Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - PSYC 388 D100

Biological Rhythms and Sleep (3)

Class Number: 2914

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2018
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 280.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Behavior and physiology are regulated by biological clocks, which function to synchronize the organism optimally with its environment. In this course we examine the adaptive role of clocks in animal behavior, the neural and endocrine mechanisms of daily, monthly and yearly rhythms, and the relevance of clocks, rhythms and sleep to human performance and psychopathology. We will also consider the mechanisms and functions of sleep states.

COURSE DETAILS:

The behaviour of humans and animals is characterized by rhythmicity in the hourly, daily, monthly and yearly domains. In this course we will discuss the functions and mechanisms of rhythmicity, with special emphasis on daily rhythms controlled by biological circadian clocks in the brain and body.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Major questions to be addressed are:

1. What is the evidence that biological clocks regulate human and animal behaviour, how did such clocks evolve, and what are they good for?

2. How do we identify and study clocks in the brains of humans and animals?

3. How do biological clocks keep time?

4. How are biological clocks synchronized to the environment?

5. Can we control biological clocks by environmental, behavioral and/or pharmacological stimuli?

6. How do biological clocks control sleep-wake states and other brain functions?

7. What is sleep, and why do we need it?

8. What is the relation between biological clocks, sleep and our physical and mental health? How do rhythms and sleep affect cognitive performance, mood, physiological systems, development and aging?

 

The study of rhythms and sleep is conducted at many different levels, from the molecular biology of clock neurons in the brain to the role of biological clocks and sleep in human health and performance. The study of biological time thus provides a superb vantage point from which to examine how normal and abnormal behaviour can be understood from the molecular to the molar levels of analysis.

Grading

  • Two quizzes in class worth (8% each): 16%
  • One midterm in class worth: 42%
  • One final exam during the exam period worth: 42%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No required text

Selected readings and course notes will be provided


Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS