommended that these questions be completed while reading these sections as a way to guide your reading. We will discuss these topics during class, and it will help you during class if you have notes or a highlighted copy of the text with you. There may be multiple ways to answer some of these questions. They will be graded based on effort, professionalism, and accuracy. A copy (physical or electronic) of your responses should be brought with you to class to aid in discussion and activities. You cannot work on these journals with your peers; they must be completed on your own. The audio versions of these texts may make completing the readings and these journals easier.

Exams (50% of overall grade)

There will be four exams, one for each module. Exams will be proctored using Respondus LockDown Browser on D2L + a webcam. Click here to download the latest version of LockDown Browser. To begin the exam, go to Quizzes on D2L. Click on the quiz; then click Launch LockDown Browser. The startup sequence will take a couple minutes. You will need to do a webcam check, read some instructions, take a photo of yourself, take a photo of your UNG student ID, complete an environment check, complete a facial detection check, and then take the exam. The purpose of this startup sequence is explained in the following instructions: “During this exam, you shouldn't access other resources (a phone, tablet, notes, books, etc.) or communicate with other people. Please stay in your seat and focus on the computer screen until the exam is complete. If an interruption occurs, briefly explain what happened by speaking directly to your webcam. And, finally, remember that you cannot exit the exam until all questions are completed and submitted it for grading.” 

You have two attempts per exam, and the exams are timed. Each exam consists of 40 questions, and you will have 60-minute to complete it. The second attempt includes only the questions missed from the first attempt. Exams cannot be made up. The final exam will replace your lowest exam, as long as it is higher than a previous exam. 

There is a bonus quiz for Chapter 1. This quiz will raise your overall exam category grade, if attempted.

Final Exam (15% of overall grade)

A cumulative final exam will also take place on D2L. This exam will be due by the end of the day on our scheduled final exam day. Format will be identical to previous exams--except there will be 100 questions and 120 minutes to complete it. You will still have two attempts, with only the missed items present on the second attempt. Students with a 90.0% or higher average for the first four exams are exempt from taking the final exam. 

Application Paper (15% of overall grade)

Throughout this semester, you will prepare for and write a research application paper on a biopsychological topic of your choice. Full instructions for this project are on D2L and should be read carefully. 

Application Paper Presentation (5% of overall grade)

During the scheduled final exam period, you will present your paper topic and findings. Your presentation should summarize the main points of your paper. You must prepare a single PowerPoint slide (or similar, e.g., PDF). You CANNOT have more than one slide. The slide CANNOT have animations. Instead, think of it as a virtual poster. You will have three minutes for your presentation.  Your grade will be based on quality of your visual aid, preparedness and professionalism, time management, and content. 

> 90.0% = A

80.0 - 89.9% = B

70.0 - 79.9% = C

60.0 - 69.9% = D

< 60.0 = F

~ MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE ~

Week 1 // Chapter 1: Behavioral Neuroscience 

~ MODULE 2: NEURAL FOUNDATIONS OF BEHAVIOR ~

Week 2 // Chapter 2: "Micro" neuroscience // Chapter 1 Bonus Quiz Due

Week 3 // Chapter 3: "Macro" neuroscience // GRJ 1 Due

Week 4 // Chapter 4: Methods & Ethics of Research // Exam 1 Due

~ MODULE 3: MOTIVATON & EMOTION ~

Week 5 // Chapter 5: Drugs, Addiction, & Reward // Paper Topic Due

Week 6 // Chapter 6: Motivation & Homeostasis // GRJ 2 Due

Week 7 // Chapter 7: Sex & Gender

Week 8 // Chapter 8: Emotion & Health // Exam 2 Due

~ MODULE 4: SENSATION & PERCEPTION ~

Week 9 // Chapter 9: Hearing & Language

Week 10 // Chapter 10: Visual Perception // GRJ 3 Due

Week 11 // Chapter 11: Body Senses & Movement // Exam 3 Due

~ MODULE 5: COMPLEX BEHAVIOR ~

Week 12 // Chapter 12: Learning & Memory

Week 13 // Chapter 13: Executive Function

Week 14 // Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders

Week 15 // Chapter 15: Sleep & Consciousness // Exam 4 Due // Presentation Slide Due

FINALS

Final Paper due by Monday of finals week

Final Exam due by 11:59 pm on Wednesday of final exam week (unless exempt)

Presentations take place during final exam period