Introduction to Biopsychology

Paper Code: 
24CPSY 113
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will familiarize students with the basics of biological bases of behaviour including psychophysiology and behaviour genetics.

 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Course Outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24CPSY113

Introduction to Biopsychology

(Theory)

CO11: Understand the fundamental physiological processes, historical development and scientific methods underlying human behaviour.

CO12: Explain the principles of nerve cell functioning.

CO13: Understand the role of central nervous system in governing human behaviour.

CO14: Develop awareness about the role of peripheral nervous system in human body.

CO15: Identify the role of various endocrinal glands in bodily functioning.

CO16: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Reading assignments, Team teaching

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Assignments, Individual and group presentation

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Biopsychology

Nature and Scope; Approaches; Techniques for Studying Brain Functions-Ablation, Static Images-CT Scan and MRI, Recording Nervous System Activity- Electrical Recording, PET, fMRI, Measuring Chemical Activity- Autoradiography & Microdialysis 

12.00
Unit II: 
Nerve Physiology

Structure and Functions of Neurons; Types (on the basis of their structure & function); Neural Conduction – Electrical and Synaptic Transmission; Neurotransmitters- Characteristics and Functions

12.00
Unit III: 
Organization of Nervous System:

CNS: Brain and Spinal Cord-Structure and Functions;

PNS: Autonomic Nervous System and Somatic Nervous System-Structure and Functions

12.00
Unit IV: 
Hormonal Regulation of Behavior:

Endocrine System; Difference between Endocrine and Exocrine System; Functions and Abnormalities of Major Endocrine Glands-Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonad, Pineal 

12.00
Unit V: 
Sleep and Arousal

Sleep stages; Disorders of Sleep; Brain areas responsible for sleep & arousal; Theories of Sleep; Circadian Rhythms ; Neural Control of Circadian Rhythms

Essential Readings: 
  1. Klein,S.B., & Thorne,M.B. (2006).Biological Psychology. NewYork:Worth Publishers.
  2. Leukel, F. (1985). Introduction to Physiological Psychology. New Delhi: C.B.S. Publishers and Distributors.
  3. Levinthal, C.F. (1996). Introduction to Physiological Psychology. (3rded). Prentice Hall.
  4. Morgan, C.T. (1965). Physiological Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill Inc.
  5. Rosenzweig, M.R. & Lieman, A.R. (1982). Physiological Psychology. D.C. Health and Co. Lexington.

 

Suggested Readings:

  1. Barrett, L. (2011). Beyond the Brain: How Body and Environment Shape Animal and Human Minds. Princeton University Press. EISBN: 978-1-40083-834-9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctt7rvqf
  2. Morgan, C.T. & Stellar, E. (1950). Physiological Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill Inc.
  3. Pinel, J.P.J. (2000). Biopsychology. Allyn and Bacon.
  4. Plomin, R.,DeFries, J.C., &McClearn, G.E. (2000). Behavioral Genetics. W.H.:Freeman and Co.
  5. Wegner, M.A., Jones, F.N. & Jones, M.H. (1956). Physiological Psychology. New York: Henry Holt.
  6. Zillmer, E., & Spiers, M.(2001). Principles of Neuropsychology. Australia: Wadsworth, Thomson Learning.

 

E Resources:

  1. Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: A course offered by University of Chicago on Coursera. Access via: https://www.coursera.org/learn/neurobiology
  2. Bogdan, R., & Taylor, S. J. (1982). Inside Out: Two First-person accounts of what it means to be labelled "Mentally Retarded". University of Toronto Press. EISBN: 978-0-81315-877-8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctt130jbbk
  3. Goldstein, J. (2010). Hysteria Complicated by Ecstasy: The Case of Nanette Leroux. Princeton University Press. EISBN: 978-1-40083-371-9. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctt4cgcrt
  4. Greenfield, S. (1996). The Human Mind Explained. London: Castle Publishers Ltd.

 

Academic Year: