COURSE INTRODUCTION AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

Course Name
Biophysiological Basis of Human Behavior
Code
Semester
Theory
(hour/week)
Application/Lab
(hour/week)
Local Credits
ECTS
PSY 106
Spring
3
0
3
6
Prerequisites
None
Course Language
English
Course Type
Required
Course Level
First Cycle
Mode of Delivery -
Teaching Methods and Techniques of the Course
Course Coordinator -
Course Lecturer(s)
Assistant(s) -
Course Objectives The goal of this course is to provide knowledge about the basic structures, functions, and processes of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and to some extent, the peripheral nervous system (PNS). To teach the parts of the brain related to a variety of behaviors, as well as the interrelationships of various parts of the brain in the regulation of behavior of humans and nonhumans. To outline the roles of neurotransmitters and hormones in the regulation of behavior, and how various drugs can affect the actions of these forms of chemical communication within the body.
Learning Outcomes The students who succeeded in this course;
  • Will be able to describe the nature of physiological psychology and the goals of research.
  • Will be able to explain the biological roots of physiological psychology.
  • Will be able to discuss the evolution of the human species and a large brain.
  • Will be able to describe the role of neural communication in a simple reflex and its inhibition by brain mechanisms.
  • Will be able to outline the development of the central nervous system and the evolution of the human brain.
  • Will be able to identify the two major structures of the midbrain, the two major structures of the hindbrain, and the spinal cord.
  • Will be able to describe the effects of drugs on neurotransmitters and presynaptic and postsynaptic receptors.
Course Description In this course students are introduced with the structure and functioning of the nervous system and the brain; effects of drugs on consciousness and behavior.
Related Sustainable Development Goals

 



Course Category

 Core Courses
X
Major Area Courses
Supportive Courses
Media and Managment Skills Courses
Transferable Skill Courses

 

WEEKLY SUBJECTS AND RELATED PREPARATION STUDIES

Week Subjects Required Materials
1 Introduction to Nervous System Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon, Chapter 1, pp.1-27.
2 Neurons Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 2, pp.27-66.
3 Neurotransmitters Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 2, pp.27-66.
4 Neuroanatomy I Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 3, pp.66-99.
5 Neuroanatomy II Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 3, pp.66-99.
6 Methods of Neuroscience Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4, pp.99-130
7 Psychopharmacology Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 13,pp.434-479.
8 Midterm Exam I
9 Learning and Memory Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 11, pp.359-399.
10 Emotion Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 11, pp.359-399
11 Stress Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 15, pp.516-552
12 Midterm Exam II
13 Biological foundations of Psychopathology: Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 9, pp.288-329.
14 Neuropathology Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon (Chapter) 15, PP. 516-552).
15 Sleep and Biological Rhytms Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed., Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon (Chapter) 15, PP. 288-329).
16 Final Exam
Course Notes/Textbooks

Carlson, N.R. (2010). Physiology of behavior (10.ed, Pearson international ed.). Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon.

ISBN: 0205666272
Suggested Readings/Materials

MyPsychLab Brain Anatomy Atlas, recent articles holding current scientific enquiries in evolutionary psychology, and PowerPoint presentations.

 

EVALUATION SYSTEM

Semester Activities Number Weighting
Participation
Laboratory / Application
Field Work
Quizzes / Studio Critiques
Portfolio
Homework / Assignments
Presentation / Jury
Project
Seminar / Workshop
Oral Exam
Midterm
2
50
Final Exam
1
50
Total

Weighting of Semester Activities on the Final Grade
2
50
Weighting of End-of-Semester Activities on the Final Grade
1
50
Total

ECTS / WORKLOAD TABLE

Semester Activities Number Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours
(Including exam week: 16 x total hours)
16
3
48
Laboratory / Application Hours
(Including exam week: 16 x total hours)
16
Study Hours Out of Class
14
3
42
Field Work
Quizzes / Studio Critiques
Portfolio
Homework / Assignments
Presentation / Jury
Project
Seminar / Workshop
Oral Exam
Midterms
2
20
Final Exams
1
50
    Total
180

 

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

#
 Program Competencies/Outcomes
* Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1

To have knowledge of basic concepts, theories, approaches (behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, social, developmental, statistical, humanistic, psychodynamic, and socio-cultural), and current applications specific to the field of psychology by using current course materials and instruments.

 X
2
To have basic knowledge and skills about the applications in the different subfields of psychology.
 X
3

To have basic knowledge about the testing and measurement instruments used in different subfields of psychology and basic level skill that does not require expertise in carrying out applications in different subfields of psychology.

 X
4

To make use of other disciplines that may contribute to psychology and have basic knowledge about the contribution of psychology to these disciplines.

 X
5

To have cumulative knowledge about the position of psychology as a scientific discipline in Turkey, the conducted research, applications and problems encountered from past to present in the field of psychology.
6

To have the competence to conduct a research individually and/or as a team using the knowledge acquired in the field of psychology, interpret the findings obtained by using scientific problem solving and critical thinking approaches.
7

To have the ability to construct a research hypothesis, create a research design, collect data, analyze it, report it in a scientific writing format, and interpret it by using basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics acquired in the field of psychology.
8

To have the competence to share the theoretical and applied knowledge acquired in the field of psychology with the experts and lay people by using the required information and communication technologies in scientific studies and events that benefit the society.
9
To have knowledge of the relevant professional and ethical values ​​in the domains of psychology and respect individual differences and human rights in research and practices related to psychology.
10

To constantly renew herself/himself professionally by following both national and international publications in the field of psychology, the developments in testing and measurement instruments and software programs used in the discipline.
11
To establish written and verbal communication with experts and lay people by using both Turkish and English.
12

To be able to speak a second foreign at a medium level of fluency efficiently.
13

To be able to relate the knowledge accumulated throughout the human history to their field of expertise.

*1 Lowest, 2 Low, 3 Average, 4 High, 5 Highest