Psyc372: Physiological Psychology

TA:   

Course Description and Objectives

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of basic physiological processes and how these
processes relate to behavior. The course will review techniques used in the field, human neural physiology and anatomy,
plus basic concepts in neurochemistry. In addition, disorders and symptomatology associated with various neurological
disorders, psychological disorders, and addictions will be reviewed. 

Required Texts

Grading/Evaluation/Proficiency

There are be several requirements for this course.

Exams
There will be 3 exams in the course. Each exam will be multiple choice and you will not be able to drop any of the questions.
Each examination covers only the specific section indicated on the topics sheet.   Each exam will also be open book, open note. 
Do not let that fool you.  These exams are tough and thoroughly cover the material.  All exams are randomly generated and
questions and answers found on one exam will be different from another exam.  To prepare well, you must study as if the exams
 were closed book.  Also understand that this material is not easy.  You must study at least 1.5 hours for this class every day. 
If you do not study you will get in trouble real fast.  There is a lot of difficult information and the only way you understand
it is to do the work.   

EXAM POINTS = 300

Anatomy Quizzes
Throughout the course you will need to memorize units of various brain structures from DeArmond et al. (Generally, one or two
per week). A quiz containing the list of structures for each figure will be placed on the Internet. Access these quizzes through Blackboard.
ANATOMY QUIZ POINTS = 100

Term Paper   ONLY REQUIRED FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
The term paper will be an original work (not a revision) of a major empirical or literature review of any human brain disorder, or treatment for a disorder you find interesting. The paper must be ink/laser jet quality computer type, in APA style, and have a minimum of 10 professional journal or book citations with no more than three governmental internet sources. The use of popular press articles can be used but will not count toward your citations.  DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE.  Each paper will be graded on APA format, clarity, discussion of the topic area, reference quality, and general approach to your presentation. You should make a copy of the paper for your records in case anything disastrous happens to mine. Minimum length = 5 pages, Maximum length = 15 pages  

Note:  This paper must be your own work.  Use of other student's papers, cutting and pasting material from the web without giving the author credit, etc. is considered plagiarism will will result in an "F" grade in the class.

TERM PAPER = 100

Extra Credit  = 30 points

You can receive extra credit for this course by reviewing and writing a 15 reference paper on a physiological topic of your choice.  This paper can be review of any human brain disorder or treatment for a disorder you find interesting. The paper must be in APA style, with no more than three governmental internet sources. The use of popular press articles can be used but will not count toward your citations.  DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE.  Each paper will be graded on APA format, clarity, discussion of the topic area, reference quality, and general approach to your presentation. Once completed, you will email a copy of your completed document IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL (Do not send attachments).  I can pull it out in the correct format on my end.  You should keep a copy of the email for your records in case anything disastrous happens to mine. Minimum length = 5 pages, Maximum length = 10 pages.   Use of other students papers, cutting and pasting material from the web without giving the author credit, etc. is considered plagiarism will result in an "F" grade in the class.

ALL EXTRA CREDIT IS DUE THE WEDNESDAY (ONE WEEK) BEFORE THE FINAL.

Grading

POINTS
Exams = 300
Paper = 100
Anatomy Quizzes = 100
Total = 400

FINAL GRADES
Minimal course grades are based on the following scale:  However, I will also curve the class at the end of the semester.  Whichever is better is what you will receive.  The final curve will ONLY be calculated at the end of the class. 

>89.9% = A
>79.9% = B
>69.9% = C
>59.9% = D
<59.9% = F

Other Information

You should know this is a difficult class with considerable material to recall and conceptualize in a very short time. Thus, you must utilize good time management skills or you will be in trouble very rapidly. This is also not a memorize and flush class. Not only will you be asked to memorize material, but, you will be asked to integrate and problem solve with the information you learn.  Past student comments indicate the exams are fair but hard.  Thus, you must study like this is a live class. Make sure you reread what I said under the exam section. 

Finally, use groups to assist your studying. Individuals who have performed in the top 5% have always been in a study group.

If you have questions you can contact me through email or call me.  My phone transfers to my cell.  Do not call me after 9pm unless it is an emergency.

Graduate Student Note

Generally, my expectation is that graduate students perform at a higher level than most undergraduates. Thus, a better understanding of material, work ethic, is to be the norm, not an exception: Individuals not meeting those expectations will be asked to leave the course.

CHEATING or PLAGIARISM

If you cheat on an exam, or deliberately plagiarize someone else's material in this class and I catch you, you will receive an “F” grade for the course and be referred to the University Judicial Council for additional sanctions (e.g., suspension/expulsion) DON'T EVEN THINK OF CHEATING IN THIS COURSE.