Department of Psychology - In-Person Syllabus for PSY 355
Important Note: Every effort will be made to avoid changing the course schedule, but the
possibility exists that unforeseen events will make syllabus changes necessary. It is your
responsibility to check the course site online for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any
changes will be clearly noted during class and/or in course announcements.
Part 1: Course Overview
Course title: Survey in Biopsychology
Course catalog # and section: PSY 250 Section 01
Semester: Spring 2024
Credit: 3 credits
General education designation(s) (SBC): SBS+ and STEM+
Class meeting time: Tuesdays / Thursdays 4:00 pm – 5:20 pm EST
Class meeting location: Frey Hall, Room 102
Instructor name: Hoi-Chung Leung
Instructor’s email: hoi-chung.leung@stonybrook.edu
Office: Psych B, Rm 314
Instructor’s Office hours: Conducted in person on Tuesday and Thursday 2:45pm –
3:45pm EST or by appointment (Thursday 5:30-6:30pm). Use the Google Calendar link on
the course website under Instructor & TA Contracts to see the weekly schedule and reserve
individual appointments. Zoom meeting appointments can be requested via email.
TAs: Lancy Cao
Office: Psych A, Rm 340
Email: xiaohe.cao@stonybrook.edu
Office Hours: TuTh 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Jin Liu
Psych B, Rm 241
jin.liu@stonybrook.edu
MW 12pm – 1pm
Diversity and inclusive learning:
We understand that our students come from diverse backgrounds and may encounter different
issues or challenges. I hope this class will not only provide you the opportunity to learn new
materials in biological psychology but also the opportunity to ask questions and to bring your
different perspectives to the material we study as well as to our class discussions. A diversity of
views can contribute to all of our understanding of the subject.
It is my intent that students from different backgrounds and perspectives (including but not
limited to culture, race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.) be well-served by this
course, that your learning needs be addressed both in and out of class.
If there are any barriers preventing you from doing well, please contact Prof. Hoi-Chung Leung
either directly or submit anonymous feedback online. We welcome any suggestions to improve
the quality of student learning or the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other
students or student groups. If you prefer to speak with someone outside of the course, the
Student Support Team is an excellent resource.
Collectively, each of us should strive to honor the diversity of instructors, TAs, and classmates.
Course Description:
Introduction to the neural basis of sensory processes, perception, motor control, memory,
learning, and motivational behaviors. The course covers three primary areas: (1) neuroanatomy
and neural signal transmission (e.g., how the nervous system is organized and how neurons
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PSY 250/Survey in Biopsychology
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communicate with each other), (2) sensory and motor neural systems (how the nervous system
processes information from and interacts with the environment), and (3) selected topics in
neuroscience (e.g., learning and memory), with the purpose of illustrating the relationship
between brain function and behavior. The reading load is moderate for this course. Students
lacking the appropriate background in science (e.g., elementary biology, chemistry) may have to
do additional reading to ameliorate the potential deficiencies.
Required Course Textbook and Materials:
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Biopsychology by John Pinel (JP) (pick any from: 10th, 9th or 8th regular edition)
(Copies of this textbook are placed in the library reserve in the North Reading Room.)
Online materials will be posted on Brightspace for each section.
Course Delivery Mode and Structure:
This is an in-person course.
What If You Have Question:
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General course-related questions - should be posted in the General Questions Forum in
the course Discussion board. It is also most efficient to post content-related questions in
the discussion forums, where anyone can answer, including other students, TAs and the
instructor. When students post answers, we will check and identify those that are good
answers.
Personal issues (e.g., your grade) - email the instructor directly for an appointment, using
PSY 250 in the subject line. If you use the email tool from the course site, it will
automatically include your name and course name when you send me an email. Please
allow between 24-48 hours for a reply.
Your SBU email must be used for all university-related communications. You must have an
active Stony Brook University email account and access to the Internet. All instructor
correspondence will be sent to your SBU email account. Plan on checking your SBU email
account regularly for course-related messages. To log in to Stony Brook Google Mail, go to
http://www.stonybrook.edu/mycloud and sign in with your NetID and password.
Regular announcements will be posted on the course site and may or may not be sent by email.
For effective communication, make a habit of logging in once a day, checking course
Announcements and discussion boards and participating with your colleagues ensures that you
are able to remain an active member of the class and earn full points for participation.
Technical Requirements:
D2L Brightspace is Stony Brook University’s digital learning environment. It is used for the
facilitation of communications between faculty and students, submission of assignments, and
secure posting of grades and feedback in your courses. To access Brightspace, go to
mycourses.stonybrook.edu and use your SBU NetID and password. If you are unsure of your
NetID, visit Finding Your NetID and Password for more information.
Sometimes submitting coursework via a tablet and/or mobile device can be challenging.
Computers equipped with the appropriate software are available for use at the various SINC site
computer labs. Both physical and virtual labs are available. You can also borrow a computer
through SBU’s Laptop Loan Program.
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Visit the Technical Requirements page for additional information regarding hardware and
software options.
Technical Assistance:
Please use the following information if you need technical assistance at any time during the
course or to report a problem with Brightspace:
Brightspace Support via SUNY Helpdesk
● Phone: 1-844-673-6786
● Submit a ticket or chat online
Stony Brook University: Academic Technology Services
● Phone: 631-632-9800 (client support, software and hardware)
● Emil: AcademicTechnologies@stonybrook.edu
● If you are on campus, visit the Walk-Up Tech Support Station in the Educational
Communications Center (ECC) building.
Part 2: Course Learning Objectives
This course serves as a foundation for other neuroscience courses in psychology. A general
goal is for students to develop an appreciation for the full range of neuroscience. Upon
completion of the course, students will be able to:
● Describe the gross anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system;
● Recognize and identify the major brain structures and their functions;
● Link findings from neuropsychology and experimental psychology with basic scientific
work in neuroscience;
● Describe the basic findings and theories on the neural basis of sensory processing,
motor control and complex behaviors such as learning and memory;
● Identify the basic approaches and limitations in studying the relationship between brain
and behavior;
● Evaluate the interpretations of findings stated in the textbook;
● Identify appropriate applications of knowledge learned from neuroscience research in
health, education, or to issues in everyday life.
How to Succeed in this Course:
Some readings may seem dense, especially to students who are unfamiliar with biology and
physiology. You should set aside at least 5 hours per week. For this class, you must also:
● Complete all assigned readings and videos regularly. Make a habit to take notes!
● Participate in class discussion in ways that are meaningful and constructive.
● Prepare for exams by reviewing notes, lecture videos, and reviewing the assigned
readings
● Don’t miss any exams or assignments.
● Keep track of all due dates and plan ahead!
● Time management tips: Plan at the beginning of each week and make a to-do list for that
week, using a calendar, and allocate 1-2 hours before each lecture session to read/watch
the assigned materials
● Other tips: 1) Spend a few minutes after class or studying to reflect on the material and
write a brief summary; 2) If you are unsure about something, ask a question during class
or come to office hours. Chances are someone else in the course has a similar question.
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Contact the TAs and the instructor if you are experiencing an issue in meeting course
requirements. DON’T wait until the end of the course to reach out.
Come to us with any course (or career) related question. We would be delighted to meet
with you to discuss better ways to prepare for and take the exams, or any other class
related issues.
Review some Academic Success Strategies and visit the Student Resources page to
ensure your success in this course.
Part 3: Course Schedule
*** subject to changes ***
The course schedule is divided into 6 sections, each 2-3 weeks in length. Individual sections are
comprised of selected readings, short videos/animations, lectures, extra
credit activity during class, homework, and an exam. The detailed schedule is as follows:
Dates
Lecture topics
Readings
Jan 23
Course organization and an introduction
to studying Brain and Behavior
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 1 & 3
Notes
Section 1 Neural Communication
Jan 25
Neuron structure, membrane potential &
impulse
Jan 30
Action potential, synaptic transmission
Feb 1
Neurotransmitters
Feb 6
Exam 1 during regular class period (Tuesday)
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 3 & 4
Homework 1 due
Section 2 Sensory systems
Review brain anatomy
Pinel Ch. 3
Feb 8
Basic concepts of the sensory systems
Feb 13
Somatosensory receptors
Feb 15
Somatosensory system, pain processing
Feb 20
Auditory system, Chemical senses
Feb 22
Exam 2 during regular class period (Thursday)
self study
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 7
Homework 2 due
Section 3. Motor System
Feb 27
Reflexes & motor programs
Feb 29
Cortical and subcortical motor areas
Mar 5
Movement disorders and executive
control
Mar 7
Exam 3 during regular class period (Thursday)
Mar 11
Spring break
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 8
Homework 3 due
Section 4. Visual System
Mar 19
Eye, retina, visual receptors
Mar 21
Visual Coding
Mar 26
Perception of edge and color
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 6
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Homework 4 due
Mar 28
Higher order vision & attention
Apr 2
Career development seminar
Apr 4
Exam 4 during regular class period (Thursday)
Section 5. Learning and Memory
Apr 9
Amnesia & Neuroanatomy of memory
Apr 11
Neural theories of learning & memory
Apr 16
Synaptic mechanisms of learning &
memory
Apr 18
Exam 5 during regular class period (Thursday)
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 11
Homework 5 due
Section 6. Sleep and Rhythms
Apr 23
Biological rhythms
Apr 25
Sleep and brain mechanisms
Apr 30
Sleep disorders and deprivation
May 2
Exam 6 during regular class period (Thursday)
Online readings
Pinel Ch. 14
Homework 6 due
NO FINAL EXAM
Part 4: Grading, Attendance, and Late Work Policies
Assessment and Grading:
Viewing Grades online: Points for graded activities will be posted to the My Grades area.
Homework: You will complete the homework (knowledge check) assignments online.
Homework will be available for about 48 hours with no time limit on the three attempts. The
attempt with the best score will be used for grading. These assignments are open book and
open notes, but web-used and collaboration between students or others are NOT allowed.
Exam: The exams will take place during the regular class period. Each EXAM will cover
the corresponding section of material. Students are responsible for all material
presented in class and the assigned readings. Exams are not cumulative, in the format
of multiple-choice questions. Remember to bring your own pencil.
CELL PHONES OFF AT ALL TIMES.
In this course, you will be assessed on the following:
Activity/Assignment
Possible points
Due Date
Exams (6 total, drop the lowest
score if taken all)
160 (32 pts x 5 best)
in class on 2/6, 2/22, 3/7,
4/4, 4/18, and 5/2
Homework (6, drop the lowest score 40 (8 pts x 5 best)
if taken all)
11pm on the day of each
section’s last lecture
Clicker participation (extra credit)
Clicker polls during class
6 (1 pt per section)
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Total
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200 (+ up to 6 extra points)
Letter Grades:
Final grades assigned for this course will be based on the total points earned using the
following table: (see Undergraduate Grading System)
SUM OF
180 - 200 or higher
170 – 179
160 – 169
150 – 159
140 – 149
130 – 139
GRADE:
A
AB+
B
BC+
SUM OF
120 – 129
110 – 119
100 – 109
90 – 99
89 or lower
GRADE:
C
CD+
D
F
Attendance Policy:
Attending class regularly, keeping up with the readings and videos, and participating in
class activity and homework is how your attendance for each unit will be evaluated.
IF YOU ANTICIPATE ANY SCHEDULE CONFLICTS FOR THE UPCOMING SEMESTER THAT
MIGHT PREVENT YOU FROM REGULARLY ATTENDING CLASS AND COMPLETING
ASSIGNMENTS, PLEASE ANTICIPATE THIS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING ON YOUR GRADE
Clicker participation for extra credit:
Students are expected to respond to the clicker poll questions during class, using your
own clicker. Overall successful participation in >75% of all the questions will receive 1
point per section.
Late Work Policy: In general, we will not accept late work after the closing of each
assignment, and there will be no make-up exams. Late work submitted after the posted
deadline will receive 0 points. It is important to manage time and plan well in advance to
prevent missing deadlines. Late work is only considered in cases of extraordinary
conditions that affect your attendance for over one week of all your classes including
this one, with an email from the Student Support Team. Make-up exams will be in the
form of essays. Don't hesitate to meet with the instructor as early as possible if you are
struggling for whatever reasons.
Show up on time for the exams. No one leaves the exam for the first 15 minutes. After
the first person that leaves the classroom, no one else will be admitted to take the
exam. Do not cheat and do not take part in any activity resembling cheating. Do not
speak to friends or classmates during the exam. Doing so will bring about an automatic
0 score on the exam.
Bonus Credit Point (overall clicker participation)
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1. One bonus point is given based on your overall clicker participation in class, using
your own clicker.
2. Clicker questions will be given during most lectures. Your responses will be
registered. At the end of the semester, 1 point will be automatically added to your final
score if you participated more than 75% of the time.
3. Clicker problems: If you participated during a class but have a problem with your
clicker (e.g., forgotten to bring your own clicker), inform the graduate TA immediately at
the end of that class. Any issues with the clicker outside of this given time window will
be disregarded. It is your responsibility to monitor this every class.
4. There are absolutely NO make-ups and NO adjustments for ANY reason. Any
requests of such kind will be not granted and inquiries will be automatically disregarded.
Part 5: University and Course Policies
University Policies:
Student Accessibility Support Center Statement:
If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact
your course work, please contact the Student Accessibility Support Center, Stony Brook
Union Suite 107, (631) 632-6748, or at sasc@stonybrook.edu. They will determine with
you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and
documentation is confidential.
Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to
discuss their needs with their professors and the Student Accessibility Support Center.
For procedures and information go to the following website:
https://ehs.stonybrook.edu//programs/fire-safety/emergency-evacuation/evacuation-guid
e-disabilities and search Fire Safety and Evacuation and Disabilities.
Academic Integrity Statement:
Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally
accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is
always wrong. Faculty is required to report any suspected instances of academic
dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on
academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty please refer to the
academic judiciary website at
http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/academic_integrity/index.html
Important Note: Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism,
will be reported to the Academic Judiciary.
Critical Incident Management:
Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property
of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of University Community
Standards any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the
safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn. Faculty in the
HSC Schools and the School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific
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procedures. Further information about most academic matters can be found in the
Undergraduate Bulletin, the Undergraduate Class Schedule, and the Faculty-Employee
Handbook.
Understand When You May Drop This Course:
If you need to drop or withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to be aware of
the tuition liability deadlines listed on the registrar’s Academic Calendar. Before making
the decision to drop/withdraw you may want to contact me or refer to the University’s
policies:
● Undergraduate Course Load and Course Withdrawal Policy
Incomplete Policy:
Under emergency/special circumstances, students may petition for an incomplete
grade. Circumstances must be documented and significant enough to merit an
incomplete. If you need to request an incomplete for this course, contact me for
approval as far in advance as possible. You should also read the University’s policies
that apply to you: Undergraduate Bulletin
Course Materials and Copyright Statement:
Course material accessed from Brightspace, SB Connect, SB Capture or a Stony Brook
Course website is for the exclusive use of students who are currently enrolled in the
course. Content from these systems cannot be reused or distributed without written
permission of the instructor and/or the copyright holder. Duplication of materials
protected by copyright, without permission of the copyright holder is a violation of the
Federal copyright law, as well as a violation of Stony Brook’s Academic Integrity.
Other Policies:
Face-to-face or online Communication Guidelines and Learning Resources:
Maintain professional conduct both in the classroom and online. The classroom is a
professional environment where academic debate and learning take place. I will make
every effort to make this environment safe for you to share your opinions, ideas, and
beliefs. In return, you are expected to respect the opinions, ideas, and beliefs of other
students—both in the face-to-face classroom and online communication. Students have
the right and privilege to learn in the class, free from harassment and disruption. The
course follows the standards set in the Student Code of Conduct, and students are
subject to disciplinary action for violation of that code. The instructor and TAs reserve
the right to remove any discussion messages that display inappropriate language or
content. Offensive language or rudeness will not be tolerated. Discuss ideas, not the
person. Please use plain language not directed to any particular individual.
Part 6: Useful Student Resources
Academic Success and Tutoring Center: https://www.stonybrook.edu/tutoring/
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Career Center: The Career Center’s mission is to support the academic mission of
Stony Brook University by educating students about the career decision-making
process, helping them plan and attain their career goals, and assisting with their smooth
transition to the workplace or further education. Phone: 631-632-6810; email:
sbucareercenter@stonybrook.edu; website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/career-center/
Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS staff are available by phone, day or
night. http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/caps/
Student Support Team: If you are experiencing challenges affecting your academic
performance for more than 1 week or if you have any concerns in your pursuit of
success, contact the Student Support Team at
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/studentsupport/
SBU Libraries: access to and help in using databases, ebooks, and other sources for
your research.
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Research Guides and Tutorials: http://guides.library.stonybrook.edu/
Getting Help: https://library.stonybrook.edu/research/ask-a-librarian/
Student Accessibility Support Center: Students in need of special accommodations
should contact SASC. Phone: 631-632-6748; email: sasc@stonybrook.edu;
https://www.stonybrook.edu/sasc/
Support for Online Learning: https://www.stonybrook.edu/online/
Writing Center: Students are able to schedule face-to-face and online appointments.
https://www.stonybrook.edu/writingcenter/
Need help? Report technical issues at https://it.stonybrook.edu/ or call 631-632-2358.
Laptop loan program for students:
https://library.stonybrook.edu/services/access-services/laptop-loan-program/
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