BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCH 2101; Fall 2013

Sections 1 and 2

http://www.uni.edu/desoto/biopsych.htm

Professor Catherine DeSoto, PhD

Teaching Assistant: Carol Tweten, BA

Course Description:

This course is a study of the biological foundations of human behavior.  Specifically, we will study the role of genetics, evolutionary history, hormones, brain structure and brain functioning, particularly as they influence human behavior. 
   

Required Text:

Pinel, John, J. Biopsychology  (2009) Seventh Edition. Needham Heights, MA: Allan & Bacon.

Course Objectives:

Students, upon successful completion of this course, will:

1.  Come to understand the interaction of genetics and environment

2.   Learn about the biology behind such psychological constructs as  learning, pathology, emotion, language, substance abuse,  and sleep

3.   Understand the research techniques used in biological psychology

4.   Understand how research findings illustrate that many things often assumed to be socialized actually have a strong biological component

5.  Learn basic information about how the brain works

6.  Understand the evolutionary approach in psychology

7.  Be able to matriculate into more advanced courses.

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance is expected.  Missing a class will harm your test performance.  There is no substitute for being in class.  If you miss a class, I will tell you to get the notes from someone in class who takes good notes and does well on tests. 

2. Reading assigned pages is assumed. If you do not read at least the pages assigned, you should not have any expectation that you will succeed in this course.

3.  Students should expect to spend between 3-12 hours each week studying for this class.  Individuals vary in their need to study, but it is unrealistic to expect to do well in this course without significant studying every week.

4.  A test will be given approximately every two weeks.  Each test will be multiple choice with the possibility of one or two short answer questions.

5.  Students should take notes during class-- but not word for word from the slides.  Your memory of class lectures and notes of the highlights will be your most important study tool in preparation for tests.

6.  Impromptu in-class quizzes may be given to help students assess their readiness for tests. Topics on quizzes will likely appear again.  Quizzes will help and count for your grade -- but the primary purpose of any quiz is to help reinforce your comprehension. 

7.  The last week of class is held as student-led presentations over selected peer reviewed research articles. Participation is required during this part of the class. 

8.  A two page summary of an assigned peer reviewed research article is required. 
 
 

Makeup Exam Policy:  Missing class on an exam day is STRONGLY discouraged. Students who must miss for a school-sponsored event can arrange for their exam to be given PRIOR to the exam date.  Other requests for make-ups are at the discretion of the instructor – I can and do say no. Requests from students who are making satisfactory progress in the course and attend regularly will be considered. Make-Up exams are primarily essay format. 

Student Evaluation:

          Students must complete all course requirements to receive a grade in this class. 

The purpose of the grade is to provide an indication of how well you mastered the course material.  Final grades will be determined according to the following criteria:
 

                EXAM 1                                            100

                EXAM 2                                            100

                EXAM 3                                            100

                EXAM 4    (comprehensive)                   200

                EXAM 5                                            100

                EXAM 6                                            100

                EXAM 7  Final Exam/comprehensive)       200

                Last week paper and present       100
 

                Total pts. available:             1000 points*
                       

Final grades will be determined based on the number of available points you have earned at the end of the semester.

The following scale will be used to assign final course grades.
 

    A             =  900-1000 points

    B             = 800-899 points

    C             = 700-799 points

    D             = 600- 699 points

    F              = less than 600 points
 
 
    If you are within 20 points of the next higher grade, you will get a “plus”.

    If you are within 15 points of the next lowest grade, you will get a “minus”.

FAQ’s

What if I miss a Quiz?

You can earn the points by typing a one-page summary paper of the lecture topic -- including the quiz topic. The quiz should reflect the lecture content, be written in paragraph format and be handed in within two weeks of the missed quiz for full credit.

What is TurnItIn.com? 

A digital assessment suite that "instantly identifies papers containing unoriginal material."  I may use this service on any written work for the class.

How does the final week work?

We will discuss approximately 8-10 articles, the final list will be tailored to the class interests. Here is a list of some that might be selected: approved list. Each student in the class will be assigned an article to read and will prepare a 2 or 2.5 page written summary over the article. (This is to make certain that you have carefully the article you will help present to the class.) 

The summary must show you understood the main parts of the article. It is not an opinion paper (I do not want or need to know your opinion of the research, just that you understood what was actually reported by the researchers and the background as to why the research was carried out).   It is acceptable to ask myself or the TA for help with the summary. It is not acceptable to hand in any summary that does not accurately convey the central finding(s) of the article. 

Class members are encouraged to look over and/or read other approved article(s), as well as their assigned ones.

You will present to the class information from the article you read, likely coordinating with one or two other students who read the same article. Most students prepare three or four helpful power point slides, and this is recommended.

What is plagairism?

From the following web site, where more information is available, http://www.iastate.edu/~catalog/2001-03/acad-dishonest.html

 “'Unacknowledged use of the information, ideas, or phrasing of other writers is an offense comparable with theft and fraud, and it is so recognized by the copyright and patent laws. Literary offenses of this kind are known as plagiarism.” One is responsible for plagiarism when: the exact words of another writer are used without using quotation marks and indicating the source of the words; the words of another are summarized or paraphrased without giving the credit that is due; the ideas from another writer are borrowed without properly documenting their source. Acknowledging the sources of borrowed material is a simple, straightforward procedure that will strengthen the paper and assure the integrity of the writer. The English 104-105 Student Manual, provides guidelines to aid students in documenting material borrowed from other sources, as does almost every handbook on writing style."

What happens if I plagiarize or otherwise engage in academic dishonesty in this class?

You will not get credit for completing the assignment.  Furthermore, purposeful and flagrant violations of the principles of academic dishonesty will be handled according to strictest policies of the university.  The following is excerpted from the student handbook "...cheating and plagiarism are issues which can affect a student's status at the University in more serious ways. As an educational institution, the University maintains standards of ethical academic behavior, and recognizes its responsibility to enforce these standards....If a student is determined by an instructor to have committed a violation of academic ethics, the instructor may take additional disciplinary action including, but not limited to,  grade reduction for the course in which the infraction occurs, even if the reduction is over and above the normal consequences resulting from the grade merited by the unacceptable work. ... (the instructor may)  recommend suspension from the University of Northern Iowa for a period ranging from the term in which the infraction occurs (with a loss of all credit earned during that term) to permanent suspension from the University. " Quiz make up summaries should never be directly taken from the text or consist of verbatim transcript of class lecture slides.

How can I see  which questions I missed on an exam?

After you take the exam and hand in your answer key and exam, you may take a key and sit down and look at the correct answers.  It is okay to look at the key with your notes and/or text book open.  You can look at the test later as well if you want during TA office hours. Obviously, you cannot ask questions while others are still taking the exam, but here will be opportunity to ask questions if needed -- either after everyone has turned in their exams or during office hours, by email, etc.

How can I check my grade?

There is a link on the course web page. Check it regularly.

 What if I think there is a mistake on my grade?

Contact me or the TA immediately.  Concerns should be raised within two weeks of the grades being posted.

How many hours a week should I study for this class?

That varies greatly. Some students can get a B with only one or two hours a week outside of class.

Some students report spending 6 to 8 hours a week and still earn low C's and D's.

If you are averaging more than one hour a night studying for this class (that is five hours a week) and still doing poorly, you may be studying incorrectly for this class- ask for help.

What are the professor's pet peeves?

Good question!! I don't like emails that ask what to do if a quiz is missed -- or otherwise indicate that you have not read the syllabus. I also don't like it when students try to write down EVERY word on the overhead and expect the class to wait. Summarize and abbreviate, there is an art to note taking.

What is the professor's favorite student question?

"Can you help me understand this article?"  I like to help students really understand research and I think I can be very helpful.

CONTACT NUMBERS

Instructor’s Office                                        446 Baker Hall

Instructor’s Email                                         cathy.desoto@uni.edu (best way to contact)

Office hours:                                                Tuesday & Thursdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm  (also other times as needed, anytime I am in my office you are welcome)

Instructor's Phone                                        273-7475

Teaching Assistant                                       Carol Tweten

TA Office Hours:                                         Wed 1-2 pm      BioPsych Lab, 4th Floor of Baker Hall (take the elevator)

TA’s Email:                                                   twetenc@uni.edu

Class' Web Site                                           www.uni.edu/desoto/biopsych.htm

Class member’s phone number/email          ______________
 
 
 
 

OTHER INFORMATION

TENTATIVE* COURSE CALENDAR

*THIS MAY BE REVISED AS NEEDED.
Needed revisions will be posted in the online syllabus-- highlighted in yellow-- and announced one time in class.

final exam schedule:  http://www.uni.edu/registrar/calendars/final-exam-schedule-fall

other important dates: http://www.uni.edu/registrar/dates-to-observe

about your professor: http://www.uni.edu/desoto/