Biological Bases of Behaviour

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
PSYC 2315
Discontinued
No
Course Code
PSYC 2315
Descriptive
Biological Bases of Behaviour
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201930
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
Lecture: 4 hours per week / semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

This course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives and will include some of the following:

  • Lectures
  • Seminar presentations
  • Audio visual presentations
  • Small group discussions
  • Research projects
  • Research papers
  • Laboratory demonstrations
Course Description
This course will introduce the student both to the variety of biological approaches to understanding behaviour, and to the research techniques used. After an introduction to basic neuroanatomy and physiology and to the development and evolution of brain structure and function, various topics in biological psychology will be surveyed. These will include the communication and coding functions of nerve cells; the psychobiology of: development and aging, movement, learning and memory, and internal motivational emotional states; the biological approaches to mental illness; and the behavioural effects of drugs, hormones, and brain damage.
Course Content
  1. Issues and Principles of Biological Psychology.
  2. Development and Evolution of the Brain.
  3. Communication Function of Nerve Cells.
  4. Anatomy of the Nervous System and Methods of its Investigation.
  5. Coding Function of Nerve Cells: Sensory Systems.
  6. Movement.
  7. Sleep and Wakefulness.
  8. Regulation of Internal Motivational and Emotional States: Temperature, Thirst, Hunger, Sexual and Emotional Behaviour.
  9. Learning and Memory.
  10. Biological Approaches to Mental Illness.
  11. Behavioural Effects of Drugs, Hormones, and Brain Damage.
  12. Effects of Genetics and of Developmental Experiences on Various Structures and Functions.
Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the global issues and principles of biological psychology.
  2. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of brain anatomy and function by being able to identify and/or define terms, concepts and structures.
  3. Describe and explain the development and evolution of brain structure and function.
  4. Describe and explain the communication and coding functions of nerve cells.
  5. Identify and define terms, concepts and theories related to the psychophysiology of: development and aging, movement, learning and memory, and internal motivational and emotional states.
  6. Describe the biological approaches to mental illness and the behavioural effects of drugs, hormones, and brain damage.
Means of Assessment

The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

 

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

 

In-class exams (4)  70%
Term paper or project      20%
Student presentation  10%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

 

Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:

Kalat, J.W. (2013) Biological psychology (11th Ed.). Belmont, CA.,Wadsworth.

Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I.Q. (2011) Introduction to brain and behaviour (3rd Ed.).  New York, Worth Publishers.

 

Selected readings may also be assigned by the instructor.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1100 AND PSYC 1200