PROFESSOR:            Catherine DeSoto, Ph.D.

                                    446 Baker Hall

                                    cathy.desoto@uni.edu

PREREQUISITE:    Graduate student status in psychology (or consent of professor)  

DESCRIPTION:  This course is a study of the biological foundations of human behavior. Students will study how biology and environment interact; the evidence of biological influences on social behavior, pathology and human sex differences; theoretical analyses of research on human development; the functional significance of various genes, neurotransmitters and hormones. The course is designed to complement a well-rounded graduate level education in psychology.

The first part of the course will use a standard text on Biopsychology and will be taught via traditional instructor led lecture. The four exams will be over this content.

The second part of the course will feature discussion of peer-reviewed journal articles selected by the instructor for their rigor and general impact on the field, as well as interest to the current class. Students will illustrate their understanding of the articles by composing in-class article summaries, which will be similar in scope to a slightly extended abstract and will require comprehension of the assigned article.

Note : You are required to show you have understood the articles. Incorrect information or conclusions that are not supported by the article being summarized is not acceptable. 

REQUIRED TEXT AND READING LIST:

Pinel, John, J.  (2009). Biopsychology (7^th Ed). Needham Heights, MA: Allan & Bacon.

Course readings for the second half of the course -- to be finalized by Sept 30. 
 

GRADING will be based on:  

4 Exams  (each worth 15% of final grade)                       (60%)

In class written article summaries                                  (25%)                                          

Out of class final paper (counts like one test grade)          (15%)

FINAL PAPER:

·   The final paper is a short paper (3-4 pages) where you essentially bring together / summarize a few of the research findings (discussed in the class and/or text) that pertain to a topic of particular interest to you.

·   I recommend putting the books and articles away while you write your paper to avoid plagiarizing. 

·   The topic of the final paper is “______________: How we know that biology influences human behavior” (blank could be :"Spatial skills", "Addiction", "Mate Selection", "Depression" any topic covered.

·   You may use one other outside source if needed for a particular point you are trying to make, but this is not required (nor encouraged). Any additional outside sources must be attached to the final paper. The point is to illustrate learning from this class about a topic of interest to you.

·   Your paper will be evaluated based on how well you convey your understanding of the research. 

Standard grade categories will apply

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 -  89%

C = 70 - 79%

D = 60- 69%

and students within two percent of the next grade category will have a plus or a minus added.