Pt. 3: Biological Foundations

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Part 3: Biological Foundations

Sept. 28 – Oct. 12

You can have a brain and not have a mind, but you can't have a mind without a brain… The information provided in this section reflects the role of neurological science as a cornerstone for psychology and will be relevant for every other section of the course. “States of consciousness” will be discussed in relation to the biological underpinnings.

Chapter 3, Biological foundations of behavior: Evolution, genetics, and the brain (Sept. 28 – Oct. 5)

Chapter 5, States of consciousness [pages 150-173 only] (Oct. 8 – 10)

**Lab #3 Biopsychology lab (Oct. 3 & 4)

EXAM 2: Friday, Oct. 12, over Biological Foundations (60 pts.)

Neuroendocrine Pursuits Printable version of the game used in lab		Sample Exam Questions

Pre-Lab Answers Post-lab answers will be linked here after they're handed in	Brain overheads & explanations	Web links/ study and topic helps

PRE-LAB #3: The Brain

Part III: Biological Foundations

Nervous and endocrine systems

I. Introduce the structure of the nervous system

Central and Peripheral

Branches of the peripheral n.s. (Somatic and Autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic))

Principles governing the central nervous system (CNS)

Spinal cord reflexes to illustrate principles—

1. Central coordination of opposing actions.

2. Complicated behaviors are created by the coordination of simpler ones.

3. Feedback systems ensure smooth functioning.

4. Normal behavior reflects coordination of actions by several levels of the CNS.

Structure of the brain (click here for overheads and explanations)

Hindbrain inc. brain stem structures (medulla, pons), cerebellum, and most
of the reticular activating system.

Midbrain (mesencephalon), mostly geared toward relaying sensory and
motor information.

Forebrain (diencephalon and telencephalon). Diencephalon includes thalamus and
hypothalamus; Telencephalon includes the cerebrum and cerebral cortex.

Lobes of the cerebral cortex: Frontal (inc. motor), Parietal (inc. sensory), occipital,
and temporal.

Limbic system, lying between di- and telencephalon. Area focused on emotions
containing amygdala, hippocampus, among other structures.

II. Nervous system communication

Feedback from the body provides further influence

	Autonomic nervous system
	Connections with the endocrine system

Neurotransmitter production and release: Neuronal communication

	Structure of neuron
	The synapse
	Drugs as a way to understand neuronal communication

Neurotransmitters: (click to go to the table that summarizes the following transmitters):

	Acetylcholine
	Norepinephrine
	Serotonin
	Dopamine
	Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
	Glutamate
	Other transmitting substances
	Endorphins
	Hormones (Adrenal hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine))

States of Consciousness

Applications, issues, and contributions from brain science

Stages of Sleep