Text:
Biopsychology, 6th Edition
John P.J. Pinel
ISBN-10: 0205426514; ISBN-13: 9780205426515
© 2006 by Allyn & Bacon

Text Site for the 6^th Edition: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_pinel_biopsychology_6
WebCT Site: http://online.riohondo.edu

Course Description:

Biological Psychology (AKA Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychobiology, Biopsychology, Physiological Psychology, etc.) focuses on the relationship between psychology (the study of behavior) and the function of the central nervous system (more specifically, the brain). In order to look at the role that the brain plays in behavior, one must first develop an understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. The course begins by providing you with this understanding and then proceeds to look at what we know about the biological processes underlying aspects of human behavior such as motivation, sleep, emotion, learning, and memory.

Tests and Grading:

You are responsible for all material covered in the text and lecture. As indicated on the schedule, you have quizzes and written assignments that accompany each chapter. In addition, there will be three exams, optional (but encouraged!) interactive exercises, a required discussion, and a cumulative final. Have no fear - this will all make sense very soon - read all instructions carefully in order to ensure that you do understand what is expected of you - and do not hesitate to ask questions (that's what I am here for - please use me!). Quizzes and written assignments are worth 10 points. Quizzes are based on the text and consist of 10 multiple-choice questions - please feel free to use your text as you take them. Written assignments are based on the text and the lecture, and are also worth 10 points. Your answers need not be long - but they should be proofread, written in complete sentences, and clear - they should show that you understand what you have read. You'll find the questions for the written assignments right after the lecture. You should prepare your answers off-line in a word processing program so that you have a copy and so that you an spell-check your work. You should prepare your answers and then copy and paste them into the space provided in Quizzes, Written Assignments, and Tests.  Exams I, II, and III are each worth 60 points and will each consist of 45 - 50 multiple-choice questions (each worth 1 point) and 10 - 15 points worth of short-answer questions (questions will have various point values). YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DROP ONE EXAM SCORE - no make-ups will be given - if you miss one of the 3 exams, consider that to be the score you will drop. Note that the first 3 exams will not be cumulative. The final exam WILL be cumulative and worth 120 points. The final will consist of 85 multiple-choice questions (each worth 1 point) and 25 points worth of short answer questions. You will have 60 minutes for each of the 3 exams and 90 minutes for the final. The clock is your proctor for exams taken online. If you wish to take your exam with a human proctor, the time limit will be extended. Anyone wishing to take a proctored exam must contact the instructor and make arrangements to do so at least 1 week before the due date of the exam.

NOTE:
1. For each chapter you have a multiple choice quiz AND a written assignment. You should prepare the answers to the written assignment questions BEFORE opening the submission site.
2. Work that is submitted or posted in all capitals will be given a score of 0, reset, or deleted.
3. If you have a question, please ask - I am here to help.

450 (90%) points will guarantee an A, 400 (80%) a B, etc.

About Discussion

The discussion is a required component of this course. And it is to be a discussion - I am not asking you to post essays for me to read, but providing a place for you to explore your understanding of the course material with your colleagues. It is a place for you to share and exchange your ideas - so that you don't feel like you are alone in here. Each week there will be 1-3 discussion questions for you to respond to. You can earn up to 2 points per topic by providing 2 contributions. At least one of your contributions must be in response to what someone else has posted - you should not merely be responding to my initial question. Posts (also known as "contributions", in case my terminology is not clear) should reflect your understanding of the course material. Posts that are off-topic or that are determine to be non-substantive will be removed and points will not be awarded. If you have any questions about this, please post them in the provided discussion area.