Biopsychology 400:155  Section 1 Dr. Linda L. Walsh
	Fall, 2009   10:00 MWF  SEC 1

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Biopsychology is the subarea of psychology that takes a biological approach to understanding behavior. Biopsychologists study the biological events - genetic, neural, endocrine- that underlie each and every one of our thoughts, feelings, and actions . Research in this area focuses on the relationship between brain and behavior but often extends to physiological processes elsewhere in the body (e.g. stomach, glands). This course will introduce you to the methods biopsychologists employ to investigate the biological underpinnings of behavior. It will explore what is currently known about the biological basis of emotional responses, mental illness, sexual behavior, memory, states of consciousness, sensory perception, thought and language, and several neurological disorders. Before delving into these topics this course will provide the necessary foundation - background on basic nervous system anatomy and functioning and an introduction to genetics. We will make use of a combination of lecture, class activities, and a few out-of-class assignments.

Course Objectives After successfully completing this class, students will be able to:
1.   Describe the various methods used to study the biological basis of behavior.
2.   Use scientific terminology appropriately in reference to biology and behavior.
3.   Read and critically evaluate published biopsychological research.
4.   Identify the divisions of the brain and nervous system and describe their functions.
5.   Describe the structure of neurons and how neural impulses are generated.
6.   Describe the structure and functioning of synapses.
7.   Identify the major neurotransmitters and discuss the impact of each on behavior.
8.   Describe the nature and function of the endocrine system and its effect on behavior.
9.   Understand basics of genetics and discuss their role in behavior.
10. Discuss the role of the brain and nervous system in health and disease.
11. Apply the principles of biopsychology to better understand behavior.
12. Discuss how biopsychological knowledge can be used to address a wide range of behavioral and physiological problems.
Hopefully students will also leave this course:
13. Excited and curious about the biological basis of behavior.
14. Excited about and dedicated to the use of technology as a lifelong learning tool.     

Text:  Biopsychology (7th Edition) by John P.J. Pinel. (Earlier editions will vary somewhat but are probably okay too) Support materials are also available on the world-wide web (indicated by the underlined text in our schedule), and are easily accessed from our online syllabus (found at http://www.uni.edu/walsh/phys98.html). (Web documents and their URLs are prone to change. Don't worry if you can't find a web reference shown on our paper syllabus when you check our web syllabus. I may have had to delete or change links.) Items with asterisks are sites that will help you prepare for exams.

Tentative Schedule

Date	Day	Topic	Readings/Assignments
08/24	M	Introduction to Biopsychology;  Thinking About What Makes You You (5 pts)	Syllabus; Chap 1
08/26	W	Areas of Biopsychology & the Importance of Converging  Evidence Extras: Modern Psychosurgery Stimulating the Brain: Penfield and a  "Probe the Brain activity* if you have Shockwave Hear a first-person account from someone who had a lobotomy - "My Lobotomy" by Howard Dully	Chap 1 continued, plus 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 of Chap 5, Watch this CAT scan video Watch this MRI scan video Watch how a PET scan is used in brain research Watch Psychophysiology/Biofeedback Lab Demo A Chart of Biopsych Methods (top one only)* Electroencephalogram & the new MEG A Chart Comparing Brain Imaging Techniques* Careers in Medical Imaging IA Schools of Radiology
08/28	F	Introduction to the Genetics of Behavior Begin the Evolution Game Extras: Play a Genetic Game DNA Workshop (need Shockwave) Human Genome Project	Chap 2   Punnett Squares & Probability of Inheritance*  Sex Linked Genes   Errors in Our Genes Genetic Cross Problem 1* Sex-Linked Inheritance Problem 7* (*other interesting problems are optional)  Week 1 Outline   Exceptions to Simple Inheritance
08/31	M	Mom, Dad and the Inheritance of Traits Evolution Game - Next Generation	Tongue Rolling      Genetic Traits
09/2	W	Huntington's Disease: Example of a Genetic Disorder Genetics Research Evolution Game - Next Generation Extras: Cracking the Code of Life Your Genes, Your Choices	pp 246   UMN Twin Research  Huntington's Disease Family Research Example: Huntington's Disease Dominant Disorders PKU Diet    PKU    Recessive Genetic Disorders Short Intro to Genetic Testing How to Become a Genetic Counselor
09/4	F	Genetic Fitness, Natural Selection and Evolution Turn in or email me your ** Genetics Quiz  by today Behavior Genetics	Natural Selection    Intro to Evolutionary Psychology Selective Breeding of Foxes ** Genetics Quiz Due Today Week 2 Outline
09/9	W	Introduction to Your Nervous System Print your neuroanatomy sheet .	Chap 3 Parts of the Midbrain
09/11	F	Family Genetics Assignment Due Mike the Headless Chicken , or         Lower Brain: Automatic and Unconscious	Explore the NS (see Brain Game instructions for which links to click) Basal Ganglia     Limbic System Ventricles Blood-Brain-Barrier
09/14	M	The Limbic System	The Story of Mike Know Your Brainstem* Know Your Anatomy*
09/16	W	The Cerebral Hemispheres Brain Tutorial* Earn 10 pts for turning  in correctly labeled Know Your Brainstem and Know Your Anatomy today	Know your Lobes!!* Lobes*; Areas of Cerebral Cortex* Week 4 Outline
09/18	F	Get in Groups Today for the Brain Game. No books today!  Turn in your completed neuroanatomy sheet for credit (10 pt).	A nice anatomy review
09/21	M	Introduction to the Cells of the NS	3.2 in Chap 3     Neural Structure Quiz*
09/23	W	Test 1 through 2.1    Study Tips for Test 1
09/25	F	The Nerve Impulse Extras: Depolarization, Repolarization (several pages) Na+ and K+ During an Action Potential	4.1 and 4.4 in Chap 4 NS for Kids-Action Potential  Action Potential Animations Ppt Outline: Action Potentials Thru Parkinsons
09/28	M	Chemical Transmission at Synapses	4.5 and 4.6 in Chap 4  Neurotransmitters Chemical Transmission Affecting Ionotropic Receptors Ionotropic vs Metabotropic (Indirect) Receptors
09/30	W	Post-Synaptic Potentials - Will They Excite Our Neuron?	4.2 and 4.3 in Chap 4
10/2	F	Example of a Neurotransmitter-Related Disorder: Parkinson's Disease                                         Read more about Parkinson's Disease	pp 245-246 Parkinson's and Dopamine Parkinson's Disease is so common many of you may encounter it in your personal and/or professional lives. Here is a little more info on living with or helping those with PD: Living With Parkinson's Disease AOTA - Tip Sheets - Living With Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's Disease Information for Caregivers CARE - for CareGivers of People with Parkinson's Caregiver Information from the Michael J. Fox  Foundation
10/5	M	Overview of Message Transmission in the Nervous System
10/7	W	Drug Actions at Synapses	4.7 Explore Drug Actions
10/9	F	Brain Control of Biological Rhythms	14.8 Neuroscience for Kids - Sleep   EEG Why We Don't Act Out Dreams During Sleep Schools for Learning Polysomnography Careers in EEG Technology
10/12	M	Biological Controls of Sleep and Dreaming	Narcolepsy Information Site  Why We Can't Sleep  Sleep Apnea Restless Legs Syndrome Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
10/14	W	Sleep Disorders	Careers in Sleep Technology Careers in Sleep Clinics
10/16	F	Test 2     Studylist for Test 2
10/19	M	Biological Basis of Hearing  Extras: More on hair cells Hair Cell Tips Pull Up the Gates  A Brain Map of Auditory Space  The Value of Having Two Ears	7.2    New Powerpoint File Hair Cells1 Deafness Genes       Why 2 Ears? Cochlear implants    The Organ of Corti 5 auditory illusions Careers in Audiology
10/21	W	The Somatosensory System; The Pain System	7.3   The Vestibular Organs of Balance Meniere's Disease
		MIDTERM GRADES DUE
10/23	F	Chemical Senses Last Day to Drop Courses	7.4   Senses Outline Finding the Odorant Receptors  How Rats & Humans-Recognize Odors Communicating through pheromones Physiology of Taste
10/26	M	Biological Basis of Vision: The Eye and Retina	Chap 6    New Powerpoint File Exploratorium's Cow's Eye Dissection  Blind spots Color Blindness
10/28	W	Brain Processing of Visual Input	A Language the Brain Can Understand The Urgent Need to Use Both Eyes Receptive Field Tutorial Blindness to Motion Prosopagnosia Vision Outline
10/30	F	Right Hemisphere vs Left Hemisphere Functions or "Lateralization" of Function in  the Brain How Lateralized Are You? LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT AN F	Chapter 16  New Powerpoint Roger Sperry Take a Look at the Corpus Callosum Lateralization of Emotion
11/2	M	Telltale Hands and Eyes	Handedness and Brain Lateralization
11/4	W	Language and the Brain;  Aphasias	Optional:  NAA: Aphasia Fact Sheet Splitbrain Outline Careers in Speech Pathology
11/6	F	Test 3      Studylist for Test 3
11/9	M	Neuroendocrine System	Chap 13
11/11	W	The Biological Basis of Sexuality: Organizational Effects versus Activational Effects	Listen to Testosterone Show (10 pts) (click on little speaker icon) Link to download RealPlayer if necessary
11/13	F	Variations in Sexual  Differentiation and Development Intersex Society of North America Print Testosterone Assignment*	Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia APA: Sexual Orientation Simon LeVay's Male, Female, Other Guevedoces
11/16	M	Bring your books for group activity today (10 pts)	The Story of John/Joan Sexual Development Outline Studylist for Test 4
11/18	W	Testosterone Assignment Due	Homosexuality and Biology
11/20	F	The Biological Basis of Memory
		THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/30	M	Neuropsych Testing of Memory and Cognition	Chap 11 through 11.4 Studylist for the last test
12/2	W	Memory Disorders	Memory Outline The Story of H.M. The case of Clive Wearing
12/4	F	The Biopsychology of Mood Disorders	18.2
12/7	M	Biological Treatments of Mood Disorders
12/9	W	The Biological Basis of Schizophrenia	18.1 People and Discoveries: Antipsychotics On The Edge: Miracle Pill Prenatal Risk Factors
12/11	F	Biological Treatments of Schizophrenia	Powerpoint Outline
12/14	M	10:00   Last Exam

Return to Table of Contents

"How much of this stuff will be on the exam?"

Resources for Biopsychology Terms:
Neuroscience for Kids - Glossary                          Glossary of Genetic Terms
Etymology of Neuroscience Terms                       Common Behavior Genetic Terms

Neuroanatomy Resources

The digital anatomist A very comprehensive site featuring pictures and 3 dimensional reconstruction of the human brain. On-line quiz on each image. (slow and shaky connection).

The whole brain atlas: A comprehensive atlas of 2 dimensional scans of the human brain using techniques such as CT or MRI, including normal anatomy and pathology.

Some general comments on the course and grading:
    Many students are nervous about taking a psychology class that is so biological. Like courses in the natural sciences, there is a fair amount of new vocabulary - much of which is hard to pronounce and requires some special effort to learn. I believe that any student - no matter what their background- can do well on our exams if they are conscientious about doing the reading, attending class, and making use of some "active" study techniques (flashcards, practice test questions, re-copying notes) - doing something to drill other than just re-reading class material. But since some students suffer from test anxiety and feel their test performance does not reflect what they are learning, I have included a variety of assignments as other ways in which you can earn points and demonstrate your grasp of class material.
Requirements

Take the online genetics quiz to make sure you are ready for the next assignment (5 pts) (due 9/4)

Tracing Trait Inheritance in Your Family (up to 30 pt) (Due 9/11)
Investigate the pattern of inheritance in your family.   For each of 6 traits record the phenotype shown by each family member and then try to deduce their genotype by looking at the distribution of trait characteristics in family members. If you don't have blood relatives easily available but do have access to another family (boyfriend's, girlfriend's, roommate's, etc.), you may use them for your data sample. A handout will be provided. Some of the traits demonstrated in class can be seen at this site.

Online Brain Anatomy Exercises  (10 Pts) Due 9/16

Brain Game Notes  (up to 10 pt + EC) (Due 9/18) Note: the assignment and game should help you prepare for the neuroanatomy quiz.
Read class notes and the anatomy Modules of the text as well as the following websites providing information on the functions of different regions: Explore the NS  (click on Divisions of the Nervous System, Functional Divisions of the Cortex, Right Down the Middle, and Split Brain Experiments), Lobes, and  Areas of Cerebral Cortex  (by the way, these last 2 are from a site in Brazil- sometimes you may not get connected, but keep trying!). Complete the neuroanatomy handout noting the location and, whenever possible, the function of all the parts of the brain and nervous system listed on the handout.  You might also want to make yourself some diagrams and also include any additional brain regions we have already discussed in class. You’ll use your assignment to help your team earn extra credit points in the brain game. Everyone who turns in a satisfactorily completed handout will earn 10 pts.

 Rules for The Brain Game
1.  Bring your completed handout to class to receive 10 assignment points.  No completed handout, no points, no exceptions. Your handout will be very important to you and your group because you cannot use your textbook to answer questions. You may however supplement your handout with additional diagrams or notes that you think may help you during the game.
2.  Sit with your group.You will share notes and work together with others in your group to answer questions and win points.
3.  During the game each group will use their knowledge of brain anatomy and the functions of different parts of the nervous system to either locate the region of brain involved in a particular case or "diagnose" what area of the brain is damaged on the basis of behavioral symptoms.  I’ll give your group a set of symptoms – e.g. a person who has a brain tumor that causes deafness – and your group will identify which brain area may be involved.
4.  Correct Answer:  If your group answers correctly, your group receives a point. If your group answers incorrectly, you receive no points and the next group can steal the question.

Testosterone Assignment (10 pts) (Real Player Help) Due 11/18
Listen to the 3 cases presented in the first 45 minutes of this archived National Public Radio show from the program "This American Life".
React to the impact of hormones on the individuals and interpret each case in terms of the physiological mechanisms we discuss in this section. 

In -Class Group Work (~ 50-60 points over the semester)
Periodically  we will do point-earning in-class group work. Most often there will be work sheets that accompany these activities. Successful completion of the worksheet and associated activity earns points for the participating group members. These points cannot be made up if you are absent. I'm hoping the group work will be fun and improve your learning and motivation.

10 pt Extra Credit. Keep a blank videotape handy to record any shows, segments, or news reports on the biological  issues we cover in this class. Turn the tape in to me with a summary of the program, why you think it's relevant to the class, and a critical evaluation of the segment using an evaluation handout.(tape will be returned). May be done once for credit.


Grading Grades will be based on the total number of points accumulated during the semester.  

"Gentlemen, look on this wonder!  Whatever the bids of the bidders,  They cannot be high enough for it;  For it the globe lay preparing quintillions  of years, without one animal or plant;  For it the revolving cycles truly and steadily roll'd.  In this head the all-baffling brain;  In it and below it, the makings of heroes."        - Walt Whitman -  I Sing the Body Electric, 1855