Psy 331: Introduction to Biopsychology

Instructor:Dr. Jeanne Ryan

Why is this course so difficult?

1. Because it involves an eclectic approach

• Psychology• Biology• Physiology• Pharmacology• Anatomy

2. Because Biopsychology is a subdiscipline of Neuroscience, which also encompasses various approaches to study the nervous system:

• Neuroanatomy

• Neurophysiology

• Neurochemistry

• Neuroendocrinology

• Neuropharmacology

• Neuropathology

3. Because Biopsychology has Six Divisions that students must understand and learn:

a. Physiological Psychology

- direct manipulation

- pure research

b. Psychopharmacology

- pure research

- applied questions

c. Neuropsychology

- human research

- case studies & quasiexperimental

studies

d. Psychophysiology

- human research

- noninvasive techniques (e.g., EEG)

e. Cognitive Neuroscience

- usually human research

- noninvasive (e.g., functional Brain Imaging techniques)

f. Comparative Psychology

- evolutionary & genetic factors in behavior

- uses comparative and functional approaches

- lab research & study of animals in natural

environment (ethology)

4. Because Biopsychology utilizes

Converging Operations

Which involves several approaches when studying a phenomenon to compensate for the limitations of each individual approach. Example: Does Lamictal for seizure disorders cause cognitive impairments?

Read about he Case of Jimmie G. (section 1.5)

5. Because Biopsychology, as in all disciplines of Psychology, requires Critical Thinking.

Let’s take a look at the prefrontal lobotomy

An assignment to help you with critical thinking:

Who is the course for?

The Syllabus:a. How to find meb. Teaching Assistantsc. Study Sessions

d. Website for notes

e. Text & Ancillary Materialsf. Lecture Formatg. Examination Formath. Major Requirements

- paper* – exams – participationi. Extra Creditj. Missed Exams/Assignment Policyk. Exam Feedback l. Academic Honesty