Overview
Please note: This course is typically offered in the fall term
This course examines the relationship between brain and behaviour. The first part of the course examines topics relevant to brain plasticity, including neurodevelopment, brain damage and learning and memory; followed by sections on the biopsychology of motivation that cover the neural mechanisms of eating, addiction, sexual behaviour and sleep. The final section deals with disorders of cognition and emotion, including stress and psychiatric disorders.
Psychology 370 is a course designed to continue your exploration of the field of Biopsychology. It primarily focuses on the underlying neural mechanisms of some of the most interesting and complex human behaviours. From how the brain develops, to our basic motivations, to how catastrophically the brain can fail us, this course delves into many different aspects of brain and behaviour.
Queen's University's Department of Psychology has a long history of impressive research in the field of biopsychology. From labs looking at neuroendocrinology and the neurobiology of anxiety to investigating cognition in psychological disorders, many researchers in the Department are tackling important biopsychological questions through different techniques and perspectives, and more information can be found on the Department of Psychology website as well as through spotlights throughout the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Outline the primary stages of neural development in humans.
- Describe the process of neuroplasticity and how it relates to learning.
- Summarize current theories on the biopsychology of eating, sleeping, sexual behaviour, and drug addiction.
- Evaluate research findings relating to the biopsychology of motivation, cognition, and emotion.
- Relate principles of biopsychology to an understanding of psychiatric disorders.
Terms
Evaluation
2.5% - Discussion Questions (x1)
17.5% - Essay Assignment
25% - Presentation Assignment
5% - Module Quizzes (7 of 9)
50% - Final Proctored Exam
*Evaluation Subject to Change*
PROCTORED EXAMS
- Students who have on-campus courses (or course sections) will write their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have courses (or course sections) that are remote or online, but who have other on-campus courses (or course sections) in their timetable, will write all of their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered* through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have only remote or online courses (or course sections) in their timetable, and who require remote proctoring, will have their exams proctored using Examity.
LOCATION AND TIMING OF FINAL EXAMINATIONS
Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science webpage under "Important Dates." Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations.
Textbook and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Required Textbook
- Biopsychology, 11th Edition, by John P.J. Pinel and S.J. Barnes, eText. As per Pearson's digital first campaign, there will be no physical copies in the bookstore.
Time Commitment
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend, on average, about 10 hours per week (120 hours total) on the course.
Testimonials
"Really well organized, fair assessment of my learning, TAs were phenomenal. They really put a lot of care and thought into this course and it really shows. I am able to work full time and take this course which has been great!"
- Course evaluation, PSYC 370: Brain and Behaviour II (2014)