Course Form
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program Applied Arts and Sciences /Science
Course Title
The Biology of Behavior
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Summarize the change(s) proposed
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Requestor:
Phone/ email :
Instructor
Phone / Email
Program
Chair/Director:
Dean:
Prefix and Course #
SCN 260N
The Biology of Behavior
New Natural Sciences Course with Lab
Please type / print name Signature
Linda Eagleheart
406-243-7906
linda.eagleheart@umontana.edu
Gregory Peters
406-243-7848
greg.peters@mso.umt.edu
Cathy Corr
Date
Barry Good
Are other departments/programs affected by this
Please obtain signature(s) from the
modification because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
No other departments are affected by this course proposal because:
(a) The one prerequisite is also an Applied Arts and Sciences /Science offering
(b) There is no content area overlap:
No similar course content is offered through MUS (please see section III below)
(c) There is no cross listing associated with this course
III: To Add a New Course
YES
NO
Common Course Numbering Review: Does an equivalent course exist
X
elsewhere in the MUS?
If NO: Course may be unique, but is subject to common course review. Be sure to include learning
outcomes on syllabus or paste below. The course number may be changed at the system level.
The Biology of Behavior is a 200-level, foundational, science course with a lab. The course
explores the biological basis of human behavior. The groundwork for this exploration includes
developing understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system and its cells. The
course examines neuron function and neurotransmitter activity as examples of cellular structure
and functioning. Topics related to human behavior include exploration of human sensation, the
biological aspects of learning, and the biological basis of common behaviors such as obesity,
addiction, stress, and anxiety. Please also see the included course syllabus.
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog
U 260N The Biology of Behavior 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SCN100N. An
introduction to the biological basis of human behavior, including neuron function and the roles of
hormones, heredity, and environmental influences. Behavioral topics include sensation, learning,
emotion, and issues such as obesity, addiction, and stress.
III: To Add a New Course (continued)
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
SCN 260N: The Biology of Behavior course content will contribute to learning objectives for
students pursuing degrees with Social Work and Addiction Studies emphases. The course will
give these students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of core biological
principles along with content that contributes to their overall educational goals. The Biology of
Behavior will provide a valuable opportunity for these students to fulfill their Natural Sciences
with a laboratory course requirement. Because the course will explore general topics in Biology
such as cell structure and function, human sensation, and gene expression, completion of this
course will also serve many students in the Health Professions at the COT. The laboratory
component of this course further allows students to explore the process of science while studying
several basic biological concepts through an exploration of human behavior.
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
No
Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
YES
NO
X
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
NA – proposed change is for New Course
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and
send digital copy with form.
Please see following pages.
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and
send digital copy with form.
SCN260N: Biology of Behavior
Fall 2010
Instructor: Greg Peters
Contact: greg.peters@mso.umt.edu or (406) 207-6154
Office Hours: T & Th 12:10-2:00 in HB 02
Text: Carlson. Physiology of Behavior, 10th ed. Pearson Publishing
Course Overview:
In this course we explore the biological basis of human behavior. The foundation for this
exploration is an understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system and its cells, the
neurons. We will examine neuron function and neurotransmitter activity as examples of cellular
structure and functioning. Topics related to human behavior will include exploration of human
sensation, the phenomenon of learning, and the biological basis of common behaviors such as
obesity, addiction, stress, and anxiety.
Assessment:
4 Exams (100 pts ea.)
8 Lab Reports (25 pts ea.)
TOTAL:
points
400
200
600
grades
90-100% = A- to A
80-90% = B- to B+
70-80% = C- to C+
60-70% = D- to D+
< 60% = F
Course Policies & Recommendations:
Use of the BlackBoard course supplement is essential, as it provides the following resources:

Course documents, such as the syllabus & instructions for writing lab reports

Portions of lecture slides used in class

Student grades

Lab instructions and instructions for Lab activities

Access to supplemental weblinks, including MyPsychKit
Make-up exams will only be offered for compelling reasons and with documentation. No early finals
will be offered, so make any travel plans accordingly.
Students with disabilities will receive appropriate accommodations. Please contact me and provide a
letter from your DSS coordinator so that accommodations can be made.
University policies on drops, adds, changes of grade option, or change to audit status will be
observed in this course. Please note that after November 1st, such changes are NOT automatically
approved; they may be requested by petition, but the petition must be accompanied by
documentation of extenuating circumstances. Requests to drop a course or change the grade basis to
benefit a student’s grade point average will not be approved. A grade of C or higher will be
considered a passing grade for the P/NP option.
Lab Activity Guidelines
Each two hour class period will include one hour of lecture and one hour of lab activities (lab credit
hours are calculated based on 2 hours/week = one credit). The lab activities need to be completed
before the due date of the Lab Report. It will be necessary to have access to the internet for
completion of some portions of the lab activities, and each student must be registered and have
access to the MyPsychKit online supplement for our textbook. Each Lab Report asks you to
summarize two days of these lab activities as outlined on the syllabus. Lab reports will lose 10% of
their value each class meeting they are late.
Each Lab Activity (scheduled over two class meetings) will consist of 3 basic parts:
A) online exercises
B) investigations and activities
C) thought questions
To access the MyPsychKit for lab exercises:
1) Go to www.mypsychkit.com
2) Click on “Students” in the tan “First-time users” box
3) Click “Buy Access” next to: Carlson Physiology of Behavior, 10/e
4) Click “accept”
5) Select “no”
6) Fill in appropriate info
Lab Report Directions
You may format the report as you like, but I am asking that this be limited to ONE typed page to
force you to be brief and select the most important information for your lab summary (although
putting your sketches and such on the back is a great idea). Include in your lab report:
1) Your name and the Lab Report title and #
2) Summarize your experience with part A (online exercises) by recording things like:
a) which aspects of the exercise were most helpful
b) which aspects were the least helpful
c) what you learned that was most new or surprising to you
d) what (if anything) is still confusing or difficult to understand
e) any terms or concepts that you might find particularly challenging or worth reviewing
3) Respond to part B (investigations and activities) by completing the investigations as instructed and
then writing a summary including the:
 Purpose of your investigation
 Hypothesis you formed
 Methods used to complete the activity
 Findings (the results are the data collected)
 Interpretation (why do you think you found what you found?)
4) Respond to the thought questions in part C
Class Schedule
Date:
Unit One:
Aug 31
Sep 2
Sep 7
Sep 9
Sep 14
Sep 16
Sep 21
Sep 23
Lecture Topic:
The Nervous System
Course introduction
Nervous system cells
Neuron activity
Neuron communication
Neurotransmitters
Nervous system features
Nervous System structure
EXAM 1
Unit Two: Sensation and movement
Sep 28
Vision
Sep 30
Audition
Oct 5
Vestibular system
Oct 7
Somatosenses
Oct 12
Taste and olfaction
Oct 14
Control of movement
Oct 19
EXAM 2
Unit Three: Influences on Behavior
Oct 21
Emotions
Oct 26
Learning
Oct 28
Learning
Nov 2
No Class: Election Day
Nov 4
Sleep, Food
Nov 9
Drug action
Nov 11
No Class: Veteran’s Day
Nov 16
EXAM 3
Unit Four: Diversity of Behavior
Nov 18
Drug addiction
Nov 23
Obesity and Anorexia
Nov 25
No Class: Thanksgiving
Nov 30
Neurological disorders
Dec 2
Anxiety
Dec 7
Stress
Dec 9
Course wrap-up
Dec 15
Read pages:
Lab Topic:
Assignment:
-Lab Policies
Ch. 2 (29-41) MyPsychKit intro
Ch. 2 (41-52) Lab 1: Neurons
Ch. 2 (53-66) Lab 1: Neurons
Ch. 4 (111-124 Neurotransmitters
Ch. 3 (69-75) Neurotransmitters
Ch. 3 (82-100) Exam 1 prep
-Ch. 6 (170-185) Exam 1 review
Ch. 7 (213-228) Vision, Audition
Ch. 7 (234-237) Vision, Audition
Ch. 7 (238-248) More senses
Ch. 7 (250-260) More senses
Ch. 8 (263-268) Exam 2 prep
--
report 1
report 2
report 3
report 4
367-383 & 396-9 Exam 2 review
Ch. 13 (440-453) Lab 5: Learning
Ch. 13 (454-464) Lab 5: Learning
296-9 & 409-415 Food, Drugs
Ch. 4 (103-111) Exam 3 prep
report 5
report 6
-Ch. 18 (614-622) Exam 3 Review
Ch. 12 (427-437) Addiction
Ch. 15 (532-548) Addiction
Ch. 17 (586-601) Stress & Anxiety
Ch. 17 (601-611) Stress & Anxiety
Exam 4 prep
report 7
report 8
Final Exam Wednesday, 8:00 am, same room
VI Department Summary
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.
Revised 11-2009