PSY3206 BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
| Course Code: | 2333206 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 7.0 |
| Department: | Psychology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | |
| Offered Semester: | Fall and Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course provides a complementary focus on the human brain and its role in supporting psychological functions. The course will help students understand how different brain regions contribute to processes such as attention, memory, language, and emotion, and how these can be affected by neurological and psychiatric conditions. The course will also introduce students to key brain imaging and investigative methods, demonstrating how our understanding of brain–behaviour relationships is developed.
Course Content
This module provides an introduction to brain mechanisms and behavior. Students are expected to understand the basic concepts of how the brain supports cognitive functions, emotions, and behaviour. The course will cover topics such as brain structures, neural communication and the biological basis of psychological processes, as well as how these are affected in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. By integrating theoretical knowledge with case studies and research findings, the course will support students in forming a deeper, brain-based understanding of human psychology.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
I. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundational theories and philosophical roots of behavioural neuroscience
II. Describe the anatomy and organisation of the human nervous system, including key structures and functional divisions
III. Identify different types of nerve cells, neurotransmitters, and neuromodulators and explain how neural communication underlies behaviour
IV. Compare and evaluate neuroimaging methods used to research brain–behaviour relationships
V. Explain how specific brain structures support psychological functions such as memory, attention, language, and emotion, drawing on current empirical research
VI. Recognise key neural markers associated with neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, and discuss their implications for understanding human behaviour
VII. Interpret, critique, and synthesise findings from contemporary research in biological psychology, demonstrating scientific literacy and critical thinking.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Solid background in basic theories and approaches in psychology. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Skills to obtain and interpret new information in the light of acquired theoretical knowledge. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Skills to follow both national and international publications and developments in the discipline. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Basic applied skills and knowledge of the various disciplines of psychology that do not require specialization. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Awareness of the value of continuing educational practices such as in-service training, seminars, and conferences to keep career-relevant knowledge and skills up-to-date. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Skills to conduct research based on basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics. That is, skills related to forming research hypotheses, designing the research, collecting data, applying basic statistical analysis, and reporting. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Knowledge and skills about conducting research and practice by adhering to ethical guidelines. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Skills in oral and written communication both in Turkish and English. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Skills to work in teams that involve disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects. | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Critical thinking skills in following the psychological literature together with the psychology-related information appearing in popular media. | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Skills to generate practical and culture-sensitive solutions to problems. | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Awareness of societal, environmental, and economic factors in professional practice and research. | ✔ | |||
| 13 | Skills to lead and pioneer in the profession of psychology, either in academia or professional practice. | ✔ | |||
| 14 | Skills in independent and team work. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution