Summer 2021 - PSYC 280 D100
Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)
Class Number: 3836
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Jun 21, 2021: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Neil Watson
nwatson@sfu.ca
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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 behavioral and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behavior, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course will be mostly asynchronous with synchronous exams and weekly live (synchronous) drop in sessions during scheduled lecture times as needed.
This introduction to behavioral neuroscience provides a general survey of core topics, such as: nerve cells and the nervous system, development, psychopharmacology, hormones and behavior, hearing, chemical senses, vision, movement, biological rhythms, sex, speech, memory and learning, emotion, disorders of the nervous system, and/or other topics.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of the course, students should have a sound understanding of the general principles of communication between neurons, the actions of chemical messengers and drugs in the brain, and the neural origins of perception, action, essential behaviors, and higher cognition.
Grading
- Mid-Term Exam: 45%
- Final Exam: 55%
NOTES:
Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2021 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.
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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.
Intersession courses start May 12, 2021; last day of exams is June 28Final Exam Date/time: TBA
The criteria for the determination of letter grades in this course will be presented during the first week of lectures.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Watson, N.V., Breedlove, S.M. (2021). The Mind's Machine: Foundations of Brain and Behavior (4th Edition). New York: Sinauer/Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 13: 9780197542811
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 SUMMER 2021
Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses. 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).