Juan M Dominguez

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience. Brain-behavior relationships, particularly recent research in behavioral neuroscience, including the anatomical and neurochemical mechanisms of behavioral events, and behavioral influences on the brain. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Neuroscience 394P (Topic 1: Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience) and Psychology 394P (Topic 1) may not both be counted.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience. Brain-behavior relationships, particularly recent research in behavioral neuroscience, including the anatomical and neurochemical mechanisms of behavioral events, and behavioral influences on the brain. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Neuroscience 394P (Topic 1: Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience) and Psychology 394P (Topic 1) may not both be counted.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion;biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease. Three lecture hours a wekk for one semester. Prerequisite: Psychology 301 with a grade of at least C.

Introduction to the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior. Overview of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, followed by a survey of brain mechanisms of perception, cognition, learning, and emotion; biological perspectives on drug action and mental disease.

When finished with this course, you will have a greater understanding of how the brain and hormones modulate motivated behaviors and associated disorders. Additionally, you will be familiar with recent advancements in the field pertaining to neuroendocrine mechanisms of motivation.

When finished with this course, you will have a greater understanding of how the brain regulates behavior and its associated disorders. Additionally, you will be familiar with recent advancements in the field of behavioral neuroscience.

Topics (Presented in approximate order of discussion. We may or may not cover all topics).

1. Introduction

2. The Major Issues (Chapter 1)

3. Nerve Cells and Nerve Impulses (Chapter 2)

4. Synapses (Chapter 3)

5. Anatomy of the Nervous System (Chapter 4)

6. Exam 1

7. Development and Plasticity of the Brain (Chapter 5)

8. Vision (Chapters 6)

9. The Other Sensory Systems (Chapter 7)

10. Movement (Chapter 8)

11. Exam 2

12. Wakefulness and Sleep (Chapter 9)

13. Internal Regulation (Chapter 10)

14. Reproductive Behaviors (Chapter 11)

15. Emotional Behaviors (Chapter 12)

16. Exam 3

17. The Biology of Learning and Memory (Chapter 13)

18. Cognitive Functions (Chapter 14)

19. Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia (Chapters 15)

20. Possible additional Topics

21. Exam 4

Description

This course will focus on the neural and hormonal basis of behavior
reinforcement, including brain mechanisms for incentive motivation,
reward, aversion, and addiction. We will underscore the role of these
neural and endocrine mechanisms on sensory-motor integration in the
hindbrain, hypothalamus and the basal ganglia in the control of behavior
for food, water, sex, affiliation, and drugs. Related clinical topics
include eating disorders, depression, and drug abuse. Reports and
presentations on peer-reviewed research will lead to term papers.

Assignments & Grading

A 20-page research paper will be required by the end of the semester. The
topic will be of the student's choosing, but will be restricted to issues
pertaining to brain and/or endocrine regulation of naturally
rewarding/motivating behavior (e.g. eating, reproduction, affiliation) or
disorders of motivation (e.g. addiction, depression). In addition to their
research paper, students
will be required to submit weekly review papers dealing with a previously
assigned research article. Students will also be required to give in class
presentations.

Course grade will come from the following distribution:
Mid term exam 20%
Final exam 20%
Oral presentation 10%
Review papers 20%
Research paper 30%.

Text

There will not be a required book, but assigned readings, articles, etc.

Topics (Presented in approximate order of discussion. We may or may not cover all topics).

1. Introduction

2. The Major Issues (Chapter 1)

3. Nerve Cells and Nerve Impulses (Chapter 2)

4. Synapses (Chapter 3)

5. Anatomy of the Nervous System (Chapter 4)

6. Exam 1

7. Development and Plasticity of the Brain (Chapter 5)

8. Vision (Chapters 6)

9. The Other Sensory Systems (Chapter 7)

10. Movement (Chapter 8)

11. Exam 2

12. Wakefulness and Sleep (Chapter 9)

13. Internal Regulation (Chapter 10)

14. Reproductive Behaviors (Chapter 11)

15. Emotional Behaviors (Chapter 12)

16. Exam 3

17. The Biology of Learning and Memory (Chapter 13)

18. Cognitive Functions (Chapter 14)

19. Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia (Chapters 15)

20. Possible additional Topics

21. Exam 4

 Topics (Presented in approximate order of discussion. We may or may not cover all topics).

1. Introduction to Psychology and Scientific Methods in Psychology (Chapters 1 and 2)

2. Biological Psychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience (Chapter 3)

3. Sensation and Perception (Chapter 4)

 4. Exam 1

5. Development (Chapter 5)

6. Learning & Memory (Chapters 6 and 7)

7. Cognition & Language (Chapter 8)

 8. Exam 2

9. Intelligence (Chapter 9)

10. Consciousness (Chapter 10)

11. Motivation (Chapter 11)

12. Emotion & Stress (Chapter 12)

 13. Exam 3

14. Social Psychology (Chapter 13)

15. Personality (Chapter 14)

16. Abnormality (Chapters 15)

17. Specific Disorders (Chapter 16)

 18. Exam 4

EXAM DATES: Dates are 2/10 for Exam I, 3/10 for Exam II, 4/12 for Exam III, and 5/5 for Exam IV. If these

dates change, I will make an in-class announcement.

 COURSE OBJECTIVE: Psychology is the science of behavior. This course will serve as an introduction to the field,

especially as it pertains to the specialty areas within psychology. When you complete this course, you should have a

greater understanding of the study of behavior as a science and how it applies to every day life.

 FORMAT: A lecture format will be employed to explore these topics. Attendance to all classes is expected.

 REQUIREMENTS:

Your performance on four exams and several unannounced quizzes and take-home assignments will determine your

grade. There will be no make up exams, quizzes, or assignments, unless there is a documented emergency.

1. Exams (comprise 80% of final grade):

Four multiple choice/short answer exams will be administered during the semester and an optional-cumulative

final. Exam grades will comprise 80% of your final grade. All exams will be administered in class. No make-up

exams will be administered, unless there is a documented emergency.

Course Description

OBJECTIVE: When finished with this course, you will have a greater understanding of how the brain regulates behavior and its associated disorders. Additionally, you will be familiar with recent advancements in the field of behavioral neuroscience.

FORMAT: A lecture and discussion format will be employed to explore these topics. Attendance to all classes is expected.

Course Requirements

Your performance on four exams, several assignments and quizzes will determine your grade. No make up exams or quizzes will be administered, unless there is a documented emergency.

Grading Policy

Four multiple choice/short answer exams will be administered during the semester and an optional-cumulative final. Exam grades will total 80% of your final grade. No make-up exams will be administered, unless there is a documented emergency.

Quizzes and assignments (total 20% of final grade): Unannounced quizzes and assignments will be administered. The grades you earn in these will count towards 20% of your final grade. Quizzes will be brief (generally 5 to 10 min), but may be given anytime during class. No make-up quizzes or assignments will be administered.

Texts

TBA

Basic problems and principles of human experience and behavior. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, or the equivalent in independent study.

PSY 301, Introduction to Psychology, Fall 2009

Juan M. Dominguez

Office hours: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00- 12:30 PM, or by appt.

SEA 5.252

E-mail: dominguez@psy.utexas.edu

Teaching assistant:

-Annie Steele, e-mail: steele@mail.utexas.edu

Office hours will be announced during the first week of class.

Text/ Readings:

- Psychology

By Schacter, Gilbert, & Wegner

- Additional readings (e.g. assigned articles, online assignments, etc).  These will be assigned throughout the semester.

NOTE: You will have access to grades, assigned articles, and additional information via the Blackboard website.  Please make certain that your Blackboard account is active and you are familiar with using it.

Class meetings: Tues & Thu, 12:30 - 2:00 PM, room ART 1.120

Topics (Presented in approximate order of discussion. We may or may not cover all topics).

1. Introduction
2. Scientific Method in Psychology (Chapters 1 and 2)
3. Biopsychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience (Chapter 3)
4. Sensation and Perception (Chapter 4)
5. Exam 1
6. Development (Chapter 11)
7. Learning & Memory (Chapters 5 and 6)
8. Language (Chapter 7)
9. Exam 2
10. Intelligence (Chapter 9)
11. Consciousness (Chapter 8)
12. Emotion and Motivation (Chapter 10)
13. Personality (Chapter 12)
14. Exam 3
15. Social Psychology (Chapter 16)
16. Stress (Chapter 15)
17. Abnormality (Chapters 13 and 14)
18. Exam 4

EXAM DATES: Dates are 9/24 for Exam I, 10/20 for Exam II, 11/12 for Exam III, and 12/3 for Exam IV.  If these dates change, I will make an in class announcement.

COURSE OBJECTIVE: Psychology is the science that studies behavior. This course will serve as an introduction to the field, especially as it pertains to the specialty areas within psychology. When you complete this course, you should have a greater understanding of the study of behavior as a science and how it applies to every day life.

FORMAT:  A lecture format will be employed to explore these topics. Attendance to all classes is expected.

REQUIREMENTS:

Your performance on four exams and several unannounced quizzes and take-home assignments will determine your grade. There will be no make up exams, quizzes, or assignments, unless there is a documented emergency. Incompletes are entertained only in extreme circumstances, which must be supported by official documentation.

Four exams (will total 80% of your final grade):

You will receive four multiple choice/short answer exams during the semester and an optional-cumulative final; all exams will be administered in class. Exam grades will total 80% of your final grade. If you choose to take the final exam, you’re welcome to come into the classroom, look at the exam, and take the exam; but once you hand it in, it will replace your lowest grade (even if the new grade for your final is lower). There will be NO MAKE-UP EXAMS, unless there is a documented emergency. You are required to bring a picture ID to show when submitting an exam.

Quizzes and assignments (total 20% of final grade):

You will receive unannounced quizzes and assignments. The grades you earn in these quizzes and assignments will count towards 20% of your final grade.  Quizzes will be brief (generally 10 min), but may be given anytime during class.  There will be no make-up quizzes or assignments.

Feel free to visit during office hrs or make an appt. if you need additional help.

Grading policy:

            -No make-up exams and no extra credit assignments

            -Exam I ………………………            20 points

            -Exam II ……………………..            20 points

            -Exam III …………………….            20 points

            -Exam IV …………………….            20 points

            -Quizzes & Assignments …..            20 points

            ------------------------------------------------------

            -Total …………………………            100 points

Total points earned will determine your final grade, using the following distribution:

93-100            =            A           

90-92              =            A-

87-89            =            B+

83-86            =            B

80-82            =            B-

77-79            =            C+

73-76            =            C

70-72            =            C-

67-69            =            D+

63-66            =            D

60-62            =            D-

< 60              =            F

Note: Though not foreseeable, any changes or deviations from this syllabus (e.g. order in which topics are covered) will be announced in class. 

Academic integrity: Students are expected to uphold the Student Standard of Conduct published in the University of Texas website (http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/acint_student.php), section 11-801. Generally, do not plagiarize, do not collaborate with colleagues when doing work that should be your own, do not cheat on exams, and do not submit work as your own that was obtained or purchased from someone else.

Disability services:

If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please don’t hesitate to consult with me. In addition to the resources of the department, a wide range of services are available to support you in your efforts to meet the course requirements. The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.  For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.

             If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please notify me in a timely manner so that we can make arrangements to address your needs.

Other requirements:

All students enrolled in PSY 301 must fulfill a research requirement consisting of either participation in psychological research studies as a subject or writing a paper on psychological research, in addition to class work. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in an Incomplete. Information pertaining this requirement will be discussed in class. Please understand that this is a requirement and must be fulfilled by a due date.

Basic problems and principles of human experience and behavior. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, or the equivalent in independent study.

Basic problems and principles of human experience and behavior. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, or the equivalent in independent study.