Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - PSYC 280 D100

Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)

Class Number: 5337

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Evan Caldbick
    ecaldbic@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 4203
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:30-2:20pm

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 100. Recommended: BISC 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioural and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behaviour, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers an introduction to behavioural neuroscience, the study of the relationship between mind and brain. Students learn the functional anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, and associate principles of neural science with perception, physiological and emotional regulation, and higher cognition.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Define modern biopsychology and identify the major perspectives within it.
2. Recognize, recall, connect, and evaluate neuroscientific concepts and theories from specific subfields (e.g., systems neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience).
3. Describe and differentiate between commonly used research methods in biopsychology, including experimental and correlational designs.
4. Critically evaluate new evidence about behaviour that you encounter in your daily life.
5. Apply biopsychological research findings to everyday situations.

Grading

  • Essay Assignment Outline: 5%
  • Midterm Exam: 25%
  • Essay Assignment Introduction: 10%
  • Essay Assignment Final Submission: 20%
  • Final Exam: 40%

NOTES:

All lectures are in-person/face-to-face, unless otherwise specified.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Breedlove, S. M., & Watson, N. V. (2023). Behavioral neuroscience, 10th ed., Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780197616857

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.