Biopsychology (Custom Edition for Stony Brook University Taken From 7th Edition)

Biological psychology is the most interesting subject in the world. I'm sure all you teachers are telling you that their subject is the most interesting, but the others are wrong; this really is the most interesting subject in the world! It is the study of how physiology causes thinking, feeling, and behavior. It deals with fundamental questions such as: what is the human mind? what is the mind's relationship to the brain? how does the brain work? and why are we the way we are? You will find out how the cells of the nervous system work individually, and how they work together to produce thought and action. We'll look at sensation and perception, learning and memory, neurotransmitters, drugs, emotion and disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. The prerequisite for this course is Psych 1. If you've had some biology and chemistry, so much the better, but we'll go over what you need to know to understand the material. Note: This is a difficult and time consuming course, be prepared to work. TEXT: Biopsychology John Pinel (2009). Allyn & Bacon. It is available at our campus bookstore. Copies of the text and study guide are on reserve at the Cabrillo Library. My website has helpful links, including the textbook study guide. RESPONSIBILITIES: It is essential that you attend every class meeting. I expect each of you to keep up with the reading and to be prepared to discuss the material in class. You are responsible for the material presented in class (and for any changes to the schedule). If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the missed material from a classmate, review it carefully, and come to my office hours if you have any questions. After three absences you can be dropped from class. However, do not assume you will be dropped. You can drop yourself via Hawk TaIk or WebAdvisor if you wish to withdraw from the course. It is your responsibility to come to class on time in order to minimize interruptions.