Course Description (from catalog):  "A general introduction to, and overview of, the structure and function of the nervous system and its role in determining behavior.  Emphasis will be on the impact of biopsychology on the traditional areas of psychology, as well as its relationship to everyday behavior."

Goals and Objectives:

1.    To gain a basic understanding of the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system
2.    To gain a basic understanding of how physiological/biological processes affect organisms behaviorally and mentally.
3.    To gain an appreciation of the applications an understanding of physiological/biological processes.
4.    To gain an appreciation of the importance of the understanding of biopsychological principles to other areas of psychology.

Texts and other materials:

    Garrett, B. (2003). Brain and Behavior.  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Prerequisites:    Psychology 101.

Course Content:

    The course is intended to be an introductory survey of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology,  and how they determine behavior and mental processes.  You will learn to apply neurobiological explanations to your own areas of interest in psychology and beyond.  You will also develop critical thinking skills with regard to biological explanations of behavior.

Attendance:

    You are responsible for all material discussed in class and any handouts, etc. given out in class sessions you missed.  This class will be consistent with the Longwood University attendance policy that is 1 grade reduction for 10% (5) unexcused absences and a failing grade for 25% (11) excused or unexcused absences. Every 5 tardies will count as an unexcused absence. If you walk in and I'm talking, you're late.  Make sure though that I change it from absent to late in my records.

Honor Code:

    Longwood University does have an honor code (see current academic catalog and student handbook) and this class will operate with strict adherence to it.  Any and all instances of cheating, stealing, falsification, plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will involve immediate notification of the Longwood University Honor Board along with automatic failure for the course.
   
 
 

Miscellaneous:

    Any student who believes that he/she is disabled should see me ASAP to discuss your needs and accommodations.  Your disability must be on record with the office of Disability Support Services.
    You are expected to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner in the classroom, respecting the rights and opinions of other students.  You are also expected to remain engaged in the subject matter of the course.  To this end, such behaviors as reading assignments or other materials during class, arriving late and leaving early, sleeping, talking and disturbing other students (inappropriate comments, etc.) should be avoided.  Beepers, pagers, walkmans and cellular telephones will be turned off upon entering the classroom.  The professor reserves the right to remove, on a temporary or permanent basis, or substantially decrease the grade of any student whose behavior becomes disruptive to the classroom environment.

    There will be a total of  four(4) exams throughout the semester, three of which will be worth 50 points.  Test 4 (Final Exam) will be given during the scheduled final exam period for the class.  Each test consist of multiple choice questions.  The exams will cover material from the lecture, textbook and any other ancillary materials used in class (videos, etc.).  Test 4 (Final Exam) will be half-cumulative and half-new material, and will be worth 100 points.  All exams will be taken during the scheduled time (see below for tentative test dates).  Exceptions will only be made for serious and unavoidable conflicts and emergencies, and only when I am notified before the scheduled exam AND when I receive proper written notification from the Dean's office, or other official source.

Quizzes

    I will give a total of 25 points worth of quizzes throughout the semester.  These will be based on the readings to date and cannot be made up.  I will give 6 5-point quizzes and drop the lowest quiz grade.

Other Assignments:

    Throughout the semester there will be small assignments which will be completed.  These assignments will consist of, but not be limited to: collecting instances of the application of biopsychologal principles in the popular media and writing a summary review of it (10 points - more details to be given in class); and completing portions of a neuroanatomy coloring book (15 points - the portions of the coloring book will be provided for you).  These assignments will collectively be worth 25 points and will absolutely not be accepted late (Due last week of class - Monday, April 23).

    You may also receive 5 points extra credit for research participation in the department.  I reduce 1 point for each no show.

Grading Scale:
    Grades will be awarded on the following scale (out of 300 total points):
        290 - 300 (97% - 100%) =    A+
        278 - 289 (93% - 96%)   =    A
        269 - 277 (90% - 92%)   =    A-
        260 - 268 (87% - 89%)   =    B+
        248 - 259 (83% - 86%)   =    B
        239 - 247 (80% - 82%)   =    B-
        230 - 238 (77% - 79%)   =    C+
        218 - 229 (73% - 76%)   =    C
        209 - 217 (70% - 72%)   =    C-
        200 - 208 (67% - 69%)   =    D+
        188 - 199 (63% - 66%)   =    D
        179 - 187 (60% - 62%)   =    D-
        Below 179 (Below 60%)  =    F
 

You may keep track of your grades and progress below:

        Exam #1 (50 points)                   ________

        Exam #2 (50 points)                   ________

        Exam #3 (50 points)                   ________

        Exam #4 (100 points)                 ________

        Other (25 points total)                ________

        Quizzes (25 points total)             ________

        Total for Class (300 points)  = ________