Psychology 105

Brain and Human Nature

Fall, 2006

 

INSTRUCTOR:   MICHAEL E. OAKES, Ph.D.

OFFICE & OFFICE HOURS: 12:45-1:45  pm T & Th: AMH 218 (or by appointment)

PHONE:  941-7895

E-MAIL:  oakesm2@scranton.edu

WEB ADDRESS: http://academic.scranton.edu/faculty/oakesm2/

 

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Kalat, J.W.  (2004).  Biological Psychology (8th edition).  U.S.A.: Wadsworth.

 

Articles are on electronic reserve at http://libres.scranton.edu/.  I used the instructor’s name (Oakes) and the password brain to get access.

 

DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the physiological basis of both human and animal behavior.  Topics will include neuroanatomy and the physiological determinants of sensation, perception, movement, learning, emotion, and psychopathology.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

     ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken periodically throughout the semester and excessive absences (more than 3) may result in a lowered grade (i.e., one letter grade, e.g., from a B to a B-).  Also, students are responsible for finding out additions/deletions to the syllabus that are made during class.

 

     LATE FOR CLASS: I may deduct one course point for each time that you come to class late. 

 

     QUIZZES: Seven quizzes will be given, each worth 10 points.  These will include multiple choice questions.  All quiz questions will be over the assigned readings from the electronic reserve materials.  The lowest quiz score will be discarded.  Thus, there are 60 points possible for all quizzes combined.  THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES.  Also, I will deduct one quiz point if you show up late for a quiz.  Further, if you are more than 4-5 minutes late you will not be allowed to take the quiz.  Students will have an opportunity to discuss the readings (i.e., articles quizzed over) after each quiz.

 

     EXAMS:  A total of three exams will be given (not comprehensive) plus an optional final (comprehensive).  They will cover material from the required books and notes.  Each will be worth 100 points.  The exam questions will be multiple choice.  The chapters that each exam covers, as well as tentative exam dates, are on the attached schedule.  Note that there are two final exams, one is mandatory while the other is comprehensive but optional and can be used to replace a low previous test grade (i.e., exams 1 or 2).  Both final exams will be administered during the scheduled final exam session.  THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS, if you miss an exam and still wish to complete the course, you can replace the missing exam score (of zero) by taking the optional comprehensive final.  If you should miss an exam a sufficiently compelling reason (i.e., a doctor's note or a copy of a police report for an accident) for the absence must be presented to the instructor in order for you to be allowed to take the optional final (or at least for the optional final to be considered in your final grade).  NOTE:  Anyone caught cheating on a test or quiz will receive a score of zero for that test or quiz (& they will lose their option to take the comprehensive final) and other actions may be taken (I will follow the university's policy on academic dishonesty).

 

     GRADES: There will be a total of 360 points that can be earned (plus an additional 10 points in extra credit).  Grading will be determined according to the percentages presented below.

 

92-100% = A              87-89% = B+              77-79% = C+              67-69% = D+

90-91%   = A-             83-86% = B                 73-76% = C                60-66% = D

80-82% = B-               70-72% = C-

 

EXTRA CREDIT:

You may write two short (2-3 pages each) reaction papers on two magazine or newspaper articles (i.e., not from the required text or readings) related to the material discussed in this course.  The articles must be handed in with the papers. In these papers you should describe the article, explain why you chose it, and provide your opinion about the information presented.  Each paper will earn you up to 5 course points.  Both reaction papers are due by Tuesday, December 5, 2006.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:     ER=electronic reserve

Week

Date

Topics/Readings/Quizzes/Tests

1

8/29,8/31

Kalat chpts 1 & 2 (introduction, the neuron)

2

9/5,9/7

Kalat chpt 3 (neurotransmitters and drugs)

Quiz 1: ER articles 1-3

3

9/12,9/14

Kalat chapter 4 (structure of the nervous system )

Quiz 2: ER articles 4-7

4

9/19,9/21

Kalat chaper 5 (development & recovery from damage)

5

9/26,9/28

*****Exam 1 (over Kalut chpts. 1-5 ) 

Kalat chapter 6 (vision)

6

10/3,10/5

Kalat chapter 7 (other senses)

Quiz 3: ER articles 8-11

7

10/10,10/12

Kalat chapter 8 (movement)

8

10/17-----à

10/19

Fall break

Quiz 4: ER articles 12-14

9

10/24,10/26

Kalat chapter 9 (sleep)

Quiz 5: ER articles 15-16

10

10/31

11/2

Kalat chapter 11 (reproductive behavior)

*****Exam 2 (over Kalat chpts. 6,7,8,9,11)

11

11/7-11/9

Kalat chapter 12 (emotion & stress)

Quiz 6: ER articles 17-19

12

11/14,11/16

Kalat chapter 10 (regulation of internal states)

Quiz 7: ER articles 20-22

13

11/21

11/23-----à

Kalat chapter 13 (learning and memory)

Thanksgiving

14

11/28,11/30

Kalat chapter 14 (lateralization & language)

15

12/5,12/7

Kalat chapter 15 (mental disorders)

16

Dec 12-16

*****Exam 3 (over Kalat chapts. 10, 12, 13, 14, 15)

 

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