PSYCH2209 - 01 - Physiological Bases of Behavior

(NS) Natural Science (SI) Scientific Inquiry

Biological psychology, also called behavioral neuroscience or physiological psychology, is the study of the physiological bases of behavior. Biological psychology is concerned primarily with the relationship between psychological processes (behavior) and the underlying physiological events (brain)-or, in other words, the mind-body phenomenon. Its focus is the function of the brain and the rest of the nervous system in behavior (e.g. thinking, learning, perception). Biological psychology also provides a framework for normal brain functioning, allowing us to begin to understand changes associated with brain disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. This introductory level course will include topics such as: structure and function of the nervous system, development and plasticity of the brain throughout the lifespan, processing of sensory information by the brain, learning and memory, and how the brain and nervous system interact with the body and the environment to influence behavior or result in brain disorders.