Summer 1999, Session I
Monday-Friday, 11am-12:45pm, Psych 307

Instructor: Kevin G. F. Thomas
Office: Psych 531
Phone: 520-626-4825
E-mail: thomaske@u.arizona.edu
Office hours: M, T, Th 1pm-2pm, and by appointment

This is an undergraduate psychology survey course. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of biopsychology: We will be examining knowledge of how cognition and behavior (e.g., learning, memory, feeding, sleep, and reproduction) is controlled by physiology (e.g., neurons, neurotransmitters, and hormones). The primary content of the course falls into three areas: (a) an examination of neurons, neurotransmitter systems, and basic neuroanatomy, (b) a description of the neural substrates underlying sensory and motor systems, and (c) a summary of various behaviors and how they are controlled by the central and peripheral nervous systems. Both the text and the course are designed for those gaining their first exposure to the material and concepts presented; those without an extensive background in biology will therefore not be at a great disadvantage.

Carlson, N. R. (1998). Physiology of behavior (6^th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Class attendance is expected (and highly desirable) but not required. Prepare for class by reading the assigned textbook chapters in advance. Lecture material will include but will not be restricted to the assigned readings. At the conclusion of each lecture, a summary of the major points will be made available. Use that summary to guide revision and to study for exams.

Four exams will be administered during the semester. Each exam will cover the material from 4-6 lectures and the corresponding chapters in the text. Each exam will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. Some exam questions will require you to label drawings of anatomical structures.

If you cannot take an exam at the appointed time, you must submit a written request for an alternative testing date. The alternative testing date will preferably be before the date of the next scheduled exam. There is no guarantee that requests for alternative testing dates will be accepted.

You will have the option of undertaking an extra credit assignment. That assignment may take the form of either (a) participation in a psychological research experiment, or (b) a 7-10 page paper dealing with some aspect of the course material. If you would like to complete an extra credit assignment, please notify me, either in person or via e-mail, before Tuesday, June 29.

Four quizzes 25% each

Please note there is no curve in this class. I encourage you to study together and to help each other in understanding the course materials.

Please also note that I reserve the right to make changes to the course outline that follows. Changes will be announced in class at least one lecture before they are due to take effect. Each student is responsible for being aware of any such changes.