Course Syllabus
PSY 215: BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Spring (2013)
CONTACT INFORMATION
COURSE DETAILS
Tuesday and Thursday
Instructor:
Dr. Gretchen Gotthard
Course
Meetings:
Section 01: 11:00am – 12:15am
Section 02: 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Office:
Email:
Phone:
Moyer 224
ggotthard@muhlenberg.edu
[best way to reach me]
484-664-3422
Meeting
Location:
Moyer 106
Monday & Wednesday
Office Hours:
10:30am - 12:00pm
[or email for an appointment]
Blackboard:
http://blackboard.muhlenberg.edu
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
Biological Psychology is the scientific study of the biology of behavior. In this course we will focus on the
structure and function of the nervous system. While our focal point will be the biology of human behavior, we
will also discuss findings from non-human organisms as well. Over the course of the semester, we will
examine the neural foundations of behavior (e.g., structure and function of the central nervous system),
methodologies employed in the field of biological psychology, motivational and emotional aspects of behavior
(e.g., psychopharmacology and drug abuse, stress and health), and other complex behaviors (e.g., learning and
memory, neuropsychological disorders, and psychopathology).
GOALS OF THE COURSE
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 biopsychologists and be able to use it in conversation and writing;
have a practical understanding of the experimental methods used to examine the nervous systems of
organisms;
be able to explain various behaviors from a physiological, reductionistic perspective, while retaining an
appreciation for the limits of such explanations;
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

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be able to identify various structures of the mammalian nervous system, and relate these structures to
function;
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;
be able to apply information they are learning in class to themselves, other classes they have taken, and
the world around them.
TEXTBOOK
Garrett, B. (2011). Brain and Behavior (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.
**I HIGHLY recommend making heavy use of the textbook’s free online resources:
www.sagepub.com/garrett3e [This link can also be found in the front cover of the textbook.]
REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE

EXAMS: There will be two exams during the semester, plus a cumulative final. Exams will primarily consist
of short answer questions, although diagram identifications, multiple choice, and “True/False? Explain”
questions may also be included on most exams. Questions will be based entirely on material discussed in
class. 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).

NEUROPSYCH DISCUSSION: Students will work in groups of two or three to lead the class discussion on
one neuropsychological disorder. Your Neuro 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
disorder. A handout further describing the Neuropsych Discussion will be distributed separately. The
assignment will be worth 30 points.

JOURNAL: Students will create six journal entries over the course of the semester that relate a current
source to a topic discussed in class. You may use any source for this assignment (e.g., online news
sources, video clips, and television shows/movies). Journal entries will be made through the “journal”
function on Blackboard, and should include a paragraph (approximately 1/2 page) describing how your
source applies to information discussed in class. This should NOT simply be a summary of the source, but
rather should include appropriate course terminology, a clear discussion of how it fits (or doesn’t fit) with
class discussion, and a critical analysis of the source (e.g., Do you notice any potential problems with the
information you’re reading? If your source doesn’t fit with something we discussed in class, why do you
think that is?). Please include the source with your write-up (a link to electronic sources is preferred).
Journal entries will be due by specified dates (see syllabus schedule for specific dates). Each application is
worth up to 5 points (5 = “excellent”, 4 = “very good”, 3 = “average”, 2 = “below average”, and 0-1 = “well
below average”) for a possible total of 30 points.
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
LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM (LOC): All students enrolling in psychology courses are required to
participate in two research studies (LOC-R) being conducted by students and/or faculty in the Psychology
department, or to complete an alternate assignment, if they do not want to participate in research (see
Dr. Gotthard for details about the alternate assignment). Students will receive an LOC card on the first day
of class. For IN-PERSON studies, you will obtain a stamp from the researcher on your LOC card. Do not
lose this card, because it will serve as evidence of your participation. For ONLINE studies, simply write the
pertinent information on your LOC card without a stamp, but be sure to select your instructor’s name
from the drop-down menu at the end of the survey (and print the debriefing form as added evidence of
your participation). NOTE: You are NOT required to fill out LOC forms (they are for PSY 101 students only).
LOC will be worth 10 points total (5 points for each study). Please see link below for more information
about LOC-R requirements:
http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/academics/psychology/learning_outside_classroom.html
GRADING
Assignment
Points
75
75
100
30
30
10
320
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
Neuropsych Discussion
Journal
LOC
Total
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.
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MECHANICS OF THE COURSE

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! 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 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.
 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.
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DISCUSSION AND READING SCHEDULE
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 as soon as possible.
Date
Day
Jan 15
Tues
Topic/Assignment
Syllabus
What is Biopsychology?
Jan 17
Thurs
Communication Within the Nervous System
Jan 22
Tues
Communication Within the Nervous System
Jan 24
Thurs
Functions of the Nervous System
JOURNAL #1 DUE (by midnight)
Jan 29
Tues
Functions of the Nervous System
Jan 31
Thurs
Functions of the Nervous System
Feb 5
Tues
Functions of the Nervous System
Feb 7
Thurs
Drugs, Addiction & Reward
JOURNAL #2 DUE (by midnight)
Feb 12
Tues
Drugs, Addiction & Reward
Feb 14
Thurs
Drugs, Addiction & Reward
Feb 19
Tues
EXAM 1: CHPTS. 1, 2, 3, 5
Feb 21
Thurs
Reading
CH 1
CH 2
CH 3
CH 5
LIBRARY INSTRUCTION SESSION (at Library, B-01)
[GHG AT CONFERENCE]
Feb 26
Tues
Feb 28
Thurs
Learning & Memory
CH 12
Learning & Memory
JOURNAL #3 DUE (by midnight)
Mar 5
Tues
SPRING BREAK: No Class
Mar 7
Thurs
SPRING BREAK: No Class
Mar 12
Tues
Learning & Memory
Mar 14
Thurs
Emotion & Health
Mar 19
Tues
Emotion & Health
Mar 21
Thurs
CH 8
CONFERENCE: No Class
JOURNAL #4 DUE (by midnight)
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Mar 26
Tues
Psychological Disorders
Mar 28
Thurs
Psychological Disorders
Apr 2
Tues
Psychological Disorders
Apr 4
Thurs
CH 14
Psychological Disorders
JOURNAL #5 DUE (by midnight)
Apr 9
Tues
EXAM 2: CHPTS. 8, 12, 14
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 11
Thurs
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Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome
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Hemineglect
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 16
Tues
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Blindsight
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Synesthesia
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 18
Thurs
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Prosopagnosia
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Capgras Syndrome
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 23
Tues
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PAP Syndrome
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Alien Hand Syndrome
JOURNAL #6 DUE (by midnight)
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 25
Thurs
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Foreign Accent Syndrome
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Cotard’s Syndrome
NEURO DISCUSSIONS
Apr 30
May 2
TBA
Tues
Thurs
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Kluver-Bucy Syndrome
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Anton-Babinski Syndrome
Course Wrap-Up
FINAL CUMULATIVE EXAM: Neuropsych Discussions and
Cumulative Questions
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