| 3/31/2025 6:50:19 AM |
| Changed Course |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
PSYC 10 | Title:
INTRO TO BIO PSYCHOLOGY |
|
| Full Title:
Introduction to Biological Psychology |
| Last Reviewed:11/4/2024 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 3.00 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 3.00 | Lab Scheduled | 0 | 6 min. | Lab Scheduled | 0 |
| | Contact DHR | 0 | | Contact DHR | 0 |
| | Contact Total | 3.00 | | Contact Total | 52.50 |
| |
| | Non-contact DHR | 0 | | Non-contact DHR Total | 0 |
| | Total Out of Class Hours: 105.00 | Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 | |
Title 5 Category:
AA Degree Applicable
Grading:
Grade Only
Repeatability:
00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As:
Formerly:
PSYCH 10
Catalog Description:
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In this course, students will be introduced to the scientific study of the biological basis of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. This course explores the scientific method, experimental and non-experimental research, hypothesis testing, and scientific literacy in biological psychology, including the anatomy and physiology underlying psychological phenomena. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and biases, as well as current research practices in studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion of PSYC C1000
Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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In this course, students will be introduced to the scientific study of the biological basis of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. This course explores the scientific method, experimental and non-experimental research, hypothesis testing, and scientific literacy in biological psychology, including the anatomy and physiology underlying psychological phenomena. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and biases, as well as current research practices in studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes.
(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:Course Completion of PSYC C1000
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Associate Degree: | Effective: | Fall 2018
| Inactive: | |
| Area: | D
| Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
| |
| CSU GE: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | D | Social Science | Fall 2018 | |
| |
| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | 4 | Social and Behavioral Science | Fall 2018 | |
| | 4I | Psychology | | |
| |
| CSU Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 2018 | Inactive: | |
| |
| UC Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 2018 | Inactive: | |
| |
| C-ID: |
| CID Descriptor: PSY 150 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | SRJC Equivalent Course(s): PSYC10 OR PSYC10 AND PSYC10L |
| CID Descriptor: PSY 150 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | SRJC Equivalent Course(s): PSYC10 OR PSYC10 AND PSYC10L |
Certificate/Major Applicable:
Both Certificate and Major Applicable
COURSE CONTENT
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Apply the scientific method to investigation and evaluation of biopsychological phenomena.
2. Identify and compare brain structures and neural systems, as related to psychological functioning.
3. Evaluate the contributions and limitations of current research techniques in our understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
Objectives:
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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the scientific method and assess information about current scientific issues in biological psychology.
2. Define and use biological, physiological, and psychological terminology.
3. Analyze and critically evaluate scientific methodologies used in the study of biopsychological phenomena in humans and non-humans.
4. Explain the general anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior.
5. Describe neural conduction and synaptic transmission (electrochemical communication).
6. Discuss the role of the neuroendocrine system as it relates to behavior.
7. Summarize the core concepts in human evolution, genetics, and behavioral development that underlie the biology of behavior.
8. Compare and contrast different sensory systems and their biological underpinnings.
9. Describe how different classes of psychoactive drugs affect brain function and behavior and discuss effective strategies for treating drug abuse.
10. Explain the neural systems involved in formation of memories and how brain plasticity may aid in recovery from brain injury.
11. Detail research investigating biological underpinnings of the biological clock, sleep, and sleep disorders and hypotheses related to consciousness.
12. Synthesize how the structure and function of the brain is related to cognition.
13. Summarize and critique current practices in categorizing psychological disorders and evidence-based approaches to treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Topics and Scope
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I. Science and the Scientific Method
A. Science and the scientific process
B. Science versus pseudoscience
C. Assessment of the quality of scientific research
D. The scientific method
1. Experimental design
2. Non-experiments
3. Hypothesis testing
4. Biopsychological Phenomena
II. The Biological Foundations of Behavior
A. Perspectives on Brain and Behavior
B. Biological Psychology: An Integrative Field of Study
C. Evolution of Brain and Behavior
III. Research Methods
A. Measuring and Manipulating Brain and Behavior
B. Chemical and Genetic Measures of Brain and Behavior
C. Ethical Considerations
D. Current and Historical Contributions, Limitations, and Biases of Research in Neuroscience
IV. The Nervous System's Functional Anatomy
A. Nervous System Structure
B. Evolution of the Nervous System
C. Brain Structures and Functions
V. Functional Units of Nervous System
A. Cells of Nervous System
B. Structure of Neurons
C. Neural Electrochemical Communication
D. Structure of Synapses
E. Excitatory and Inhibitory Messages
F. Neurotransmitter Systems and Behavior
G. Adaptation of Synapses
VI. Neuroendocrine System
A. Stress Response
B. Temperature
C. Thirst
D. Hunger
E. Reproductive Behaviors
VII. Genetics, Development, and Plasticity
A. Genetics and the Evolution of Behavior
B. Development of the Brain
C. Epigenetics
VIII. Sensation and Perception
A. The Visual System
B. The Physical Senses
C. The Chemical Senses
IX. Influence of Drugs on the Brain and Behavior
A. Principles of Psychopharmacology
B. Psychoactive Drugs
C. Responses to Drugs and Treating Drug Abuse
X. Learning and Memory
A. Neural Systems Underlying Explicit and Implicit Memories
B. Structural Basis of Brain Plasticity
C. Recovery from Brain Injury
XI. Sleep and the Brain
A. Neural Basis of the Biological Clock
B. Biological Bases of Sleep and Sleep Disorders
C. Sleep and Consciousness
XII. The Nature of Thought and the Brain
A. Cognition and Association Cortices
B. Lateralization and Thought
C. Intelligence and Consciousness
XIII. Biological Bases of Psychological Disorders
A. Classifying and Treating Brain and Behavioral Disorders
B. Understanding and Treating Neurological Disorders
C. Understanding and Treating Psychiatric Disorders
Assignments:
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1. Read approximately 35-60 pages per week and discuss assigned material in the textbook and supplements
2. Complete writing assignments (minimum of 1250 words, total) such as:
a. Response
s
b. Research papers
c. Summaries
3. Quiz(zes), exams (2-3) and one final exam or project
4. Oral presentations and/or group projects may be assigned
Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
10 - 25% |
| Writing assignments | |
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
65 - 90% |
| Quizzes, exams and one final exam or project | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Oral presentations and/or group projects (if assigned) | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Biological Psychology. 14th ed. Kalat, James. Cengage Learning. 2024.
Physiology of Behavior. 13th ed. Carlson, Neil and Birkett, Melissa. Pearson. 2021.
An Introduction to Brain and Behavior. 7th ed. Kolb, Bryan and Whishaw, Ian and Teskey, G. Worth Publishers. 2023.
Biopsychology. 11th ed. Pinel, John. Pearson. 2021.
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