Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - PSYC 388 D100

Biological Rhythms and Sleep (3)

Class Number: 1611

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Ralph Mistlberger
    mistlber@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 7316
    Office Hours: by appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 280.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Behaviour 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 behaviour, 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 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 timekeeping thus provides a superb vantage point from which to examine how normal and abnormal behaviour can be understood from genes to environment.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The behavior, physiology and biochemistry of animals, including humans, exhibit rhythmicity in the hourly, daily, monthly and yearly domains. In this course, we will discuss the adaptive significance and biological mechanisms of rhythmicity, with special emphasis on so-called ‘circadian’ (daily) rhythms generated by 24h biological clocks in the brain and body. Core questions to be addressed include: 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 localize and study biological clocks? 3. How do biological clocks keep time? 4. How are biological clocks synchronized to the environment? What is the nature of the species and individual differences that we recognize as chronotypes (e.g., nocturnal vs diurnal, and ‘early-birds’ vs ‘night-owls’)? 5. Can biological clocks be ‘controlled’, e.g., by environmental, behavioral or pharmacological stimuli? Can we turn night-owls into early birds, or make nightshift workers nocturnal? 6. How do biological clocks regulate sleep-wake states and other brain functions? 7. How do rhythms and sleep affect our ability to pay attention, learn and remember? 8. What role do biological clocks and sleep play in mental and physical health and disease?

Grading

  • MIDTERM EXAM Modules 3 - 7.2: 32%
  • QUIZ 1 Modules 1 - 2: 8%
  • QUIZ 2 Modules 8 - 9: 8%
  • FINAL EXAM Modules 10 - 18: 32%
  • Term Paper Chronotype and Sleep Tracking Project: 20%

NOTES:

Lecture overheads, lecture notes and lecture videos will be available on Canvas

Materials

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.