Maricopa Community Colleges  PSY294   20032-99999 

Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12-10-02

PSY294  2003 Spring – 2009 Fall

LAB   1.0 Credit(s)   2.0 Period(s)   1.7 Load   Acad

Laboratory For Biological Psychology

This lab may accompany PSY293.

Prerequisites: PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better. Prerequisites or Corequisites: PSY293, or permission of Instructor.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

 

PSY294  2003 Spring – 2009 Fall

Laboratory For Biological Psychology

 

1.

Design an experiment in the natural sciences. (I)

2.

Perform basic procedures in neurobiology. (II)

3.

Collect electrical, chemical and anatomical data and present as graphs or histograms. (III)

4.

Identify and describe basic features of scientific models of the nervous system. (IV)

5.

Identify and describe basic anatomical features of the nervous system. (V)

6.

Identify and describe the basic principles of how the nervous system functions. (VI)

7.

Identify and describe basic elements in input (sensory) systems, including physical stimuli, biological transducers and information coding. (VII)

8.

Identify and describe basic elements in higher level information processing, including neuronal receptive field characteristics and neuronal feature detection. (VIII)

9.

Identify and describe basic elements in control of output (motor) systems. (IX)

10.

Identify and describe basic neurobiological cycles and homeostatic mechanisms. (X)

11.

Describe the influence of hormones on behavior. (XI)

12.

Compare and contrast scientific and non-scientific explanations of natural phenomena. (XII)

13.

Identify and describe ethical issues in the natural sciences. (XIII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:

 

PSY294  2003 Spring – 2009 Fall

Laboratory For Biological Psychology

 

I. Experimental Design in the Natural Sciences

A. Testable Hypotheses

B. Independent and Dependent Variables

C. Experimental and Control Conditions/Groups

D. Controls

1. Randomization

2. Counterbalancing

E. Minimization of Bias

II. Independent Variables and Basic Procedures in Neurobiology

A. Physical

B. Chemical

C. Electrophysiological

III. Dependent Variables

A. Methods of Data Collection

1. Electrical

2. Chemical

3. Anatomical

B. Methods of Data Presentation

1. Graphs

2. Histograms

3. Other Methods

IV. Scientific Models of the Nervous System

A. Localization Theory

B. Holistic/Mass Action Models

C. Computer/Information Processing Models

V. Anatomical Features of the Nervous System

A. Gross Anatomy

B. Light Microscopy

C. Electron Microscopy

VI. Functional Features of the Nervous System

A. Neurophysiology

1. Ions

2. Membrane Potentials

B. Neurochemistry

1. Endogenous Chemicals

2. Exogenous Chemicals

VII. Input (sensory) Systems

A. Physical Stimuli

B. Biological Transducers

C. Information Coding

VIII. Higher Level Information Processing Systems

A. Neuronal Receptive Field Characteristics

B. Neuronal Feature Detection

IX. Output (motor) Systems

A. Muscles

B. Peritheral System Reflex Movements

C. Central Nervous System Motor Control

X. Neurobiological Cycles

A. Sleep and Consciousness

B. Sex and Reproduction

C. Ingestion and Biochemical Cycles

XI. Hormones and Behavior

A. Endocrine and Exocrine Systems

B. Sex, Agression, Metabolism and Maternal Behavior

XII. Explanations of Natural Phenomena

A. Scientific

B. Non-Scientific

XIII. Ethical Issues

A. Animal Rights Issues

B. Human Rights and the Treatment of Mental Disorders

 

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