Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    PSYC

 Course #:    202

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    n/a

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

This course introduces students to the connection between brain activity and thought, behavior, and emotion and uses neuroanatomy, neurophysicology, and neurochemistry as a basis for understanding learning, memory, sex, sleep, addition, language, emotions, and psychological disorders.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: grade of C or better in PSYC& 100.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Social Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the anatomy and function of neurons and the brain.
2. Descrube the connection between neurons, the nervous system, and specifically the brain.
3. Analyze the nervous system's connection to the visual system, learning, memory, sleep, language, and emotions.
4. Apply their knowledge of the brain and nervous system in relation to actual experiences and scenarios.
5. Use current research in the exploration and understanding of human behavior.
6. Synthesize biopsychological concepts to understand the influences of nature and nurture.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

0. Application and Integration

Definition: Applying information from one or more disciplines and/or field experiences in new contexts (Outcome 0.1); developing integrated approaches or responses to personal, academic, professional, and social issues (Outcomes 0.2-0.5).

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
0.1 Apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom to field, clinical, shop, research, or laboratory settings.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.2 Analyze issues and develop questions within a discipline.
2.8 Describe how one’s own preconceptions, biases and values affect one’s response to new and ambiguous situations.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.
3.4 Produce academic and/or professional writing and integrate it into written and spoken projects.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).

Course Contents

1. The Science of Biopsychology/Evolution and Genetics
2. Anatomy of the nervous system, neural conduction, and nervous system development.
3. The visual system
4. Neuroplasticity.
5. Learning, memory, and sex
6. Sleep and addiction
7. Emotions, Stress, Heath, Psychiatric Disorders