Spring 2021 - PSYC 325 D100
Learning and Memory (3)
Class Number: 2025
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 18, 2021
Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Lesley Schimanski
lschiman@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201W and PSYC 221 (or PSYC 280).
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examination of the phenomena of memory and the retention and reproduction of information. Considers the conditions and principles of retention and recall in short- and long-term memory.
COURSE DETAILS:
How is information learned and stored in the brain? How is it retrieved from storage when it is needed? This course investigates learning at different levels of complexity, such as the simplest forms expressed via behavioural changes (e.g., habituation, sensitization, classical and operant conditioning) and more complex processes that underlie memory for skills, general knowledge, and events/experiences.
Examination of the phenomena of memory and the retention and reproduction of information. Considers the conditions and principles of retention and recall in short - and long-term memory.
There will be 30-60 minutes of synchronous lecture time held weekly in the scheduled meeting time. All lectures will be recorded.
Office Hours: Via Zoom TBA
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
After developing an understanding of multiple learning and memory systems, questions that relate these processes with other aspects of cognition will be addressed, such as: How can emotion and stress influence memory encoding and retrieval? How and what can we learn by observing the behaviour of others? How does memory function develop and also change with advanced age?
All topics in the course are explored in terms of both behavioural processes and neural substrates (e.g., roles of specific brain structures, synaptic plasticity), with a focus on understanding and thinking critically about the original research that generated predominant theories.
Throughout, course topics are also related to clinical points of interest, such as how altered learning and memory processes may be involved in aspects of disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addictions.
Grading
- Tests: Tests (3) will be held online during scheduled meeting times 45%
- Assignments: 15%
- Term Project: 15%
- Online Quizz: 5%
- Final Exam: 20%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Gluck, M. A., Mercado, E., & Myers, C. E. (2020). Learning and memory: From brain to behavior (4th ed.). Worth Publishing.
ebook access:
https://store.macmillanlearning.com/ca/product/Learning-and-Memory/p/1319107389
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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
TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021
Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).