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. 

Activities (10% 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.

Exams (65% of overall grade)

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 Exam; 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. The second attempt includes only the questions missed from the first attempt. Exams cannot be made up. Exam 5 will replace your lowest previous exam (if higher than a previous exam).

Note that Exam 1 is only 5% of your overall grade whereas Exams 2-5 are each 15% of your overall grade.

Review Paper (25% of overall grade)

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

> 90.0% = A

80.0 - 89.9% = B

70.0 - 79.9% = C

60.0 - 69.9% = D

< 60.0 = F

WEEK 1

Syllabus

~ MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE ~

Chapter 1: Behavioral Neuroscience

Exam 1 (Chapter 1 only)

Paper Topic Due

WEEK 2

~ MODULE 2: NEURAL FOUNDATIONS OF BEHAVIOR ~

Chapter 2: "Micro" neuroscience

Chapter 3: "Macro" neuroscience

Chapter 4: Methods & Ethics of Research

Exam 2 (Chapters 2-4)

WEEK 3

~ MODULE 3: MOTIVATON & EMOTION ~

Chapter 5: Drugs, Addiction, & Reward

Chapter 6: Motivation & Homeostasis

Chapter 7: Sex & Gender

Chapter 8: Emotion & Health

Exam 3 (Chapters 5-8)

WEEK 4

~ MODULE 4: SENSATION & PERCEPTION ~

Chapter 9: Hearing & Language

Chapter 10: Visual Perception

Chapter 11: Body Senses & Movement

Exam 4 (Chapters 9-11)

WEEK 5

~ MODULE 5: COMPLEX BEHAVIOR ~

Chapter 12: Learning & Memory

Chapter 13: Executive Function

Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders

Chapter 15: Sleep & Consciousness

Exam 5 (Chapters 12-15)

Review Paper Due