Introduction to the Biological Basis of Behaviour: Biopsychology Foundations

Introduction to Biopsychology

Course Overview

This course, Psychology 2221a – 570, introduces students to the biological basis of behaviour, focusing on the interdisciplinary field of biopsychology. The course covers foundational topics such as neural anatomy, neural conduction, research methods, perception, learning, memory, brain damage, drugs of abuse, emotion, stress, health, and psychiatric disorders.

• Instructor: Dr. Shelley Cross-Mellor

• Contact: [e-mail]

Evaluation Summary

• Term Test 1: 25% (Chapters 1, 3, 4)

• Term Test 2: 30% (Chapters 5, 6, 7, 11)

• Term Test 3: 35% (Chapters 10, 15, 17, 18)

• Infographic Assignment: 10% (Top 10 concepts learned, with explanations and real-life applications)

Defining Biopsychology

What Is Biopsychology?

Biopsychology is the scientific study of the biology of behaviour. It explores how biological processes, especially those in the brain and nervous system, influence thoughts, emotions, and actions.

• Key Point: Biopsychology bridges psychology and neuroscience, using scientific methods to understand behaviour.

• Example: Studying how neurotransmitters affect mood and decision-making.

Biopsychology as a Neuroscience

Neuroscience Foundations

Biopsychology is a subfield of neuroscience, focusing on the biological mechanisms underlying behaviour. It uses experimental, clinical, and comparative approaches to study the brain and nervous system.

• Neurons: Specialized cells that receive and transmit electrochemical signals.

• The Human Brain: An intricate network of billions of neurons forming complex circuits.

Case Study: Jimmie G., The Man Frozen in Time

Clinical Example

Jimmie G. was a 49-year-old man with a past navy experience, above-average intelligence, and articulate speech. He could recall events from his school days and navy service but was unable to remember anything since his early 20s, indicating severe memory impairment.

• Key Point: Case studies like Jimmie G. illustrate the impact of brain dysfunction on behaviour and memory.

• Example: Korsakoff's syndrome, often seen in alcoholics, involves profound memory loss due to thiamine deficiency.

Neurons and the Human Brain

Structure and Function

• The Human Brain: Contains an intricate network of neurons responsible for processing information and controlling behaviour.

• Neurons: Cells that receive and transmit electrochemical signals, forming the basis of neural communication.

Biological Perspective: Historical Foundations

Mind-Body Problem

• Dualism: The mind is a spiritual entity, not subject to physical laws, and cannot be studied scientifically.

• Monism: Mental events are products of physical events and can be studied scientifically.

Beginnings of Brain-Behaviour Connection

Monism and Early Experiments

• Luigi Galvani: Demonstrated that a severed frog's leg could move when an electrical current was applied, supporting the idea that behaviour has a physical basis.

• Discovery: Electrical nature of neural conduction.

Localization Issue

Functional Specialization

• Localization of Function: The idea that specific areas of the brain carry out specific functions.

• Potential Pitfall: Overemphasis on localization led to pseudoscientific practices like phrenology.

Course Schedule and Topics

Major Topics Covered

Date	Topic	Reading
Sept. 8	Introduction & What is Biopsychology?	1
Sept. 15	Neuroanatomy	3
Sept. 22	Neural Conduction & Transmission	4
Oct. 6	Research Methods in Biopsychology	5
Oct. 20	Visual System & Perception	6 & 7
Oct. 27	Learning, Memory & Amnesia	11
Nov. 17	Brain Damage & Plasticity	10
Nov. 24	Drugs of Abuse & Addiction	15
Dec. 1	Emotion, Stress & Health	17
Dec. 8	Psychiatric Disorders	18

Key Terms and Concepts

• Biopsychology: Study of the biological basis of behaviour.

• Neurons: Cells that transmit information via electrical and chemical signals.

• Monism vs. Dualism: Philosophical positions on the mind-body relationship.

• Localization of Function: Specific brain regions are responsible for specific functions.

• Case Study: In-depth analysis of individual cases to understand brain-behaviour relationships.

Additional info:

• Monism is the philosophical view that the mind and body are not separate entities; mental processes are the result of physical brain activity.

• Luigi Galvani's experiments laid the groundwork for understanding the electrical nature of neural communication.

• Localization of function is foundational in neuroscience but must be balanced with understanding distributed processing in the brain.