Course Design Guide PSY/240 Version 6

Syllabus
Axia College/College of Social Sciences PSY/240 Version 6 The Brain, the Body, and the Mind
Copyright 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

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. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Pinel, J. P. J. (2009). Biopsychology. Boston, MA: Pearson. Axia Colleges Writing Style Handbook All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Week One: Introduction to Biopsychology

Details
Objectives 1.1 Describe biopsychology and its theoretical framework. 1.2 Explain the affects of behavior on evolution. 1.3 Explain the concepts behind the nature versus nurture issue. Read the course description and objectives. Read the instructors biography and post your own. Read Appendix A. Read Ch. 1, 2, & 3 of Biopsychology. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. DQ111/29; 10 10

Due

Points

Course Preparation Readings

Participation Discussion Questions

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DQ212/1 CheckPoint The Nature-Nurture Issue 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? 12/2 30

Week Two: The Brain and Nervous System

Details
Objectives 2.1 Identify the structures of the nervous system and brain. 2.2 Summarize the biological functions of the brain. 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 website. 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. Individual The Brain Write a 700- to 1050-word paper in APA format describing the five major structures of the brain and each structures function(s) in the human body. Be sure to include the following brain structures: Myelencephalon Metencephalon Mesencephalon Deincephalon Telencephalon 12/11 100 12/8 30

Due

Points

CheckPoint The Nervous System

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Week Three: Neural Activity

Details
Objectives 3.1 Discuss the basic structures and functions of neurons and synapses in the brain. 3.2 Describe the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters. 3.3 Describe methods for studying the brain. Review Ch. 3 of Biopsychology. Read Ch. 4, 5, & 12 of Biopsychology. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. DQ112/13; DQ212/15

Due

Points

Readings

Participation Discussion Questions

10 10

CheckPoint Brain Studies

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.

12/16

30

Week Four: Hunger, Eating and Health

Details
Objectives 4.1 Describe common factors that influence what, when, and how much we eat. 4.2 Differentiate between Set Points and Settling Points in weight control. 4.3 Relate physiological factors to hunger and satiety. 4.4 Hypothesize main causal factors of obesity and anorexia. Post a 100-to 150-word response to the following: After reading section 12.3, 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. 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. 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 1/5 15

Due

Points

CheckPoint EatingWhat, When, and How Much CheckPoint Set and Settling Points

1/6

15

Individual To Eat or Not to Eat

1/8

100

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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 Ive been reading too many Cosmo magazines and want to look like those girls. Maybe I did, but I really just dont crave food. What do you think it is? Tyra asked: I dont eat because every time I do, I just feel sick! Do you know why this is?

Week Five: Hormones and Sex

Details
Objectives 5.1 Describe the neuroendocrine systems involvement in sexual development. 5.2 Relate hormones to sexual development and behavior. 5.3 Summarize perspectives on sexual orientation and identity. Read Ch. 13 & 14 of Biopsychology. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. DQ11/10; DQ21/12 10 10

Due

Points

Readings Participation Discussion Questions

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CheckPoint Sexual Orientation and Identity

Post a 5- to 7-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation summarizing the different perspectives on sexual orientation and identity. Include detailed speakers notes to explain these perspectives.

1/13

30

Week Six: Sleep, Dreaming, and Circadian Rhythms

Details
Objectives 6.1 Describe common sleep stages and dream concepts and theories. 6.2 Differentiate between recuperation and circadian theories of sleep. 6.3 Analyze the effects of sleep deprivation and long-term sleep reduction. 6.4 Describe common sleeping disorders and drugs that affect sleep. 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. Review Appendix C, which lists characteristics of the recuperation and circadian theories of sleep. Categorize each characteristic under its appropriate theory Recuperation or Circadianby placing an X in the appropriate column and answer the questions posted at the end of Appendix C. Post as an attachment. Individual Sleep Deprivation, Disorders, and Drugs 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. 1/22 100 1/19 15

Due

Points

CheckPoint Sleeping and Dreaming

CheckPoint Theories of Sleep

1/20

15

Week Seven: Addictions, Emotions, and Stress

Details
Objectives 7.1 Discuss the principles of drug addiction. 7.2 Categorize health effects of commonly abused drugs. 7.3 Describe the theories and brain mechanisms of emotion.

Due

Points

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Readings Participation Discussion Questions

Read Ch. 15, 16, 17, & 18 of Biopsychology. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. DQ11/24; DQ21/26 1/27 10 10

CheckPoint Emotions

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

30

Include the brain mechanisms involved with each.

Week Eight: The Split Brain & Psychiatric Disorders

Details
Objectives 8.1 Describe four methods of studying cerebral lateralization. 8.2 Distinguish between functionalities of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. 8.3 Describe various psychiatric disorders and diseases. 8.4 Associate appropriate drug remedies for psychiatric disorders and diseases. 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. Individual Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs 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 2/5 100 2/2 30

Due

Points

CheckPoint Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality

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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

Details
Objectives 9.1 Describe the biological functions/dysfunctions and drug therapies associated with schizophrenia. 9.2 Apply biopsychology principles to different biological disorders. Participate in class discussion. Respond to the capstone discussion question. 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? 2/12 250 2/8 10 20

Due

Points

Participation Capstone Discussion Question

Final Project Analyzing Psychological Disorders

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 assignmentsPart 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 biopsychologists 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: o Choose two of the four case studies presented in Appendix

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A. o Discuss your understanding of the problem presented in each of the two case studies from the perspective of a biopsychologist. Include each problems relation to the nature-nurture issue and any relevant portions of the 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.

o o o o

Conclusion

Optional Discussion Questions Week One Discussion Questions 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. 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 Three Discussion Questions 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 classmates 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. On p. 84 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 classmates response. Post a message critiquing the classmates analogy. Was it effective? Why or why not? Week Five Discussion Questions You specialize in prenatal care and Mary, one of your patients, just discovered she is pregnant. Shes very

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curious about how the sex of her baby will be determined. Discuss with Mary the neuroendocrine systems involvement with sexual development. After posting your response to discussion question one, review a classmates 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. 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 Seven Discussion Questions 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. 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 drugs 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 drugs social impact was a category, how might it change your totals? Review another students rating scale and comment on if you agree or disagree with their totals. Explain your response. Copyright
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