PSYC 301: Biological Basis of Behavior – Syllabus and Study Guide

PSYC 301: Biological Basis of Behavior

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the anatomical structures and physiological processes that determine behavior. It is designed to help students use scientific methods to communicate effectively about the biological basis of behavior, including sensory information processing, neural control of movement, and the biological bases of complex behaviors such as sleep, learning, memory, sex, and language.

• Prerequisite: PSYC 100

• Credits: 3

• Term: Fall 2025

• Instructor: Catherine Davis ([e-mail])

Course Description

The course aims to provide a scientific understanding of how the brain and nervous system underlie behavior. Topics include:

• Acquisition and processing of sensory information

• Neural control of movement

• Biological bases of complex behaviors (e.g., sleep, learning, memory, sex, language)

• Basic functioning of the nervous system

Course Introduction

The course explores the fascination with the human brain, its organization, development, and the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. Students will address questions such as:

• What are the elements of the brain? How is it organized? How does it develop?

• How does the brain change with experience?

• Can the brain repair itself?

• What aspects of human behavior do genes influence? How do genes work together with experience to influence behavior?

• How does the brain regulate aspects of behavior exhibited by all members of a species?

Course Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Apply interdisciplinary knowledge of the biological basis of psychology to everyday life and professional settings.

• Apply research methods of the biological basis of behavior and mental processes, including statistics, measurement, and critical evaluation of scientific knowledge.

• Use critical thinking to understand the mutual and dynamic interactions among genetics, experience, mental processes, and brain functions as they relate to behavior.

• Communicate knowledge of the biological basis of behavior and mental processes to inform others, using scientific and everyday terminology.

• Use reliable and scientifically valid resources to identify and understand data relevant to the biological basis of behavior and mental processes, distinguishing valid evidence from misconceptions.

Course Materials

• All required materials are accessible online via the provided course link.

Class Guidelines

• Communication: Instructor responds to emails within 24 hours on weekdays; 48 hours on weekends.

• Assignments: All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on their respective due dates (Tuesdays). Late work is not accepted without prior arrangement.

• Weekly Discussions: Participation in weekly discussions is required to deepen understanding of course concepts.

• Written Assignments: Must be neat, double-spaced, and follow APA style. Attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity is required.

• Original Work: Submissions must be original; no resubmission of previous coursework is allowed.

• Feedback: Discussion grades posted within 72 hours; assignment feedback within 7 days.

• Use of AI: AI tools may be used for topic brainstorming, writing coaching, and APA formatting, but not for generating full assignments or references.

Grading Information

The course uses a point-based grading system. The main graded items are:

Category	Item	Points
Discussions	Unit 1 Discussion	40
	Unit 2 Discussion	40
	Unit 3 Discussion	40
	Unit 4 Discussion	40
	Unit 5 Discussion	40
	Unit 6 Discussion	40
	Unit 7 Discussion	40
	Unit 8 Discussion	40
Quizzes & Exams	Unit 1 Quiz	30
	Unit 2 Quiz	30
	Unit 3 Quiz	30
	Unit 4 Quiz	30
	Unit 5 Quiz	30
	Unit 6 Quiz	30
	Unit 7 Quiz	30
Assignments	Unit 3 Annotated Bibliography	140
Assignments	Unit 7 Brief Literature Review	200
Total		1,000

Grade Scale

Grade	Points
A	900–1000
B	800–899
C	700–799
D	600–699
F	0–599
FN	Failure, due to non-participation

Participation Policy

• Active participation in online discussions is required and significantly impacts the final grade.

• Points are awarded for timely and substantive responses to discussion prompts and peer posts.

• Each discussion is worth up to 40 points: 30 points for the main response, 10 points for peer engagement.

• Late discussion posts lose 8 points.

Assignment Formatting and Submission

• All assignments must follow APA style guidelines.

• Assignments should be submitted electronically by the due date.

• Late work is not accepted without prior communication and approval.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be original and properly cited.

• Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a foundational overview of the course structure, expectations, and assessment methods for PSYC 301. For detailed content on the biological basis of behavior, students should refer to the course materials and assigned readings.