PSYC374 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
| Course Code: | 3710374 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 4 (4.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 9.0 |
| Department: | Psychology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. DEAN W OWEN |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course will focus on the biological processes that underlie the development and expression of behavior. The topics covered include the structure and function of the nervous system, psychopharmacology, vision, research methods, reproductive behavior, emotions, sleep, learning, and memory.
Course Content
The physiological basis of behavior; study of sensory, neural and motor structures for sensory coding, hunger and thirst, sleep - waking cycle, communication emotion, learning, and psychosomatic disorders
Course Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The structure and function of the components of the central nervous system.
- The electrical and biochemical processes that affect or enable cognitive functions.
- Theory and research on the biological basis of mental processes.
- Variety of techniques used to investigate how the brain subserves behaviour.
- Strengths and weaknesses of current theories of brain function.
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 follow both national and international publications and developments in the discipline and to obtain and interpret new information in the light of acquired theoretical knowledge | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Awareness of the value of continuing educational practices such as in-service trainings, seminars, and conferences to keep career-relevant knowledge and skills up-to-date | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Skills to conduct research based on basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics as well as the ability to present and disseminate research findings both orally and in writing | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Knowledge and skills about conducting research and practice by adhering to ethical guidelines | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Skills in oral and written communication both in Turkish and English as well as preferably learning a third language | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Skills to work in teams that involve disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Critical thinking skills in following the psychological literature together with the psychology-related information appearing in popular media | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Skills to generate practical and culture-sensitive solutions to problems | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Awareness of societal, environmental, and economic factors in professional practice and research | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Skills to lead and pioneer in the profession of psychology, either in academia or professional practice | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Skills in independent and team work | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution