ATILIM UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY PSY 315 PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOR 2008-2009 ACADEMIC YEAR FALL SEMESTER Instructor:

Asli Bahar INAN, M.S. Office room: FEF 224 Phone: 586 84 26 e-mail: abinan@atilim.edu.tr

Office hours: Tuesday 12:30-13:20 Wednesday 12:30-13:20 Main textbook: Kalat, James W. (2007), Biological psychology, Thomson-Wadsworth. Further reading materials (e.g. journal articles, commentaries, etc.) may be assigned by the instructor. Course Objectives y This course aims to introduce students to the basic physiological systems of human body and their effect on behavior. y Topics of discussion will include the structure and function of the nervous system at both a cellular and system level, the physiological bases of the senses, learning and memory, addiction, and hormones and behavior. Course Requirements & Grading Midterm examination I Midterm examination II Final examination 30 % 30 % 40 %

Exams There will be two midterm examinations and a final examination covering all assigned readings, discussions and activities in class. Final examination will cover all course material with an emphasis on the material covered after the second midterm. Attendance and Class participation It is essential that all students attend all scheduled classes. Students with more than 20 % absence (more than 8 class hours) will not receive an evaluation!!! Active and meaningful participation of students in class discussions and activities are expected.

Outline Week 1: The Major Issues Week 2: Nerve Cells and Nerve Impulses Week 3: Synapses Week 4: Anatomy of Nervous System Week 5: Development and Plasticity of the Brain Week 6: Vision Week 7: The Other Sensory Systems Week 8: Movement Week 9: Wakefulness and Sleep Week 10: Internal Regulations Reproductive Behaviors Week 11: Emotional Behaviors Week 12: The Biology of Learning and Memory Week 13: Cognitive Functions Week 14: Psychological Disorders