MCCCD Program Description

Biopsychology

Course: PSY275

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 4.0 Credit(s) 5.0 Period(s) 5.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T Lab Load

Description: Biological foundations of sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, cognition and psychopathology. Designed for students in the life sciences.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the organization of the nervous system and communication mechanisms within the nervous system. (I) 2. Compare and contrast brain research methods. (I) 3. Follow sensory and motor pathways and structures through the nervous system. (II) 4. Using brain models, identify important structures and circuits. (II, IV, V, VII) 5. Hypothesize how nervous system damage would specifically impact behavior. (III) 6. Explain the development of the nervous system. (III) 7. Describe the functions of brain areas involved in higher level information processing, including memory and learning. (IV) 8. Discuss the neural and hormonal control of sleep, eating behavior, and sexual behavior. (V) 9. Describe brain circuits and structures associated with emotions. (V) 10. Predict the effects certain types of drugs would have on the brain and on behavior. (VI) 11. Apply the concept of lateralization to language. (VII) 12. Identify the causes and treatment of neurological disorders and psychological disorders. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Foundations of Biopsychology A. Nervous system organization B. Neuronal communication C. Neuroanatomy D. Brain research methods II. Sensory and Motor Systems A. Visual system B. Auditory system C. Somatosensory systems D. Chemical sense systems E. Motor Systems III. Nervous System Development & Plasticity A. Prenatal neurodevelopment B. Postnatal neurodevelopment C. Neuroplasticity D. Nervous system damage E. Treatment of nervous system damage IV. Cognition A. Memory B. Learning V. Motivation and emotion A. Hunger and eating B. Sexual behavior C. Sleep and dreaming D. Emotion VI. Health psychology A. Psychotropic drugs B. Stress VII. Brain Lateralization A. Split brain B. Language VIII. Psychopathology A. Affective disorders B. Anxiety disorders C. Schizophrenia

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/23/2009

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.