Course Syllabus
NSC 310: BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
Fall 2012
Monday & Wednesday (2:00- 3:15 pm) - Moyer 109
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Dr. Gretchen Gotthard
Office Location: Moyer 224
Tuesday & Thursday
Email:
ggotthard@muhlenberg.edu
Office Hours:
1:00-2:30pm
[also, by appointment]
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
This course is a survey of the biological bases of complex behavior in humans and other
animals. Topics will be covered at a systems level and will include neuroanatomy and
methodology, neurotransmitters and drugs, emotion and stress, learning and memory,
psychological disorders, language, hemispheric asymmetry, and neuropsychological disorders.
The lab component will examine the basics of research methods and give students the
opportunity to design and carry out a behavioral neuroscience experiment using rats.
WHAT WILL YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN?
Over the course of the semester, students will work to refine their critical thinking skills (via
problem solving, critical reading, in-class writing, and group discussions), and their presentation
and collaborative skills (via numerous group learning and presentation/discussion
opportunities). Additionally, by the end of the semester, students should:




know the major terminology used by behavioral neuroscientists and be able to use it in
conversation and in writing;
have a practical understanding of the experimental methods used to examine the nervous
system;
be able to explain various behaviors from a physiological, reductionistic perspective, while
retaining an appreciation for the limits of such explanations;
be able to identify various structures in the mammalian nervous system, and relate these
structures to function;
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

understand the neural systems that work to create the most complex of human behavior
(e.g., language, learning, emotion, memory, etc.);
understand the physiological correlates of common forms of psychological and neurological
pathology (e.g., schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, etc.), while maintaining a humane appreciation for the individuals suffering from
these disorders.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR LEARNING IN THIS CLASS?
READ this book:
Breedlove, S. M., Watson, N. V. & Rosenzweig, M. R. (2010). Biological Psychology: An
Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience (6th ed.).
Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.
E-Book orders for this textbook: http://www.sinauer.com/detail.php?id=3242
REVIEW course material posted on this website:
BLACKBOARD: http://blackboard.muhlenberg.edu/
PRACTICE course material on this website:
TEXTBOOK WEBSITE: http://www.biopsychology.com/6e/
HOW WILL YOUR LEARNING BE EVALUATED?

EXAMS: There will be two exams during the semester, plus a cumulative final. Exams will
primarily consist of short answer questions, although a small number of diagram
identifications, multiple choice, and “True/False? Explain” questions will be included on
most exams. Questions will be based entirely on material discussed in class or lab.
Cumulative questions for the final exam will come directly from the first two exams. Exams
will be worth 75 points each, except the final, which will be worth 100 points (250 points
total).
 NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSION: Students will work in groups of two or three to lead the
class discussion on one neuropsychological/neurological disorder. Your Neuro Disorder
Discussion should include current research on your topic and should not simply be a lecture
to the class. You may use PowerPoint for key points, but should have at least one activity
for the class to participate in that helps to illustrate and/or reinforce key aspects of your
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disorder. A handout further describing the Neuro Disorder Discussion will be distributed
separately. The assignment will be worth 50 points.
 B & B LAB: Students will review basic neuroanatomy via sheep brain dissection, and then
will spend several weeks learning basic research methods, followed by the design and
running of a small group experiment using rats. The project will culminate in a group
poster presentation at the end of the semester. A lab syllabus that more fully details the
components of the lab will be distributed on the first day of lab. Lab will be worth a total of
175 points.

PARTICIPATION: All students are expected to come to every class and participate in class
activities and discussions. This course will be based almost exclusively on discussion and inclass activities. If you are absent from class, you obviously cannot participate in these
discussions and activities. Active engagement in class is a key factor in learning, and
therefore, plays an important role in grades, especially when a student’s grade is
borderline. For example, a student with an 89.9% who has consistently been an active
participant in class will earn a final grade of A-, while a student with an 89.9% who missed
several classes and/or didn’t actively participate when in class will receive a final grade of
B+. Bottom line: Come to class prepared and be an active participant!
Assignment
Points
Exam 1
75
Exam 2
75
Final Exam
100
Neuro Disorder Discussion
50
Lab
175
Total
475
Grade
%
A
94-100
A90-93
Grade
B+
B
B-
%
87-89
84-86
80-83
Grade
C+
C
C-
%
77-79
74-76
70-73
Grade
D+
D
F
%
67-69
63-66
0-62
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT GRADING: A grade of “C” is indicative of “average” work in this
class. If you want to earn a grade in the “A” range (exceptional) or “B” range (very good), then
you need to be prepared to work very hard AND produce stellar work. Based on my past
experiences teaching this course, students who earn better than average grades in this course
come to class consistently and are actively engaged, earn solid grades on their exams, produce
work that is well-thought-out and that involves a high level of intellectual sophistication, and
consistently offer comments during class that enrich the discussion for everyone.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUCCEED IN THIS CLASS?

Arrive on time and be an active participant: The best way to learn in this class is to be
mentally and physically present for every minute of our class time together. It is in your best
interest to arrive on time and not leave class during our sessions together (i.e., please take
care of bathroom/water breaks prior to coming to class). Additionally, as you might
imagine, napping during class is NOT conducive to learning – while some pseudoscientists
might try to assert that learning takes place while you sleep, trust me, they’re wrong! If you
are not feeling well or haven’t gotten enough sleep the night before, please refrain from
coming to class.

Turn in assignments and take exams on time: Be sure to plan accordingly so that you can
turn in all assignments on time, and take exams as scheduled. Late assignments will lose
one letter grade per day, and any missed exams will result in a zero. Students may make up
missed exams, if they provide documentation to support their absence (e.g., notification
from doctor of an illness, etc.). No supporting documentation for your absence will result in
a zero on the exam. If you know that you will need to miss an exam for a legitimate reason
(e.g., travel related to a class or sports), please let me know early, so that we can arrange
for you to take the exam before you leave.

Keep your cell phones OFF and packed away: The use of cell phones during class is NOT
permitted. It is incredibly disruptive to everyone when students interact with a cell phone
during class. If you are expecting an urgent call/text, please let me know before class begins
and I will be happy to make accommodations for the day. Students who use a phone during
class will be asked to put it away; if this happens repeatedly, they will be asked to leave.

Use laptops ONLY for taking notes: Similar to the previous point, this should be obvious checking Facebook or your email during class is not an efficient use of our time together. I
see the value in being able to take notes on your laptops, so am happy to have students use
them during class; however, using laptops for anything other than taking notes will be
disruptive and is not permitted.

Show academic integrity in your work: All tests and written assignments in this class are
pledged work under the Academic Integrity Code (AIC;
www.muhlenberg.edu/main/aboutus/dean-academic/integrity). I encourage you to study
with other students in the class and to discuss class materials with other students.
However, your tests and written assignments should be your work alone. Students found to
be breaking the AIC will receive a zero on the assignment/exam, and depending on the
circumstances, may receive a failing grade for the class.
Additionally, in accordance with the AIC, please write and sign your name by the following
statement on all written assignments: “I pledge that I have complied with the Academic
Integrity Code in this work.” If you have any questions or concerns about how the AIC
applies to work in this class, I will be happy to discuss this with you.
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 If you have a documented disability, please let me know what I can do to facilitate your
learning in this class: Students requiring special accommodations for this course must first
contact the Office for Disability Services (Director: Mrs. Pamela Moschini, Ext. 3825). Please
provide me with the appropriate documentation and I will make every effort to meet your
needs.
DISCUSSION AND READING OUTLINE
This is an approximate guide. Material may be added or deleted throughout the semester, as
time permits. If changes are made, they will be announced in class or via email as soon as
possible.
Date
Day
Topic
Aug 27
Mon
Syllabus & Introduction to the Course
Aug 29
Wed
Functional Neuroanatomy
Sept 3
Mon
Functional Neuroanatomy
Sept 5
Wed
The Chemical Bases of Behavior
Sept 10
Mon
The Chemical Bases of Behavior
Sept 12
Wed
Learning & Memory
Sept 17
Mon
Learning & Memory
Sept 19
Wed
Learning & Memory
Sept 24
Mon
EXAM 1: CH 2, 4, and 17
Sept 26
Wed
YOM KIPPUR: No Class
Oct 1
Mon
Emotions, Aggression & Stress
Oct 3
Wed
Emotions, Aggression & Stress
Oct 8
Mon
Emotions, Aggression & Stress
Oct 10
Wed
Psychopathology: Biological Basis of Behavioral
Disorders
Oct 15
Mon
FALL BREAK: No Class
Oct 17
Wed
Psychopathology: Biological Basis of Behavioral
Disorders
Oct 22
Mon
Psychopathology: Biological Basis of Behavioral
Disorders
Oct 24
Wed
Psychopathology: Biological Basis of Behavioral
Reading
CH 2
CH 4
CH 17
5
CH 15
CH 16
Disorders
Oct 29
Mon
Language & Hemispheric Asymmetry
Oct 31
Wed
Language & Hemispheric Asymmetry
Nov 5
Mon
Language & Hemispheric Asymmetry
Nov 7
Wed
EXAM 2: CH 15, 16, and 19
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Nov 12
Mon
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Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome
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Hemineglect
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Nov 14
Wed
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Blindsight
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Synesthesia
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Nov 19
Nov 21
Mon
Wed
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Prosopagnosia
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Capgras Syndrome
THANKSGIVING BREAK: No Class
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Nov 26
Mon
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PAP Syndrome
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Alien Hand Syndrome
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Nov 28
Wed
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Foreign Accent Syndrome
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Cotard’s Syndrome
NEURO DISORDER DISCUSSIONS
Dec 3
Dec 5
TBA
Mon
Wed
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Kluver-Bucy Syndrome
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Anton-Babinski Syndrome
Course Wrap-Up
FINAL CUMULATIVE EXAM: Neuro Disorders and
Cumulative Questions
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CH 19