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Psyc 4205  Biological Psychology

Spring 2008

The Department of Psychology and Sociology

Columbus State University

Class Time:  MW  8:00 - 9:15        Lab Time:  Mon  or  Wed  9:30 - 11:20

Instructor:  Mark S. Schmidt, PhD    Office: FOB 127

Office Hours:  MW 11:30 - 1:00   TR 8:00 - 12:00   and by appointment

Phone: 706-565-3573        e-mail: schmidt_mark@colstate.edu

Course Description  This course is an introduction to the biological basis of the mind and behavior. "The mind is what the brain does." Course topics include an introduction to biopsychology, neuroanatomy and physiology, nuerotransmitters, neuropharmacology, hormones, evolution of behavior, brain development, neuroplasticity, sexual behavior, biological rhythms, sleep and dreaming, emotions, aggression and stress, learning, memory and cognition, and psychopathology.

Course Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, the student should

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Understand the basic principles, findings, and theories of biological psychology

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Understand the basic research methods used in biological psychology

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Be able to dissect and measure brain tissue specimens

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Be able to collect and analyze psychophysiological data

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Be able to search electronic databases for research literature

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Be able to write a research proposal

Required Textbook   Rosenzweig, M.R., Breedlove, S.M., & Watson, N.V. (2007). Biological Psychology (5th ed.). Sinauer.

Required Lab Materials  Brain Comparative Dissection Kit (BioCorporation) and one set of dissection instruments (scalpel, forceps, scissors, etc.).

The textbook and dissection kits are available at the CSU Bookstore.

Brain Comparative Dissection Kit

Class Format  Course material will be presented through lecture accompanied by slide presentations and open discussion. The slides will contain terms, general outlines, definitions, figures, graphs, etc. and will be available for download at the Files link of the course website. The slides are a useful way to organize the material, but you will also need to take detailed notes during class.

You will also need to THOROUGHLY study and understand the material in the textbook. The textbook is the primary source of course content. Any material that is not clear should be addressed with the instructor either in class, during office hours, or by e-mail or phone.

The role of the instructor is to facilitate learning. The role of the student is to learn. Students are expected to devote at least 10 hours / week of dedicated study to this course OUTSIDE of class. The general rule is 2-3 hours of study outside of class for every 1 hour of class time.

Course Website  The course website is accessed through CougarNet. The site contains the Syllabus, Schedule, Announcements, Links, E-mail, and a Files page where the slides and other handouts will be available. You should check the Announcements every day for updates.

The textbook also has a companion website which contains many useful study aids as well as the required online quizzes (see below).

http://www.biopsychology.com/5e/lbp5e/home/home.html?01

Attendance  Attendance at all class meetings is expected and will be recorded. There will NOT be an attendance grade, but attendance will certainly affect how well you learn the course material. Attendance also affects the personal impression you make on your professors. Class attendance reflects your motivation and dedication to your studies.

Laboratories  Several labs will be devoted to dissection of preserved specimens of mammalian brains (sheep, pig, and cow).  Students are responsible for purchasing one set of brains and one set of dissection instruments. Other labs will be devoted to demonstrations, videos, tutorials, and data collection. Readings, handouts, and assignments to accompany the labs will be provided.

IMPORTANT:  Labs are a required course component. Labs will begin promptly at the scheduled lab time.You will not be allowed to participate in a lab if you arrive late.  Each lab assignment will be graded and will contribute to your final course grade (see below). Missed labs will result in a grade of zero. If five or more labs are missed, then a course grade of 'F' will be assigned.

Quizzes  There will be online multiple choice quizzes assigned as homework. The quizzes are located on the textbook website but you must register on the website before you are allowed access to the quizzes. See the instructor for registration instructions.

The quizzes are "open book" and I encourage you to work together and use them as a learning experience.

Your answers should be submitted by the due date and time specified on the course schedule. Quizzes not submitted by the due date and time will receive a grade of zero.

Exams  There will be three in-class exams and one comprehensive final exam. Each in-class exam will cover material from the text, labs, and class lectures. Exams may consist of multiple choice, short answer, definitions, figures, and short essay items. Other types of exam items may be included as well. The comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester will be composed entirely of multiple choice items.

Missed exams will result in a grade of zero. Make-up exams will be allowed only at the discretion of the instructor.

Research Proposal  The ability to conduct research is an essential skill for science majors. To this end, you will be required to submit a 10 page research proposal on some topic in biological psychology.

IMPORTANT: The research proposal is REQUIRED for a passing grade. If a final proposal is not submitted, then a course grade of 'F' will be assigned.

I will give you guidance on the form and contents of the proposal and more details about the proposal requirements in a separate handout.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE when writing your proposal. Plagiarism means using someone else's writing and portraying it as your own. Your paper should be your own, not the writing of others. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

For help with your writing assignments, make use of the trained peer consultants in the CSU Writing Center located in 116 Woodall Hall. The writing consultants can help you get started on generating ideas, begin drafting, revise a rough draft, figure out your professor’s preferred documentation style, and/or edit your writing.

You can seek assistance as a walk-in, or you can come by the Writing Center and sign up for an appointment on the whiteboard. The Writing Center also accepts online submissions through its webpage:

http://www.langlit.colstate.edu/writingcenter/

Grades  Your final course average will be weighted as follows:

Quiz average        10%

Exam average    55%

Final Exam        10%

Labs                    15%

Draft of research proposal    5%

Final research proposal    5%

Your course grade will be based on your final average as calculated above:

A =    90 - 100                B =      80 - 89

C =    70 - 79                D =      60 - 69

F =    Less than 60        WF =  Withdrawal after deadline

IMPORTANT: If you entered the Psychology program in Fall 2005 or later, then a grade of 'C' or higher is required for all psychology courses applied toward your degree.

Academic Misconduct  Academic honesty is expected from all students and academic misconduct will not be tolerated. Columbus State University's expectations and regulations regarding academic misconduct are outlined in the CSU Student Handbook.

http://studentservices.colstate.edu/07-08_handbook.pdf

Classroom Behavior  The classroom is a place for learning, and an atmosphere for learning will be maintained. This means that students must refrain from all forms of behavior that are disruptive for the instructor or other students.

If you come to class, stay in class. It is disruptive and distracting to walk out while class is in session. If you have a legitimate reason to leave early, get permission from me in advance and sit close to the door.

If you are too sleepy or sick to stay awake, then DO NOT come to class. It is very distracting to see students with their heads on their desks while class is in session.

Do not talk in class unless you are engaged in an open discussion with the instructor and the class about course content. Talking is easily overheard by others and is disruptive.

Do not work on other coursework while in class, or read newspapers, magazines, etc.  You should turn off all cell phones, iPods, and laptop computers.

Eating is not permitted during class. If you are hungry, then eat BEFORE coming to class.

Official Withdrawal Policy  You may withdraw from the course by submitting the Request for Withdrawal From Courses form in ISIS. A grade of "W" will be assigned for withdrawal requests submitted by the withdrawal deadline. A grade of "WF" will be assigned for withdrawal requests submitted after the deadline. Contact the Office of the Registrar for procedures to appeal the assignment of a "WF" grade.

Official Disability Policy  If you have a documented disability, as described by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 933-112 Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would like to request academic and/or physical accommodations please contact Joy Norman at the Office of Disability Services in the Center for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330, as soon as possible.  Course requirements will not be waived, but reasonable accommodations may be provided as appropriate.