Biopsychology Psychology 230

1
Biopsychology(Psychology 230)

• Course Content,
• Organization, Requirements

2
Course Content

• Surveys the relationship between brain function
  (e.g., neurons, neurotransmitters) and behavior
  (e.g., movement, psychopathology)
• Course content covers three primary areas
• an examination of neurons and neurotransmitters
• a brief overview of sensory/motor systems
• examples illustrating how the brain influences
  simple and complex behaviors

3
Background Prerequisites

• Introductory Psychology
• conditioning learning theory
• biological mechanisms of behavior
• Basic biology chemistry

4
Learning Objectives

• Develop foundation for advanced study of
  specialized topics in biopsychology and
  behavioral neuroscience
• neurons
• neuroanatomy
• neurotransmitter systems
• experimental methods
• introduction to psychopharmacology
• examples of applications to psychology

5
Course Caveats

• In addition to developing new concepts,
  vocabulary building is also emphasized
• Knowledge is cumulative
• A large number of factual elements and new terms
  are necessary to develop the key concepts of the
  course
• the reading and memorization load is heavy
  throughout the course
• This is NOT your usual psych. course

6
Instructional Format

• Primarily textbook-based instruction
• following outline of textbook
• heavy reading load
• Supplementary lecture material
• Some discussions
• Possible laboratory demonstrations
• Class attendance essential
• Internet access mandatory

7
Course Material

• Carlsons Physiology of Behavior
• Lecture presentations
• Discussion group postings
• Online resources
• Reserve list at UGL

8
Course Grade

• Based on three equally weighted exams
  administered during regularly scheduled class
  periods
• major emphasis on textbook material but other
  material will also be included
• lectures
• online tutorials
• UGL reserve list
• make-up exams allowed only under exceptional
  circumstances

9
Biopsychology Internet Page

• http//wings.buffalo.edu/aru/B00Fhome.html