BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCH 3101 Spring 2021

Sec 1 9:30 am T/Th Maucker 15B

Sec 2 2:00 pm T/Th  McCollum 001

https://sites.uni.edu/desoto/biopsych.htm

Professor Catherine DeSoto, PhD

Teaching Assistant: Jess Jost

Course Description:

This course is a study of the biological foundations of human behavior.  Specifically, we will study the role of genetics, evolutionary history, hormones, brain structure and brain functioning, particularly as they influence human behavior. 
   

Required Text:

Pinel, John, J. and Barnes, S.J., Biopsychology  10th Edition. Needham Heights, MA: Allan & Bacon.

Course Objectives:

Students, upon successful completion of this course, will:

1.    Compare different ways the interaction of genetics and environment occurs, defend the idea that genes and environment are not separate influences.

2.    List the necessary criteria for natural selection to occur, and describe the evolutionary approach in psychology.

3.    Recognize research techniques used in biological psychology. Correctly interpret findings from twin studies.

4.    Explain how research findings illustrate that many things, often assumed to be socialized, also have a biological component.

5.    Learn information about the human brain: specifically, describe the basics of neural transmission and label brain anatomy.

6.    Recognize the specific biological foundations of perceptual experience, pathology, sex differences, and substance abuse; relate the foundations to the evolutionary approach to brain and behavior. 

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance is expected.  Missing a class and not making up the content will harm your learning and your grade.   If you miss a class, you will need to get notes from the TA, review the notes, and watch any content that is available.

2. Reading of assigned pages is assumed.

3. Students should expect to spend between 3-8 hours each week studying for this class.  Individuals vary in their need to study, but it is unrealistic to expect to do well in this course without significant studying each and every week.

4.  A test will be given approximately every  4 weeks.  Each test will be multiple choice with short answer questions or essay questions.

5.  The Final Exam is comprehensive.

6.  Students should listen closely and take notes during class-- but not word for word from the slides.  Your memory and comprehension of class lectures will be your best preparation for tests.

7.  Impromptu in-class writing assignments and/or  computer based assignments will be given to help students assess their readiness for tests. Topics on these quizzes will likely appear again.  Such quizzes will help and count for your grade -- but the primary purpose of any quiz is to help reinforce your learning.
 
 

Makeup Exam Policy:  It is best to take exams in-class, on the day scheduled. Students who must miss for a school-sponsored event, quarantine, or military-duty can arrange for a make-up of the exam by emailing (both) your TA and Dr. DeSoto.  Other requests for make-ups are at the discretion of the instructor – I can and do say no. Requests from students who are making satisfactory progress in the course and attend regularly will be considered. Make-Up exams are primarily essay format. 

Student Evaluation:  

The purpose of the grade is to provide an indication of how well you mastered the course material.  Final grades will be determined according to the following criteria:
 

                EXAM 1                                            100

                EXAM 2                                            100

                EXAM 3                                             100

                FINAL                                               200

                Total pts. possible:                   500 points*
                       

Final grades will be determined based on the number of available points you have earned at the end of the semester.  In-Class writing and out of class web based work appear as added points to exam scores.

The following scale will be used to assign final course grades.
 

    A             =  90% of points possible 

    B             =  80-90%

    C             =  70-79%

    D             =  60-69%

    F              =  less than 60%
 
    If you are within 2 percentage points of the next higher grade, you will get a “plus”.

    If you are within 2 points of the next lowest grade, you will get a “minus”.

FAQ’s :

What if I miss a Quiz or In Class Writing Activity?

You can earn the points by typing a one-page summary paper of the lecture topic -- emphasizing the quiz/activity topic. The writing must reflect the lecture content, be written in paragraph format and be handed in within two weeks of the missed quiz/activity to ensure full credit. Ask you TA or a class member for missed notes, and hand your one page summary to Dr. DeSoto.

How can I see  which questions I missed on an exam?

After you take the exam and hand in your answer key and exam, you may take a key and look at the correct answers. You can look at the test more closely later  during your TA's  office hours or by appointment. Obviously, you cannot ask questions while others are still taking the exam, but here will be opportunity to ask questions if needed -- either after everyone has turned in their exams or during office hours, by email, etc.

How can I check my grade?

There is a link on the course web page. Check it regularly.

What is the most important to be successful in this class?

Don't miss class. Focus on listening to lecture info and trying to understand key concepts during the class. Ask about an idea if you sense you do not understand it.

How many hours a week should I study for this class?

That varies greatly. Some students can get a B with only a couple of hours per week outside of class.

Some students report spending 6 to 8 hours a week and still earn low C's and D's.

If you are averaging more than one hour a night studying for this class (five hours a week) and still did poorly on the first exam, you may be studying incorrectly for this class, or it may be too hard for you. Meet with your professor and ask for help/advice/guidance right away.

What are the professor's pet peeves?

Good question!! I don't like emails that ask what to do if a quiz is missed -- or (like all professors) otherwise indicate that you did not go to class the first day and did not read the syllabus. I also don't like it when students try to write down EVERY word on the overhead and expect the class to wait. Listen for comprehension of the main point, then summarize and abbreviate -- there is an art to note taking. Proper note taking helps you learn the content and does not distract from listening.

What is the professor's favorite student question?

"Can you help me understand (this topic)?"  Specific content questions are the best. I like to help students really understand the content-- and I think I can be very helpful.

CONTACT NUMBERS

Instructor’s Office                                           2062 Bartlett Hall

Instructor’s Email                                            cathy.desoto@uni.edu (best way to contact)

Office hours:                                                   W, Th, F : 1 pm – 1:50 pm  (also try right before or after class, and I am available many other times as needed- just ask)

Instructor's Phone                                           319/273-7475 (worst way to contact)

Teaching Assistant                                         Jess Jost

TA Office Hours:                                           TBA

TA’s Email:                                                     jostj@uni.edu

Class' Web Site                                             www.uni.edu/desoto/bioSYL14.htm

Class member’s text number or email              ______________
 
 
 

OTHER INFORMATION

All UNI students can take advantage of The Learning Center @ Rod Library (TLC) for assistance with writing (e.g. make-up quizzes) and/or study strategies. Located on the main floor of Rod Library, TLC hours are 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Students are welcome to stop in for immediate assistance or schedule an appointment. TLC tutors and coaches are available to meet with students in-person at Rod Library or via Zoom.

This course meets the Course Credit Hour Expectation outlined in the UNI Course Catalog. Students should expect to work approximately 2 hours per week outside of class for every course credit hour.

Statement of Ethics: Students must observe the Academics Ethics Policies (http://www.uni.edu/policies/301). Instances of cheating and plagiarism will be dealt with on an individual basis, but understand that cheating and/or plagiarism are unacceptable and may result in an “F” for the course.

Office of Compliance and Equity Management The University of Northern Iowa does not discriminate in employment or education. Visit 13.03 Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement (https://policies.uni.edu/1303) for additional information.

Student Accessibility Services The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act, and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. To request accommodations please contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS), located at ITTC 007, for more information either at (319) 273-2677 or Email accessibilityservices@uni.edu. Visit Student Accessibility Services (https://sas.uni.edu/) for additional information.

Special Syllabus Statement Regarding COVID for F2F and Hybrid courses:

Protecting our campus from COVID-19 depends on all of us acting with care and responsibility. To protect each other and our campus community, we are required to wear masks or face shields that cover our mouths and noses inside all campus buildings, including throughout the duration of class. We are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, stay away from others and seek medical attention if we’re not feeling well and/or experience any symptoms such as a fever over 100.4, and to communicate and plan proactively to make up for missed learning. We will maintain physical distancing by sitting in designated areas in the classroom. In order to facilitate contact tracing, Black Hawk County requires us to sit in assigned seats, and you are asked to adhere to your assigned seat. If your assigned seat does not work well for you, please notify me immediately so that we can work together to reassign you. Failure to follow these requirements can result in students being referred to the student conduct process and faculty being referred to the Associate Provost for Faculty. We take these steps together recognizing that my mask protects you, your mask protects me, and together wearing masks protects the entire UNI community. Our collective actions will determine our ability to remain together in an in-person learning environment.  

Special Syllabus Statement Regarding COVID Absences

Faculty must be prepared to offer online instruction and/or have assignment alternatives for individual students who are unable to attend class due to COVID-related health issues. To utilize these alternative delivery methods and/or assignments, students must report the issue by completing the Panther Health Survey; students directed not to come to campus or who are unable to participate in class due to COVID-19 related illness, self-isolation, or quarantine should utilize the information provided in the survey to have their faculty notified of their need to be absent. These same instruction/assignment alternatives should also extend to field experiences that students may not be able to attend for the same reasons. Questions related to COVID-19 testing should be directed to the Student Health Center COVID Hotline (319) 273-2100, Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

TENTATIVE* COURSE CALENDAR AND EXAM STUDY GUIDE

*THIS MAY BE REVISED AS NEEDED.
Needed revisions will be posted in the online syllabus-- highlighted in yellow-- and announced one time in class.