PSY 421: Physiological Psychology
Spring 2008
 
Meeting time/location: TTH; 1:50-3:05 p.m., Ginger Hall, Room 606
Instructor:            Ilsun M. White
   Office:                Ginger Hall, Room 601K
                              E-mail: i.white@morehead-st.edu;   Phone: 783-2991
                              Admin. Assistant (Psychology Department): 783-2981
   Office Hours:     TTH 11:30am-12:30pm; 3:00-5:00pm, or by appointment
Required Text:    Carlson, Neil. R., Foundations of Physiological Psychology, 7th Edition, Allyn and Bacon, 2007 
 
 
Course Description: This course will focus on the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral processes. The course consists of three sections: the nervous system, functional units of the nervous system, and disorders. Section-I will cover basic material in anatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, and synaptic transmission. Section-II will focus on vision, sleep, reproductive behavior, emotion, and eating. Section-III will focus on learning and memory, specific neurological and clinical disorders, and their treatment. There will be an exam after each section. Course material will be based on in-class lectures and assigned readings from either the text or an outside source. Outside readings will be reserved at Psychology office or can be searched at the library.
 
Grading:     Grades will be based on the results of three exams and quizzes/assignments.
                  300 points        Exams (100 points each: Exam I, II, III)
                  50 points          Quizzes and Assignments (written assignment & oral presentation)
                  350 points        TOTAL
Scale for Final Grades:       A   for 90% or above                             D   for between 60% and 69%
                                                  B   for between 80% and 89%             E    for below 60%
                                                  C   for between 70% and 79%
 
· BLACKBOARD, via the MSU online system will be used to provide the course-related information throughout the semester, including grade book, course syllabus, lecture outlines, lecture notes (brief version of power point slides), and useful links:        http://online.morehead-st.edu/
 
Exams will be based on class material and reading assignments. The exams will be a mixture of multiple-choice, short answers, and essay questions. Review sessions will be held in the evening or early in the morning (outside the class)—time and place will be announced in the class. Missed exams receive ‘zero’ points.   Exams will not be cumulative. There will be a single make-up exam given at the end of the semester (Thurs, May 1), and must be arranged with the instructor in advance. In the event of an illness or official duties, the make-up exam will be administered only if a written medical or official excuse is provided. 
 
·Quizzes will be given in two format: in-class (3-6 points) and online (no points). In-class Quizzes will be given every 2-3 weeks (3-5 points/quiz). Missed quizzes receive ‘zero’ points. There will be no make-up for in-class quizzes. Online quiz will be available on Blackboard for 7 days prior to each exam. Online quizzes are used to provide additional help with the course material.
 
·Assignments will involve in-class and outside of class assignments that complement the lecture. There will be no make-up for any in-class assignments. The topics and due dates for outside assignments will be provided in class. A total of 5-10 points will be given for each assignment, depending on the nature/complexity of the assignment. Missed assignments, incomplete assignments, or late submission of assignments receive ‘zero’ points. You may be randomly selected to give a brief presentation (2-5 min) in class to complement the course topic.
 
MSU E-mail Address will be used for course-related correspondence or announcement. If you are using your private e-mail addresses, it is your responsibility to arrange a ‘transfer’ function so that you can receive course-related information promptly. 
 
Attendance in class is required. 
 
Academic Dishonesty: University guidelines will be enforced for any forms of academic dishonesty.
 
 TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
 Date                         Topic                                                                                             Reading
 
January 15            Introduction to Course Contents and Mechanics         
 
Jan 15-Feb 26      SECTION I:             THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
                              Physiological Psychology (selected topics)                                          
                              Structure and Functions of Cells of the Nervous System                    
                              Structure of the Nervous System                                                            
                              Psychopharmacology                                                                                
 
                              EXAM I                              February 26, Tuesday, Room 606
 
Feb 28                   Research Methods                                                                                              
 
Mar 4-Apr 8         SECTION II:            FUNCTIONAL UNITS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
                              Vision                                                                                                         
                              Sleep and Biological Rhythms                                                               
                              Emotion                                                                                                     
                              Ingestive Behavior – selected topics                                                  
 
                              ** SPRING BREAK:   March 17-21
 
                              EXAM II                            April 8, Tuesday, Room 606
 
Apr 10-May 1     SECTION III:           NUROLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
                              Learning and Memory                                                                       
                              Neurological Disorders (selected topics)                                           
                              Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Abuse                          
 
                              EXAM III (Final Exam) May 6, Tuesday, 1:50 pm; Room 606
 
 
 **Note: The syllabus and the course schedule are subject to change.