Course Syllabus

Course: PSY 2710

Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Brain and Behavior

Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027

Catalog Description: This course examines the biology of behavior, emphasizing underlying neural mechanisms, the interaction between genes and environment, and evolutionary pressures that have shaped the mind.

Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0

Prerequisites: PSY 1010

Justification: Brain and Behavior is a valuable course no matter what a person is looking at doing with their lives. It informs us about the role of our brain in thoughts, actions, and emotions. It explores the causes of behavior from a biological lens.
This course is similar to many neuroscience (biopsychology) courses at other institutions. It may be used to fulfill lower division credit requirements for psychology and other behavioral science majors. This course is similar to courses taught at other institutions.



Student Learning Outcomes:
Understand the different techniques that have been applied in research to aid in the study of the neurobiology of behavior. Interpret the ethics of research past, present, and future.  This will be assessed through class discussion, written assignments, and tests/quizzes.

Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate new information and claims about the brain and its functions.  This will be assessed through class discussion, written assignments, and tests/quizzes.

Understand the neurobiology of the nervous system and how signals are transmitted.  This will be assessed through class discussion, written assignments, and tests/quizzes.


Understand the function of the nervous system involved in various aspects of human behavior contained within the broad categories of visual and motor systems, memory and learning, motivation, sleep, drug addiction, and psychological disorders.  This will be assessed through class discussion, written assignments, and tests/quizzes.

Write effectively within the social science discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena.
Students will acquire the skill of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing academic literature in the field of psychology. They will become capable of adhering to APA writing standards and practices.  This will be primarily accomplished with written assignments and collaborative investigation projects.


Content:
Brain and Behavior is a course that examines the biology of behavior, emphasizing underlying neural mechanisms, the interaction between genes and environment, and evolutionary pressures that have shaped the mind. Through a variety of class activities students utilize different theoretical and analytical lenses to examine topics such as:
*Senses and Perception
*Movement
*Learning, Memory, and Emotions
*Thinking, Planning, and Language
*The Developing Brain
*Brain States
*Stress and the Brain
*Disorders and Addiction
*Injury and illness
*Solving Human Problems
This course will address diversity through content materials and resources that address cultural influences impacting gender, race, neurodiversity, etc.


Key Performance Indicators:
The course will be taught in a manner that reflects current best practices in teaching and learning of biopsychology and accounts for but is not limited to: aptitudes of the instructor, demographics of the students, applicable high impact practices, size of the class, structure of the classroom, time of day, choice of primary texts/materials, and time of year. It will also be taught in a way that strives to serve the needs of all students, regardless of background, identity, or ability, supports their engagement with subject material as well as each other, and reflects the full measure of the subject matter, incorporating diverse perspectives and sources of knowledge and experience.

Participation 10 to 25%

Written Assignments 15 to 30%

Tests and Quizzes 25 to 45%

Collaborative Projects 20 to 40%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Brain and Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, current edition by Bob Garrett and Gerald Hough



Pedagogy Statement:
The course will be taught in a manner that reflects current best practices in teaching and learning of biopsychology and accounts for, but is not limited to: aptitudes of the instructor, demographics of the students, applicable high impact practices, size of the class, structure of the classroom, time of day, choice of primary texts/materials, and time of year. It will also be taught in a way that strives to serve the needs of all students, regardless of background, identity, or ability, supports their engagement with subject material as well as each other, and reflects the full measure of the subject matter, incorporating diverse perspectives and sources of knowledge and experience.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture

Maximum Class Size: 45
Optimum Class Size: 35