Psychobiology (PSYC A250) Orange Coast College – Spring 2020
Course Information
Class CRN#: 30892
Lecture: Tues & Thurs 12:45 – 2:10pm
Class location: Chemistry 227
Instructor Information
Name: Kenneth L. Tangen, Ph.D.
Email: ktangen@occ.cccd.edu
Office hours: Flexible; schedule on www.calendly.com/tangen.
Office location: Before class, Skype & Zoom (video conferencing)
Prerequisite
The prerequisite for this course is either completion of Psychology A100 or A100H with a grade of at least a “C.”
Course Objectives
- Describe and contrast the methods used to acquire information in physiological psychology.
- Describe the basic components and functions of the nervous system.
- Explain the physiology involved in various aspects of sexuality.
- Explain the mechanisms of each sensory process.
- Explain the role of muscles and brain mechanisms in movement.
- Compare and contrast thirst and hunger in terms of brain and body mechanisms.
- Explain and detail the brain mechanisms of wakefulness, sleep and dreaming.
- Describe current research findings on learning and memory.
- Identity causes of brain damage and the nature of recovery.
- Describe the characteristics of various neurological disorders.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
- Differentiate among various concepts, theories, and perspectives in physiological psychology.
- Using sufficient and relevant evidence, differentiate in a written format between concepts, theories and perspectives used in physiological psychology while discussing the effects of physiology on behavior.
- Demonstrate how the techniques and strategies presented in class can be used to develop effective life skills.
Required Text
Kalat, J. (2015). Biological Psychology & Mindtap (13th Edition or current). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN for Amazon/Cengage (9781305711433) and ISBN for bookstore (9781305814646) – Mindtap is not required.
Helpful But Not Required Resources
Both are available on Amazon but may not be available in the bookstore (it varies).
Tangen, KL. Captain Psychology’s How To Learn Vocabular: Biological Psychology. ISBN-13: 978-1983440922
Tangen, KL. Captain Psychology’s 101 Questions About The Brain. SBN-13: 978-1722227456
Reading assignments: You are responsible for reading all of the assigned chapters and you are expected to read and understand the concepts discussed in each of the assigned chapters. This will better help you to understand and absorb lecture material, ask pertinent questions, and will better prepare you for activities, discussions, and exams.
Course requirements and assignments
Exams: There are four exams in the semester. Each exam will cover material from the textbook and lectures. There will be no makeup, alternative form, or rescheduled tests. Test dates are listed in the course schedule. The first three tests are unit exams. The last test is comprehensive. The lowest test score will be dropped. This allows you the flexibility needed for illness, death in the family, unexpected emergencies or your desire to skip a test. You can elect to skip any test, including the last one. But skipping a test doesn’t eliminate the attendance requirement for class sessions. Standard OCC honesty policies apply. Tests DO NOT require a Scantron.
During the exam, all materials will be placed under the desk or zipped securely in bag or backpack. No cell phones, headphones, or other electronic devices may be out during the exam. Answers will be written on the test itself. A blank piece of paper may be used to write down your answers for your use. Tests will be reviewed on the day they are taken. Exam dates will not change though topics covered may change.
Lecture: Attendance is required to be successful in this course. Lectures will include information from the assigned readings and additional information from other sources. Students are responsible for all of the information presented in the assigned readings and in lecture. Test questions will come from both lecture and reading. The reading will be most helpful to you if you have completed it before the class. Please be advised that taking additional notes on the information presented during lecture (beyond what is listed on the handouts!) is a sensible course of action.
Class sessions will build upon the information gained from the assigned readings, and will incorporate a variety of presentation media. Before coming to class, download or print the notes at www.biologicalpsych.com.
Attendance and participation are required throughout the semester. Failure to attend may negatively impact your grade. If you decide to drop the class, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw. Failing to withdraw risks your receiving a failing grade in this class. You will be dropped from the course if you do not show up the 1st two weeks of class. Absence means non-attendance for whatever reason. This includes late arrivals and early departures from lecture. In this course, students who have 3 or more excused and/or unexcused absences will be dropped.
Course papers: As a requirement for this course, two term paper are required (~10 pages, typed, APA format but without running heads or cover page). First, there is an ethics paper. The goal is to help you analyze and critically evaluate the ethics of animal research. Compare and contrast the arguments for and against the issue. Make it so balanced that your view is not revealed until the last section. The paper should have six sections: the issue, pro arguments, anti arguments, precautions and laws, your personal views and references. Five citations from quality sources are required. Here are three you can use if you wish:
- Appendix B of Kalat’s Biological Psychology
- American Physiological Society’s guidelines (http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Publications/Info-For-Authors/Animal-and-Human-Research(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.)
- Deborah Smith’s “Five Principles of Research Ethics” in The Monitor (http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=3(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.).
Second, to help you apply neurological concepts and theories to everyday life, select a drug (prescription or illicit) from the provided list (on Canvas) that is readily available, and describe its nature (natural or synthetic), manufacturer (how created), distribution (pill, shot, smoked), structure (crystals, powder), neuroreceptor targets, prevalence, effect (how makes user feel), potency, dosage, half-life, tolerance, sensitization, abuse (why), usefulness, withdrawal, side effect, and personal reaction (what you’ve learned). Four references from quality sources are required (NIH, Mayo, etc.). No quotes allowed; cite your source and paraphrase the content.
Three review projects also are required. The first should be a collection of at least 50 flash cards with answers in your own words. The second is a mind-map. The third is a graphic representation of the material (cluster). Review projects will be graded on their thoroughness.
Late paper policy: Printed papers turned in after the due date will be considered one day late. Five points will be deducted for every day the paper copy is late (5 points per day; Saturday and Sunday counted as two individual days). Work that is received more than one full calendar week late (including weekend days) will not be accepted and will receive a score 0. Papers will be accepted via Canvas or email.
Participation/In-class activities: Your attendance and participation will be required and vital to your success in this class. You will be dropped from the course if you do not show up the 1st two weeks of class. It is your responsibility to withdraw when absences have been excessive. Absence means non-attendance for whatever reason. This includes late arrivals and early departures from lecture. In this course, students who have 3 or more excused and/or unexcused absences will be dropped.
You will be participating in discussions about the videos we watch or the lecture material. To get credit, you must attend the entire duration of the class period, actively participate, and turn in relevant work at the end of class that day. Signing in for a classmate who is absent will result in no participation points for that day for both the student who is absent and the student signing in for the classmate.
Extra credit: Students may earn a maximum of 40 points of extra credit. Extra credit can be earned through unannounced class assignments or through extra credit papers. Please note that turning in a paper does not automatically guarantee the maximum amount of extra credit. Extra credit will be awarded based on the quality of the paper. There will be no makeup classroom assignments and late extra credit papers will NOT be accepted. Details will be available on Canvas.
Grading and evaluation
Your performance on the exams is a key indicator of mastery level. The lowest of the 4 exams will be dropped. Grading is done using a straightforward point system [(total points earned / total points possible). I do not anticipate curving grades. Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
Exams (3 of 4) 100 each 300
Review projects (3) 10 each 30
Paper (Ethics) 20
Paper (Drug) 20
Extra credit
Quizzes. There are 10 quizzes, each worth 2 points each. They are multiple choice, and give you an opportunity to demonstrate how much you’ve learned. 20 points. Submit on Canvas.
Twenty-Day Challenge. Check with your doctor before you begin. Go for 20 days clear and sober. No drugs in your system, except for prescribed meds. No alcohol. No cocaine, marijuana, heroin, or amphetamines. No caffeine (cola, coffee, energy drinks). Tea and chocolate okay. Submit a journal of your experience; one entry per day. Optional challenge is to change something else in your life. 20 points. Submit on Canvas.
Class Policies
Attendance: Come to lass. Show up on time. If for some reason you are absent, copy notes from a classmate. Attendance will be recorded during each class. Missing just one class meeting can put you off track by a week or more.
Withdrawal and drop policy: Please be aware that I definitely will drop you if you fail to show up for the two week’s class sessions. Students who do not perform any work or have excessive absences will also be dropped, but ultimately you are responsible for add/drop/withdrawal procedures described in the Orange Coast College catalog. Please be aware of the deadlines and consult the Admissions and Records website for further information.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty in the form of cheating on an exam or plagiarizing the written work of others is considered a very serious offense & will not be tolerated in this course. If a student is suspected of or caught cheating on any test or assignment, he/she will receive a grade of zero on that test or assignment and an Academic Dishonesty Report will be filed with the Dean’s office to be retained on record. It is very important to avoid putting yourself in the position of even being suspected of cheating (e.g., looking at another student’s exam or copying an assignment) or plagiarism (i.e., using another’s words as your own written words), as very serious consequences may result and remain on your student record. If you would like more information on the academic honesty policies of Orange Coast College, please refer to the Orange Coast College Class schedule catalog.
Class conduct: The classroom is meant to be a positive environment that promotes student learning. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect of the right of all members of the college community to teach and learn in a safe and academically stimulating environment. Please be courteous to other students, so as not to disrupt their ability to learn (or my ability to teach). This rule applies to issues such as cell phones (talking/text messaging), laptops, side conversations, class discussions, etc. Turn off your cell phone whenever you are in class and only use your laptop for in-class activities that necessitate its use. Students who are disruptive in any way may be asked to leave the class. Please see the Orange Coast College Fall 2016 catalog for more details on the code of conduct, including the Sexual Harassment/Non-Discrimination statement.
Audio and/or videotaping: Taping (audio or video) without consent is prohibited. If audio recordings of lectures are consented to by the instructor, please be aware that they are only for the student’s personal use in class-related study and preparation. The student agrees to destroy any recordings that were made when they are no longer needed for course work.
Teams: Since social science is a team effort, it is highly recommended that you become an active participant of a student study group. In addition to providing opportunities to check answers and compare notes with others, teams will provide an opportunity to practice your cooperative skills. Your success will not be hindered by helping others study.
Office hours: You do not need an appointment to see me before or after class. I see students on a first come, first serve basis. Virtual office hours are provided through Skype and Zoon. Schedule a virtual visit at www.calendly.com/tangen.
Consultation: In addition to your independent study and our in-class work, I am available by email (put Bio Psych in the subject line and send to ken@kentangen.com or ktangen@occ.cccd.edu), and in person (by appointment).
Emails: I’m an advocate of zero-inbox principles. I typically respond to emails within 24 hours (Monday-Friday but not weekends). If volume is high, give me an extra day before emailing me again. Put “BioPsych” in the subject line, and your full name as the first sentence.
Academic Accommodations: As a disabled person, I am sensitive to this issue. If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this class, please see me as soon as possible or contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) for assistance (714) 432-5807. Students with disabilities are protected under Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please understand confidentiality and do not identify the person or their disability information to other students. Students must provide documentation before they are entitled to accommodations.
Other Student Services: Consult the Student Services website for a list of important campus agencies and phone numbers, including: Assessment Center, Counseling, Student Health Services, and the Success Center.
** This syllabus is subject to change depending on the needs of the course. Changes will be announced during lecture.
SCHEDULE
1/28 Research Methods 1/30 Genetics C1
2/4 Neural Anatomy C2 2/6 Neural Impulse
2/11 Synapses C3 2/13 Neurotransmitters
2/18 Drugs I 2/20 No Class (Flex Day)
2/25 Drugs II (Review 1 Due) 2/27 TEST 1 (C1-3)
3/3 Brain & BBB C2, C4-C5 3./5 Occipital Lobe C6
3/10 Temporal Lobe 3/12 Parietal Lobe C7
3/17 Motor Cortex C8 3/19 Dorsolateral Challenge due
3/24 SPRING BREAK 3/26 SPRING BREAK
3/31 Orbitofrontal 4/2 Ventromedial Ethics Paper Due
4/7 Animal Research (Review 2 Due) 4/9 TEST 2 (C2, 4, 5-8)
4/14 Sleep C9 4/16 Thalamus C10
4/21 Basal Ganglia 4/23 Reproduction C11. Drug Paper Due
4/28 Emotion C12 4/30 Memory C13
5/5 Cognition C14 5/7 Disorders C15
5/12 Treatments (Review 3 Due) 5/14 TEST 3 (C9-15)
5/19 Theoretical Synthesis 5/21 TEST 4 (C1-15)
