Course Syllabus

PSY240 The Brain, The Body, And The Mind: All Together Now Course Start Date: 12/07/09 Course End Date: 2/21/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document.

Copyright Copyright ©2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices.

Facilitator Information                                                                                                      

RaTonya Bennett, LPC rrbennett@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) rbennett08@hotmail.com (Personal) 318-219-6212 (CST)

Facilitator Availability Hello Class, I am usually available after 6 pm, CST during the week in your classroom to participate and answer questions. I generally will be offline on Fridays and Saturdays. If these times are not convenient for you, please let me know, and I will be happy to accommodate your schedule if at all possible. I provide you with these times to make it easier to communicate with me, not to limit our contact and want you to know that, should you need to contact me outside these time frames, you should not hesitate to do so. If you post a question to your Individual Forum I will respond to you the next time I check into class, with a goal of responding within 24 hours! If you would like to speak by phone you may certainly call me. To ensure you reach me, please post a request for phone communication in your Individual Forum to set up a time for you to call me. I am here to help you succeed in any way I can. For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to both of my email addresses. For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under “facilitator information.” No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom. For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under “facilitator information.” No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under “facilitator information.” No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

Where to Go to Class                                                                                                        Main: This is the main forum for the class and is where discussion is conducted. It has read-and-write access for everyone. Chat-Room: This is a read-and-write access forum. It is designed as a place to discuss issues not related to the course content. This is the forum to which we will send our bios. Course-Materials: This is a read-only forum, which means you can read messages here but cannot send any. This is where I will post the course syllabus and materials. Individual Forum: You will see one forum with your name on it. This is a private forum, shared only by you and me, the facilitator. Your classmates will not have access to this forum. This is where you will post your individual assignments, and where I will post your feedback. You can also ask questions here. However, if you have general questions about instructions of assignments, please post those in the Main forum, since other students may benefit by that exchange as well.

Policies                                                                                                                               For class policies, please see the Policies link on the left side of the Materials page for the course on eCampus. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within that link. University policies are subject to change so please be sure to read them at the beginning of each class as it may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it is important you read the policies governing your current class modality.

Technical Support                                                                                                             Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-832-4867, or use the e-mail support form. Answers to the most common issues are found in the Knowledge Base by clicking Help, found at the top of every student Web site.

Feedback                                                                                                                            Each week, I will provide grades or scores and comments on your assignments. I will send feedback to your Individual forum.

Grading Formula

Points	Grade
95+	A
90-94	A-
87-89	B+
84-86	B
80-83	B-
77-79	C+
74-76	C
70-73	C-
67-69	D+
64-66	D
60-63	D-
<59	F

 

 

 

 

Course Description

 

This course provides an introduction to the investigation of physiological and neurological basis for human behavior. The student will be able to study and discuss various influences on personality development, such as pre-natal maternal behavior; gender; nature versus nurture; brain development; genetic composition; sensory motor interactions; learning disabilities; drug impacts; and neurological diseases.

 

Course Topics & Objectives

 

Week One: Introduction to Biopsychology

 

· Describe the biopsychology and its theoretical framework.

· Explain the affects of behavior on evolution.

· Explain the concepts behind the nature versus nurture issue.

 

Week Two: The Brain and Nervous System

 

· Identify the structures of the nervous system and brain.

· Summarize the biological functions of the brain.

 

Week Three: Neural Activity

 

· Discuss the basic structures and functions of neurons and synapses in the brain.

· Describe the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters.

· Describe methods for studying the brain.

 

Week Four: Hunger, Eating, and Health

 

· Describe common factors that influence what, when, and how much we eat.

· Differentiate between set points and settling points in weight control.

· Relate physiological factors to hunger and satiety.

· Hypothesize main causal factors of obesity and anorexia.

 

Week Five: Hormones and Sex

 

· Describe the neuroendocrine system’s involvement in sexual development.

· Relate hormones to sexual development and behavior.

· Summarize perspectives on sexual orientation and identity.

 

Week Six: Sleep, Dreaming, and Circadian Rhythms

 

· Describe common sleep stages and dream concepts and theories.

· Differentiate between recuperation and circadian theories of sleep.

· Analyze the effects of sleep deprivation and long-term sleep reduction.

· Describe common sleeping disorders and drugs that affect sleep.

 

Week Seven: Addictions and Emotions

 

· Discuss the principles of drug addiction.

· Categorize health effects of commonly abused drugs.

· Describe the theories and brain mechanisms of emotion.

 

 

Week Eight: The Split Brain & Psychiatric Disorders

 

· Describe four methods of studying cerebral lateralization.

· Distinguish between functionalities of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

· Describe various psychiatric disorders and diseases.

· Associate appropriate drug remedies for psychiatric disorders and diseases.

 

Week Nine: Biopsychology Overview

 

· Describe the biological functions/dysfunctions and drug therapies associated with schizophrenia.

· Apply biopsychology principles to different biological disorders.

 

Course Materials

 

Pinel, J. P. J. (2007). Basics of biopsychology. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

 

Axia College’s Writing Style Handbook

 

All electronic materials are available on your student Web site.

 

Recommended Weekly Point Values

Week One
CheckPoint: The Nature-Nurture Issue	30
Discussion Questions	10
Participation	10
Week Two
CheckPoint: The Nervous System	30
Assignment: The Brain	100
Week Three
CheckPoint: Brain Studies	30
Discussion Questions	10
Participation	10
Week Four
CheckPoint: Eating—What, When, and How Much	15
CheckPoint: Set and Settling Points	15
Assignment: To Eat or Not to Eat	100
Week Five
CheckPoint: Sexual Orientation and Identity	30
Discussion Questions	10
Participation	10
Week Six
CheckPoint: Sleeping and Dreaming	15
CheckPoint: Theories of Sleep	15
Assignment: Sleep Deprivation, Disorders, and Drugs	100
Week Seven
CheckPoint: Emotions	30
Discussion Questions	10
Participation	10
Week Eight
CheckPoint: Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality	30
Assignment: Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs	100
Week Nine
Capstone Discussion Question	20
Final Project: Analyzing Biopsychological Disorders	250
Participation	10
Point Total	1,000

Week One

 

Introduction to Biopsychology

 

· Describe the biopsychology and its theoretical framework.

· Explain the affects of behavior on evolution.

· Explain the concepts behind the nature versus nurture issue.

 

Course Assignments-All written assignments must include title and reference page. Points will be deducted for non-compliance.

 

1. Course Preparation

 

· Read the course description and objectives.

· Read the instructor’s biography and post your own.

 

2. Readings

 

· Read Appendix A.

Read Ch. 1 & 2 of Basics of Biopsychology.

 

3. CheckPoint: The Nature-Nurture Issue

 

 

· Post as Attachment in Individual Forum Day 5.

 

 

Post a 200- to 300-word response explaining the concepts behind the Pro-nature and Pro-nurture perspectives. Consider the following questions:

 

· Why is it flawed to ask how much of a particular behavior is due to genetics and how much is due to experience?

· Why is it appropriate to separate the contributions of genetics and experience when measuring the development of differences among individuals?

 

4. Discussion Questions

 

Post in Main Forum Day 2 DQ#1: In your own words, describe biopsychology and its theoretical framework. How can understanding biopsychology be helpful in your personal and/or professional life? Provide a real-life example.

 

 

Post in Main Forum Day 4 DQ#2: How do various behaviors of social dominance and courtship display affect the evolutionary process? What other behaviors might have an impact on evolution? Be sure to provide specific examples.

 

 

 

Week Two

 

The Brain and Nervous System

 

· Identify the structures of the nervous system and brain.

· Summarize the biological functions of the brain.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. CheckPoint: The Nervous System

 

· Review Appendix B, and have it available as you conduct the Structures of the Nervous System activity at: http://204.17.25.69/axia/psy240/. This activity will assist your understanding of the different structures of the nervous system and brain. After viewing a variety of biological structures, label each with the appropriate term. In order to move to the next slide within this activity, fill in all of the blanks with the correct answers. Complete the activity as instructed on the Web site. As you label the structures, write a brief description in Appendix B of the terms you used.

 

Be sure to capture a screen shot of your Congratulations screen before exiting the activity and paste it in the space indicated in Appendix B. To do this, press the <Print Screen> or <Prt Scr> key on the upper-right hand corner of your keyboard, click on the indicated space in Appendix B, then press <Ctrl><V>. Your screen shot should paste directly into the indicated space.

 

Post Appendix B as an attachment in Individual Forum Day 4.

 

2. Assignment: The Brain

· Write a 700- to 1050-word paper in APA format describing the five major structures of the brain and each structure’s function(s) in the human body. Be sure to include the following brain structures:

· Myelencephalon

· Metencephalon

· Mesencephalon

· Deincephalon

· Telencephalon

· Post as Attachment in Individual Forum Day 7

· Week Three

 

Neural Activity

 

· Discuss the basic structures and functions of neurons and synapses in the brain.

· Describe the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters.

· Describe methods for studying the brain.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. Readings

 

Read Ch. 3 & 10 of Basics of Biopsychology.

 

2. CheckPoint: Brain Studies:

 

Due Day 5/Main Forum: Post a 5- to 7-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation on the following: Briefly summarize the various methods for studying the brain.

Use speaker notes to provide details about each method.

 

3. Discussion Questions

 

DQ#1/ Due Day 2/Main Forum: How would you explain the basic structures and functions of neurons and synapses in the brain to your little brother or sister? Consider using analogies and other examples so that he or she can easily comprehend the information.

 

After posting your response to DQ 1, review a classmate’s response and play the role of the little brother or sister.

 

Post a message asking the classmate a question about their description. Then choose a question written by a classmate and answer it.

 

DQ#2/Due Day 4/Main Forum: On p. 72 of the text, in the Thinking Clearly section, the conduction action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters is related to a row of mousetraps on a wobbly shelf. Think of another analogy you can use to describe the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters.

 

After posting your response to the second discussion question, review a classmate’s response.

 

Post a message critiquing the classmate’s analogy. Was it effective? Why or why not?

 

Week Four

 

Hunger, Eating and Health

 

· Describe common factors that influence what, when, and how much we eat.

· Differentiate between Set Points and Settling Points in weight control.

· Relate physiological factors to hunger and satiety.

· Hypothesize main causal factors of obesity and anorexia.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. CheckPoint: Eating—What, When, and How Much

 

Due Day 4/Individual Forum as Attachment: Post a 100-to 150-word response to the following: After reading section 10.3, Factors that Determine What, When, and How Much We Eat, in the text, does your personal experience support these concepts? Why or why not? Provide examples.

 

2. CheckPoint: Set and Settling Points

 

Due Day 5/Individual Forum as Attachment: Post a 100- to 150-word response to the following: What is the difference between the idea of set points versus settling points in relation to weight control? Which do you believe to be true? Explain your answer.

 

3. Assignment: To Eat or Not to Eat- Post as Attachment in Individual Forum Day 7

You are a counselor for those suffering from eating disorders. Today, you have two different group sessions: one consisting of clients with obesity issues, and one dealing with anorexia issues. So that the clients feel more comfortable, you would like to first start the session by explaining some of the physiological factors that cause people to eat or not eat. Then, you will open the floor for questions from the group.

· Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in APA format containing the following:

· Introduction: Act as the eating disorder counselor and introduce yourself to the group. Provide a brief explanation about what you will be discussing today.

 

· Description of the physiological factors for hunger and satiety: Discuss the physiological myths about hunger and satiety and those physiological factors that do contribute to hunger and satiety.

 

· Respond to the following questions proposed by the two different groups:

 

· Lindsey asked: My parents were both obese, is that why I am?

 

· Robert asked: My girlfriend and I eat together all of the time, so we eat the same food and amounts of food, but she never gains weight like I do. Why is that?

 

· Nancy asked: My mom says that I became anorexic because I’ve been reading too many Cosmo magazines and want to look like those girls. Maybe I did, but I really just don’t crave food. What do you think it is?

 

· Tyra asked: I don’t eat because every time I do, I just feel sick! Do you know why this is?

Week Five

 

Hormones and Sex

 

· Describe the neuroendocrine system’s involvement in sexual development.

· Relate hormones to sexual development and behavior.

· Summarize perspectives on sexual orientation and identity.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. Readings

 

Read Ch. 11 & 12 of Basics to Biopsychology.

 

2. CheckPoint: Sexual Orientation and Identity-Due Day 5 Individual Forum as Attachment.

 

· Post a 5- to 7-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation summarizing the different perspectives on sexual orientation and identity.

Include detailed speaker’s notes to explain these perspectives.

 

3. Discussion Questions

 

DQ#1/Due Day 2/Main Forum: You specialize in prenatal care and Mary, one of your patients, just discovered she is pregnant. She’s very curious about how the sex of her baby will be determined. Discuss with Mary the neuroendocrine system’s involvement with sexual development.

 

After posting your response to discussion question one, review a classmate’s response and play the role of Mary.

 

Post a message asking the classmate a question about their description. Then, choose a question written by a classmate and answer it.

 

DQ#2/Due Day 4/Main Forum: Describe how hormones masculinize or feminize sexual development and behavior.

 

After posting your response to discussion question two, review your classmates’ posts and expand on their descriptions.

 

 

Week Six

 

Sleep, Dreaming, and Circadian Rhythms

 

· Describe common sleep stages and dream concepts and theories.

· Differentiate between recuperation and circadian theories of sleep.

· Analyze the effects of sleep deprivation and long-term sleep reduction.

· Describe common sleeping disorders and drugs that affect sleep.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. CheckPoint: Sleeping and Dreaming

 

· Due Day 4/Individual Forum as Attachment: Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following: Describe the stages of sleep. In which stage do we dream? What are the five common beliefs about dreaming? What are the two common theories about dreams? Which of the two theories do you agree with? Explain.

 

2. CheckPoint: Theories of Sleep

 

· Due Day 5/Individual Forum as Attachment: Review Appendix C, which lists characteristics of the recuperation and circadian theories of sleep.

 

Categorize each characteristic under its appropriate theory—Recuperation or Circadian—by placing an X in the appropriate column and answer the questions posted at the end of Appendix C.

 

Post as an attachment.

 

4. Assignment: Sleep Deprivation, Disorders, and Drugs- Post as Attachment in Individual Forum Day 7

 

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in APA format on the following questions: Describe a situation in which you did not get enough sleep. How did it effect your mood, behavior, and cognitive and motor skills? Does your experience coincide with the effects of sleep deprivation described in the text? What are the effects of long-term sleep reduction? Briefly describe common sleeping disorders and possible drug remedies.

Week Seven

 

Addictions, Emotions, and Stress

 

· Discuss the principles of drug addiction.

· Categorize health effects of commonly abused drugs.

· Describe the theories and brain mechanisms of emotion.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. Readings

 

Read Ch. 13, 14 (p.443-462), & 15 of Basics of Biopsychology.

 

4. CheckPoint: Emotions- Due Day 5 Individual Forum as Attachment.

 

Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following: Briefly describe the following biopsychology theories of emotion.

 

· Darwin

· James-Lange

· Cannon-Bard

· Limbic System

 

Include the brain mechanisms involved with each.

 

2. Discussion Questions

 

DQ#1/Due Day 2/Main Forum: Jim has taken heroin for the past 5 years. One day, Jim and Jack go out and both use large quantities of heroin. Although both did the same amount of drugs, Jack dies from an overdose. Discuss how drug tolerance and conditioning may factor into this outcome. Explain the possible reasons for their addiction.

 

DQ#2/Due Day 4/Main Forum: Review the Drug Health Effects Scale in Appendix D.

 

Rate each drug according to the hazard scale for each of the categories listed. When finished, add each category for each drug’s health hazard total.

 

Copy and paste your completed Drug Health Effects table into a post in the Main forum along with your responses to the following questions: Are you surprised at your results? Why or why not? If the drug’s social impact was a category, how might it change your totals?

 

Review another student’s rating scale and comment on if you agree or disagree with their totals. Explain your response.

 

Week Eight

 

The Split Brain & Psychiatric Disorders

 

· Describe four methods of studying cerebral lateralization.

· Distinguish between functionalities of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

· Describe various psychiatric disorders and diseases.

· Associate appropriate drug remedies for psychiatric disorders and diseases.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. CheckPoint: Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality

 

Due Day 4/ Individual Forum as Attachment.

Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following: Many studies have been conducted on cerebral lateralization revealing different functionalities of the left and right hemispheres. Describe four methods for studying cerebral lateralization.

 

Use the table from Appendix E and fill in the different functions of each hemisphere.

 

Post as an attachment.

 

2. Assignment: Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs

 

Due Day 7/ Individual Forum as Attachment.

· Write a 700- to 1050-word paper in APA format on the following psychological disorders and diseases. Discuss any associated theories behind the disorder or disease:

 

· Schizophrenia

· Depression

· Mania

· Anxiety Disorder

· Tourette Syndrome

 

· Include drugs that can remedy or lessen the effects of the disorders and diseases. Explain how these drugs help. What are the negative effects associated with these drugs?

 

· Use a minimum of two outside resources.

 

 

Week Nine

 

Biopsychology Overview

 

· Describe the biological functions/dysfunctions and drug therapies associated with schizophrenia.

· Apply biopsychology principles to different biological disorders.

 

Course Assignments

 

1. Capstone Discussion Question

 

· Due Day 3 Main Forum: What are the most important concepts you have learned in this course? How can you apply them to your life? What difference can these concepts or tools make in your everyday life?

 

5. Final Project: Analyzing Psychological Disorders- Due Day 7 Individual Forum as Attachment.

 

 

You are interviewing for a psychologist position with a top company. After your face-to-face interview with the team, they have provided you with two additional assignments—Part A and Part B below, which will complete the interview process:

 

· Part A: A psychologist understands how biology can affect psychological activities and disorders. In your interview, you are asked about your understanding of the causes and treatment(s) of schizophrenia. In your reply, discuss the following:

 

· Areas of the brain affected

· Causal factors

· Associated symptoms

· The neural basis

· Appropriate drug therapies

 

· Part B: Part B of the interview consists of interpreting some case studies from a biopsychologist’s perspective. You are given four different case studies of disorders and have the option of choosing two out of the four case studies to analyze.

 

· Write a 1,750- to 2,100-word paper in APA format containing the following:

 

· Introduction

· Part A of the interview process.

· Part B of the interview process:

 

· Choose two of the four case studies presented in Appendix A.

 

· Discuss your understanding of the problem presented in each of the two case studies from the perspective of a biopsychologist.

 

· Include each problem’s relation to the nature-nurture issue and any relevant portions of the Basics to Biopsychology text.

 

· Use a minimum of five outside resources, including at least 3 peer-reviewed articles.

 

· Apply any helpful drug interventions or solutions.

 

· Discuss the positive or negative aspects of these drug interventions or solutions.

 

· Conclusion