Psychology 5430A: Physiological Psychology

Carroll 2266, MWF 10:00-10:50

 

Professor          Dr. Janie Wilson

Office              1050G Psychology Department (Carroll Building)

Phone              681-5580 (my office)

E-Mail             jhwilson@georgiasouthern.edu

Office Hours      9:00-10:00am MWF and by appointment

Web page        http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/psychology/courses/wilson/

 

Texts

1.         Foundations of Physiological Psychology, 6th Edition (2005), N.R. Carlson, Allyn & Bacon.  (With CD-ROM – optional)

2.         Please purchase the Course Notes for Physiological Psychology 5430.

3.         Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition.

 

Course Overview

Physiological Psychology is designed to introduce the union of psychology and biology. We will focus on the nervous system and how it controls perception and behavior, and we will discuss how behavior changes the nervous system. Topics include perceptual systems, memory, sleep, sex, maternal behavior, aggression, emotions, and disorders of the brain.

 

Learning Objectives

When you have successfully completed this course, you should be able to

·                    define physiological psychology,

·                    define and discuss relevant terms in physiological psychology (e.g., action potential, telencephalon, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors),

·                    describe various methods used to collect information in physiological psychology,

·                    discuss physiological bases for learning, perceptual systems, and sleep, and

·                    write an APA-style review paper on a topic in physiological psychology

Assessment

These Learning Objectives will be assessed using traditional tests as well as homework assignments and quizzes. In addition, you will be assessed based on the final APA-style paper.

 

Attendance Policy

There is no attendance policy. However, I am interested in what you have to say during class discussions. I look forward to seeing each of you consistently throughout the semester. Information will not be repeated in the event of an absence, but you can make prior arrangements with a colleague to take notes for you if you wish.

 

Class Participation

Participation in class is important for your personal growth as well as class learning. I understand that each class is composed of different personalities; therefore, it is important that quiet students be given the opportunity to answer questions as often as outgoing students. To facilitate "fairness," I will randomly choose students to answer questions during each class.  If you are called upon and do not know the answer, please make an effort anyway. You are not expected to always know the right answer, but you should know the question. Two percent of your grade will be based on class participation.

 

Homework Assignments/Quiz Reviews

Homework assignments will be designed to give you "food for thought." They should be more fun than difficult, and I encourage you to be creative with each assignment. Homework will be due at the beginning of class on the due date; it will not be accepted after the due date. For each minute that your homework is late (past the beginning of class), 10% will be deducted from the homework grade for that assignment. After 3 minutes, homework turned in will not be graded.

Included in this portion of your grade will be quiz reviews. These will be used to assess your knowledge of the subject matter throughout the semester. Please listen carefully in class, as all quiz reviews will be announced at least one class day in advance.

 

Tests

Tests may include the following formats: multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, labeling, short-answer items, and essay questions. Text information will be supplemented with lecture notes, course-pack materials, and discussions, and all may be represented on tests.

 

Moral Conduct

Although I realize that you all know right from wrong, I need to tell you that cheating will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating, I will feel morally obligated to seek the maximum punishment available at Georgia Southern. Academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs, and you will receive a 0 on the assignment/test. If you have any questions about acceptable and unacceptable conduct, please refer to the Georgia Southern Conduct Code Policies and Procedures.

 

APA Paper

1. APA style must be followed throughout this review paper. Please see the APA manual for specific instructions, then see me if you have further questions.

 

2. A well-defined topic on any disorder of the brain will be due at the beginning of class on 1/18/08. I will let you know if the topic is acceptable within one week. Turning in this topic on time will be worth an additional point on your final paper.

 

3. A typed outline, including at least four primary references typed in APA style, will be due at the beginning of class on 2/8/08. Turning in a detailed outline and references on time will be worth an additional 2% on your final paper. Late outlines will not be reviewed.

 

4. The first full copy of your paper will be due by 5:00pm on 3/7/08. The body of the paper must be between five and eight pages, with 12-pt font and 1 inch margins. Your first copy should also include a title page, abstract, and references (all in APA style). Turning in the first copy on time will be worth up to an additional 3% on your final paper. Your paper will be reviewed thoroughly and returned to you for revisions no later than 3/14/08. No first copies will be accepted late for review.

 

5. The completed paper will be due at the beginning of class on 4/14/08. Be prepared to turn in all reference materials (e.g., articles) and all previous drafts I have edited. Keep a backup copy of your paper. For each day that the final paper is late (including weekends and holidays), 5% will be removed from your grade on this project. Your papers will be returned to you when you have completed your final exam.

 

Requirements                                                 Grading Scale

Class Participation                     2%                 90-100%         A

Homework/Quiz Reviews         15%                 80-89               B

APA Paper                              18%                 70-79               C

Tests (4)                                   50%                 60-69               D

Final Exam                               15%                 <60                  F

 

Tentative Lecture Schedule

Chapters

1/14/08            Syllabus & Orientation

1/16-18/08       Introduction to Physiological Psychology                                               1

1/18/08            Detailed Paper Topics Due

1/21/08            Dr. King’s birthday observed: no classes

1/23/08            Methods of Biopsychology                                                                   5

1/25-30/08       CNS Cells                                                                                            2

2/1-6/08           CNS Communication                                                                            2

2/8-15/08         Nervous System: Anatomy                                                                    3

2/8/08              Paper Outline and Four References Due

2/18/08            Test 1

 

2/20-25/08       Learning & Memory                                                                             12

2/27-3/3/08      Neurotransmitters and their Functions                                                    4

3/5/08              Test 2

 

3/7-14/08         Visual System                                                                                       6

3/7/08              First Copy of Paper Due Today

3/10/08            Last day to withdraw

3/17-21/08       Spring Break

3/24-26/08       Audition                                                                                               7

3/28-31/08       Vestibular & Somatosensory Systems                                                  7

4/2-4/08           Gustation and Olfaction                                                                         7

4/7/08              Test 3

 

4/9-14/08         Sleep                                                                                                    8

4/14/08            Final Copy of Paper Due Today

4/16-18/08       Play, Sex, Maternal Behavior, & Aggression                                         9,10

4/21/08            Test 4

 

4/23-5/2/08      Disorders of the Brain                                                                           13-16

5/5/08              Make-up tests during class

5/9/08              Final Exam (cumulative)          10:00-12:00noon

 

One final note: At this stage in your education, you should have learned to empower yourself.  You are in charge of your life.  It is your responsibility to complete your work as specified and turn it in on time.  In order to perform well, you must read and listen carefully at all times to know what is expected of you.  I trust that you will allow yourself to devote your energy to this class and your college career.