PSYC*2410 - Behavioural Neuroscience I
Course Description
This course is a general introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. The physiological basis of sensory (input) systems and the motor (output) system are examined as are central physiological bases of processes such as learning and memory.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
- understand how Biopsychology fits into the field of Neuroscience;
- have learned how Biopsychological research is conducted;
- have learned how the nervous system evolved, develops and functions;
- understand the basic sensory systems (e.g. touch, olfaction, audition);
- understand how eating and sleeping are controlled by the nervous system;
- have learned the basics of the brain's reward pathways and how the pathology of addiction develops;
- use this knowledge to understand how your behaviors are responses, guided by your nervous system, to the world around you; and
- have further developed your critical thinking skills allowing you to judiciously evaluate reported findings of scientific research.
Course Topics
This course is divided into the following twelve units:
- Biopsychology as a Neuroscience
- Evolution, Genetics, and Experience
- Development of the Nervous System
- The Anatomy of the Nervous System
- Neural Conduction and Synaptic Transmission
- The Research Methods of Biopsychology
- The Visual System and Mechanisms of Perception
- The Sensorimotor System
- Brain Damage and Neuroplasticity
- Drug Use, Drug Addiction and the Brain’s Reward Circuits
- Biopsychology of Psychiatric Disorders
Additional Requirements
Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC*1000
Co-Requisite(s): None
Restriction(s): NEUR*2000. This is a Priority Access Course. Some restrictions may apply during some time periods.
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Online Quizzes (8) | 16% |
| Written Assignments (2) | 10% |
| Midterm 1 | 20% |
| Midterm 2 | 20% |
| Voting Polls Paper | 4% |
| Online Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Note:
Additional Technical Requirements
This course will use the following:
- Respondus tool to invigilate one or more exams.
Please view the Technical Considerations.
Technical Requirements
You are responsible for ensuring that your computer system meets the necessary system requirements. Use the browser check tool to ensure your browser settings are compatible and up to date (results will be displayed in a new browser window).
*Course details are subject to change.