PSYC 202 LECTURE Chapter 1_S25

Course Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Kristianne Toledo

• Course Title: PSYC 202 Intro to Biological Psychology

• First Steps:

  • Sign in on the attendance sheet.

  • Pick up a copy of the syllabus.

Course Syllabus Overview

• Grading System:

  • Online assignments via Macmillan Learning Achieve, linked to each chapter module.

  • Assignments are self-paced and due on Saturdays of the week they are assigned.

Weekly Schedule: Weeks 1-8

• Modules due: Each module is due on Saturday of the assigned week.

• Key Dates and Chapters:

  • Chapter 9: How Do We Sense, Perceive, and See the World? (Week of 3/31)

    • Module due: 4/2

  • Chapter 10: How Do We Hear, Speak, and Make Music? (Week of 4/7)

    • Module due: 4/9

  • Chapter 11: How Does the Nervous System Respond to Stimulation and Produce Movement? (Week of 4/14)

  • Chapter 12: What Causes Emotional and Motivated Behavior? (Week of 4/21)

    • Exam #3 covering Chapters 9-12 on 4/21

  • Chapters 13-16 and Final Exam Dates: Detailed in the syllabus.

Course Modules: Week of January 20th

• Welcome to PSYC 202

  • Read Chapter 1: What Are the Origins of Brain and Behavior?

  • Complete Learning Curve Assignments including:

    • LearningCurve 1a: The Brain in the Twenty-First Century; Theories of Brain and Behavior.

    • LearningCurve 1b: Evolution of Brains and Behavior; Human Brain Size.

  • Complete PsychSim6 Activity/Quiz and Neuroscience In Action Activity/Quiz.

Lecture Overview: Chapter 1 - Origins of Brain and Behavior

• Lecture Outline:

  • Reasons to study brain and behavior.

  • Overview of the human nervous system.

  • Major divisions of the human brain.

  • Concepts of comparative neuroanatomy.

  • Discussion on the Encephalization Quotient (EQ).

  • Video activity and further exploration of behavioral brain research.

Importance of Studying Brain and Behavior

1. Intrigues Research: The brain's complexity captivates curiosity.

2. Challenge: Engages students in scientific inquiry.

3. Behavioral Observations: Brain anomalies can lead to insights.

4. Uniqueness: Understanding individuality through neural differences.

5. Professional Application: Beneficial in various job fields.

Major Divisions of the Human Brain

• Midbrain: Central hub for hearing and visual processing; coordinates reflexive movements.

• Cerebral Cortex:

  • Highly folded structure critical for higher cognitive functions.

  • Motor Cortex: Initiates voluntary movements.

  • Somatosensory Cortex: Processes bodily sensations (pressure, temperature, pain).

  • Auditory Cortex: Manages sound processing.

  • Visual Cortex: Handles visual information.

Forebrain Structures

• Thalamus: Acts as a sensory relay, excluding the olfactory system.

• Limbic System: Regulates emotions and memory formation.

  • Amygdala: Engages with fear and aggression.

  • Hypothalamus: Controls basic homeostatic drives (hunger, thirst, temperature).

  • Hippocampus: Essential for memory formation.

Hindbrain Structures

• Medulla: Governs vital life functions like breathing.

• Reticular Formation: Manages alertness and attention spans.

• Pons: Coordinates movement, sleep, and dreaming.

• Cerebellum: Coordinates fine motor skills and timing.

Comparative Neuroanatomy

• Visual Representation: Cerebrum vs. Cerebellum in different species (fish, frog, bird, human).

Encephalization Quotient (EQ)

• Measure of brain size relative to body weight.

• Human Brain: Largest EQ (10,000) compared to other species (Elephant: 5000, Dolphin: 1000, etc.).

Video Activity: Research Methods

• Introduction to viewing and note-taking on a related video.

• Group discussions to answer video-based questions.

Behavioral Neuroscience

• Investigates correlations between brain activity and behavior.

• Includes both typical and pathological conditions.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to actively participate in the course with a reminder to sign the attendance sheet.