AP Psychology
Chapter 3: Biopsychology and the Foundations of Neuroscience
Objectives and Schedule
Objectives:
An effective introduction to the relationship between physiological processes and behavior—including the influence of
neural function, the nervous system and the brain, and genetic contributions to behavior—is an important element in
the AP course. AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
 Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron and the
process of transmission of a signal between neurons.
 Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters (e.g., reuptake mechanisms).
 Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.
 Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions:
o Central and peripheral nervous systems
o Major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas
o Brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.
 Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research (e.g., case
studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques).
 Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape
behavior.
 Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.
 Identify key contributors (e.g., Paul Broca, Charles Darwin, Michael Gazzaniga, Roger Sperry, Carl Wernicke).
Unit Outline:
Thursday, October 9th, 2014:
1. Reading Quiz (pgs. 61-69)
2. PPT Notes: Types of Neurons
3. PPT Notes and Activity: Parts of a Neuron
October 10/13, 2014:
1. No School – P/T Conferences/Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 14th, 2014:
1. PPT Notes: Neural Transmission
2. Demo: Field Trip!!!
3. Assignment: Vocab Quiz – Thursday
4. Assignment: Reading Quiz (pgs. 77-82) - Friday
Wednesday, October 15th, 2014: (Late Arrival)
1. Review
2. Assignment: Neuron and Neural Transmission Vocab Quiz tomorrow
3. Assignment: Reading Quiz (pgs. 77-82) - Friday
Thursday, October 16th, 2014:
1. Vocabulary Quiz: Neurons and Neural Transmission
2. PPT Notes: Plasticity and glial cells
3. PPT: Neurotransmitters
4. Assignment: Reading Quiz (pgs. 77-82) - tomorrow
See Reverse Side 
Friday, October 17th, 2014:
1. PPT Notes: Reuptake
2. Reading Quiz: Nervous System and Endocrine System (77-82)
3. PPT: Studying the Brain (EEG, CT, PET, fMRI)
4. Assignment: Brain anatomy chart/list – due Monday
Monday, October 20th, 2014:
1. Return and discuss Vocab Quizzes from Wednesday
2. Assignment: Brain anatomy – due tomorrow
Tuesday, October 21st, 2014:
1. Brain Anatomy – due today
2. Superheroes and Villains
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014:
1. Present Superhero and Villains
2. PPT Notes: Three Layers
3. Assignment: Practice FRQ – due tomorrow
Thursday, October 23rd, 2014:
1. Practice FRQ due
2. Video Clip
3. Whiteboard Review – parts and lobes
4. Nervous system – cheat sheet and PPT slide
Friday, October 24th, 2014:
1. PPT: Hemispheric Specialization
2. PPT Notes: Aphasias and Split Brain Procedure
a. Video Clips
3. Assignment: Exam Tuesday
Monday, October 27th, 2014:
1. Review for exam
2. Practice MC
Tuesday, October 28tt, 2014:
1. Concept List due today
2. Chapter 3 Exam
3. Assignment: Reading Quiz (pgs. 118-125) – Thursday