Spring 2023 - PSYC 325 B100
Learning and Memory (3)
Class Number: 6065
Delivery Method: Blended
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 20, 2023
Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Brianne Kent
bkent@sfu.ca
Office: RCB 6319
Office Hours: TBD
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201W and PSYC 280.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Explores the leading theories and underlying neurobiology of learning and memory, with a focus on behavioural neuroscience and neuroimaging research. Connects experimental insights to the human experience and clinical disorders that affect memory.
COURSE DETAILS:
Explores the leading theories and underlying neurobiology of learning and memory, with a focus on behavioural neuroscience and neuroimaging research. Connects experimental insights to the human experience and clinical disorders that affect memory.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
After completing the course, students should be able to:
• Describe basic brain structure and function
• Demonstrate understanding of how learning and memory are studied in animal models and humans
• Demonstrate understanding of how information is learned and stored in the brain
• Demonstrate understanding of how time-of-day and sleep can affect learning and memory
• Demonstrate understanding of how brain injury and disease can affect memory
• Summarize and critique primary research articles
Grading
- Quiz: 10%
- Canvas Discussion: 15%
- Group Presentation: 15%
- Mid-Term Exam: 20%
- Term Paper/ Project: 20%
- Final Exam: 20%
NOTES:
Topics:
Memory is the critically important ability to store and recall information and experiences from the past to guide our behaviour and understanding of the world around us. This course aims to provide an overview of the neurobiological basis of memory by integrating the psychological concepts of learning and memory with synaptic mechanisms and neural circuitry. Topics that are covered in this course include: basic anatomy and physiology of the brain, traditional and modern methodology for studying learning and memory in animal models and humans, leading psychological theories, neural circuitry of the memory systems, how sleep and circadian rhythms affect memory, and clinical disorders that affect memory, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Lectures and assignments are designed to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of learning and memory and to encourage critical thinking about experimental design and interpretations of research results.
REQUIREMENTS:
Prerequisites PSYC 201W and PSYC 280
Blended course format. Each week there will be a 2 hour in-person lecture and 1 hour of asynchronous learning via Canvas.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Rudy, J. (2020). The Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (Third edition). Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9781605359342
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