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Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Biological Psychology

Course Title:	PY465 - Biological Psychology
Department:	Social and Behavioral Sciences / Social Work
Instructor:	Kenneth "Micheal" Townsend, MBA, BS, AA E-Mail Vita
Prerequisites:	None

Course Objectives:
This course is an introduction to biological psychology with an emphasis on the biology of behavior. Through a combination of theories, case studies, and overall hands on approach to study, it will be the goal of the class to acquaint the students with the behavior related to organizations through the study of related topics. Key topics include but are not limited to the structure of neurons and nerve cells, hormones, the anatomy of the nervous system, plasticity and development of the brain, vision, senses other than vision, movement, body rhythms, internal body states, reproductive behaviors, emotional behaviors, learning and memory, language disorders, etc.

Required Text: - Online Book Store
The textbook for this class is Biological Psychology, Seventh Edition, by James W. Kalat. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2000/2001. ISBN: 053451409X (Purchase at Amazon or Barnes and Noble or at local university bookstores as well as directly from the Canyon website.)

Other Requirements:
1.) There will be two exams (one midterm and one final). The format of the tests will be primarily multiple choice and will cover the material that has been presented up to that point. Specifics of exam length and coverage will be dealt with prior to the exam dates. The exams will be completed no later than the last day of the week on week four and eight respectively.

a.) Exam one will cover fifty items and will end with chapter 8.
b.) Exam two will cover fifty items and will cover from chapter 9 to chapter 15 (with possible information from Appendix A and B as well.)

Hint: Exams will be taken online and graded by computer. The best way to prepare for exams is to read all assignments and to prepare for all assignments ahead of time. The easiest way to make a poor grade on an exam is to get behind and stay behind early.

2.) There will several written assignments as well for this class. The material that shall be covered will come directly from the readings in the text. The readings will be of specified length and should be properly documented. This class will take eight weeks to complete. At the end of week one, two, three, five, six, and seven, there will be a written assignment due. At the end of the fourth and eighth week, there will be no written assignment due because of the exams.

3.) Each of the written assignments with the exception of the last one should be approximately four to five pages in length(double spaced) and cover the material as presented in the book. The assignments are outlined below. They are due no later than the week they are given and no earlier than the week they are given as well. Grammar is very important as well. Please make sure that all assignments are presented in a professional way and format. Each assignment must have a title page, a body for the paper and a works cited page. Make sure that each assignment has at least one more citation than the one before it. In other words, you may have one or two on assignment one, but by assignment 6, you should have no less than 6 total!!

a.) Written assignment number one--Chapters 1 and 2--"Choose any topic from chapter one and two and write about it. In other words, you may choose anything from these two chapters." These are very important chapters in the book because they provide a lot of background information. The reason I am giving you so much freedom is that I want you to find "important" information on your own. In this assignment, you should not only discuss the information, but also explain in your writing, why you chose the material and any background information you deem necessary to add depth to your writing. Opinions are fine, but make sure you back up your writing. Give examples and documentation from the text. Other sources are fine as well for this assignment. Give specific examples when possible.

b.) Written assignment number two--Chapter 3 thru 5-Choose one of the thought questions for "each" of the three chapters here and answer it. Do not forget to label each with the chapter and page number so that I can confirm your question. Make sure you include the question, the answer, any background information have found, and your works cited. Make sure this assignment also meets criteria for written assignments given above.

c.) Written assignment number three--Chapters 6 thru 8 - Choose one of the following for this assignment!! 1.) Explain the "visual" system from start to finish including information about how the brain is stimulated by the "sight" of an object. Include specific examples, etc. to back up your work. 2.) Choose one of the nonvisual systems from chapter 7 and do the same thing as noted in number one under written assignment number three. 3.) Discuss in an in depth manner the role of the brain in movement. Do not forget to include information concerning what might happen if parts of the brain influencing movement are damaged or destroyed as well as information about disorders of movement. Include specific examples, etc. to back up your work as well as outside information when applicable and that documentation is done in a proper manner when used.

d.) Written assignment number four--Chapters 9 thru 10 - Choose any topic from chapters 9 and 10 for this assignment. Please follow the same guidelines as in the previous assignment done in this manner for written assignment number one. Discuss this topic with reference to the topics discussed in the text as well as from a personal viewpoint when possible.

e.) Written assignment number five--Chapters 11 and 13 - Choose one of the thought questions from "each" of the chapters here and answer it. Please follow the assignment as you did in written assignment two when completing this assignment.

f.) Written assignment number six--Chapters 14 thru 15(plus appendix A and B)!--Choose two of the following topics for this assignment. Please note that this assignment is 100 points and not 60 as those given before. Please increase the length of this assignment by at least double. The assignments before were 4 to 5 pages. Please consider the minimum amount for this one to be 8 to 10 pages. 1.) Choose a topic from each of the chapters or appendixes given this week and write about it using the guidelines previously given for this type of work. 2.) Choose a thought question from chapter 14 and 15 and answer "each" of them as given in prior weeks. 3.) Discuss the pertinence of Appendix A and B to this course and why they are included. Use length, documentation, etc. guidelines for your work. 4.) Choose a controversial topic from this course and write a brief 4 to 5 page paper on it showing the instructor you know about the information and can explain it from a professional viewpoint.

Instructor Availability:
I am available periodically at the e-mail address above. Please e-mail me any questions. That is why I am here. I will do everything to help you as much as possible. Please do not wait until the end of the class to try to get help. It will be too late. Anytime your grade falls below C, I will try to contact you about it. If I do not, please do not hesitate to contact me through e-mail.

Attendance Requirements and Submission Deadlines:
You must submit all assignments on time as listed above. Other interactions are encouraged, but not necessary. Late assignments will result in point deductions for the written assignments. Late exams will only be allowed to be remade if the student has an excuse that was excused before the exam. Warnings are given about exams prior to the beginning of the class. It is in the best interest of anyone wanting to "miss" an exam to get an excuse from myself or to take the exam just prior to the due date to ensure no problems. Interactions will be made with the instructor through "chat rooms" during the class. These appointments need to be made early and preparation is key here. The idea is to have any questions ready at the time of the "chatting."

Grades and Distribution: (points)
* First five assignments: 60 points each
* Midterm exam: 100 total points
* Final exam: 100 total points
* Last assignment: 100 total points
Total points available: 600 total points for the class

Grading Scale:

A	Excellent	90-100	540-600
B	Above average	80-89	480-539
C	Average	70-79	420-479
D	Below average	60-69	360-419
F	Failing grade	59 or below	0-359