Psychology 319

Brain Science and Behavior

Fall 2000

Instructor: Kenneth J. Sufka, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology and Pharmacology

Office: 311C Peabody Building Phone: 915-7728

Office Hrs: TTh 11-11:50 & by appt. E-Mail: pysufka@olemiss.edu

Catalog Description: Structures and function of the nervous system as it relates to a variety of behaviors and mental processes such as sensation, movement, sleep, hunger, learning, mental disorders, language and consciousness.

Course Objectives: This course is designed to provide students a strong foundation in the fascinating area of neuroscience called physiological psychology. The main objective is to provide you with current and accurate information about the relationship between brain function and behavior. This is an exciting time in neuroscience. Our knowledge of neuroscience grows exponentially as new technologies give rise to new discoveries. As the course progresses, I believe you will come to understand that all that we think, feel, and do can be described in terms of brain processes. I hope you enjoy the course; I am certain that you will learn a lot.

Text and Course Materials:

• Physiology of Behavior, 6th ed., by N. Carlson; Allyn and Bacon, 1998 - required

Psy 319 Brain Science and Behavior, Multimedia Lecture Material, by K. Sufka; Univ. Pub., 2000 - required

• A Colorful Introduction to the Anatomy of the Human Brain, by J. Pinel; Allyn & Bacon, 1998 - optional

• 5 or more F-262-L Scantrons for exams, highlighters for lectures, and coloring pencils for Pinel

Attendance Policy: I do not have an attendance policy for this class. I simply remind you that it is your tuition dollar and you should spend it wisely. Students that miss class rarely do well on exams. Should I have the pleasure of your presence in class, please arrive on time, be attentive during lectures, participate in discussions, take copious notes, and ask questions when needing clarification.

Course Exams and Make-Up Exams: There will be five unit exams and one final comprehensive exam, each consisting of 40-45 multiple choice questions. The fifth unit exam and the final exam (covering sections 1-4) will be co-administered during the final examination period. For each exam, you will need a #2 pencil and a Scantron (F-262-L, which can be purchased in the Psych Main Office). It is expected that you will take each exam at the regularly scheduled time. Make-up exams for students with reasonable (e.g., illness) and documented (e.g., note from doctor) excuses will be provided. In most cases, I expect you to contact me prior to missing a scheduled exam so that we can make arrangements for a make-up.

Course Grading: Grades will be posted after each exam on the bulletin board located in this classroom and outside my office door. Final course grades will be assigned according to the percentages provided below based on the sum of the high scores from each exam. These exams are your ONLY opportunities to earn points. I do NOT offer extra credit.

A = 88-100% B = 76-87.9% C = 64-75.9% D = 52-63.9% F = 51.9% and below

Nota Bene:

• Please keep this syllabus. Important information (assignments, policies, etc.) concerning this course is contained herein. If you misplace it, ask for another.

• I do NOT have personalized lecture notes for you nor am I able to re-lecture material during office hours for those students who miss class.

• Students should take advantage of my office hours BEFORE doing poorly on an exam.

• Earning a decent grade in this course requires you to start working towards it today.

• Any evidence of academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating) will MINIMALLY result in an F grade assigned for the course. Further details concerning academic dishonesty procedures can be found in the M-Book.

• Final course grades are final. I do not change grades because you missed a higher grade by a percentage point or two. Please do not ask me to do so.

Brain Science and Behavior

Course Calendar

Date Topic Readings

Aug 22 Course Overview, Brief History & Research Methods Carlson: 6-17,120-46

Aug 24 Neurons and Membrane Potentials Carlson: 20-37; Pinel: 31-49

Aug 29 Action Potentials and Synaptic Transmission Carlson: 37-55

Aug 31 NO CLASS: Drury College , Invited Convocation

Sep 5 Neurotransmitters Carlson: 99-118, 95-98

Sep 7 Structure and Function of PNS/Cranial Nerves Carlson: 57-65, 80-85; Pinel: 3-30

Sep 12 Structure and Function of CNS Carlson: 65-80; Pinel: 67-126

Sep 14 EXAM 1: Lecture and text material to date

Sep 19 Visual System Anatomy and Transduction Carlson: 149-57; Pinel: 129-35

Sep 21 Visual System Coding and Color Vision Carlson: 157-65, 171-84

Sep 22 * * * * Last day to drop class * * * *

Sep 26 Auditory System Anatomy and Functioning Carlson: 186-203; Pinel: 136-7

Sep 28 Somatosensation, Pain and Analgesia Carlson: 205-13; Pinel: 138-48

Oct 3 EXAM 2: Lecture and text material since exam 1

Oct 5 Spinal Motor Systems Carlson: 225-34; Pinel: 149-65

Oct 10 Supraspinal Motor Systems Carlson: 234-44

Oct 12 Motor Pathology Carlson: 245-51

Oct 17 Sleep and Arousal Carlson: 253-88; Pinel: 192-5

Oct 19 Sexual Differentiation and Sexual Behavior Carlson: 290-317; Pinel: 196-201

Oct 24 EXAM 3: Lecture and text material since exam 2

Oct 26 Emotion and Psychosurgery Carlson: 325-34; 342-48; Pinel: 190-1, 212-3

Oct 31 Learning Carlson: 410-26; Pinel: 210-1

Nov 2 Anterograde Amnesia and Alzheimer's Disease Carlson: 452-76; Pinel: 167-81

Nov 7 & 9 NO CLASS: Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

Nov 14 Reinforcement and Drug Addiction Carlson: 87-94; 441-49, 562-90; Pinel: 188-9

Nov 16 Language Carlson: 478-99; Pinel: 203-9

Nov 21 EXAM 4: Lecture and text material since exam 3

Nov 23 NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Recess

Nov 28 Schizophrenia Carlson: 510-25

Nov 30 Sz cont. and Affective Disorders Carlson: 525-36

Dec 5 Affective Disorder s Cont. and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Carlson: 540-44

Dec 7 Consciousness Carlson 2-6

Dec 15 EXAM 5/COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM @ noon: All lecture and text material

The above schedule and policies in this course are subject to change in the case of extenuating circumstances.