Unit 2 – Neuroscience – The Biological Basis for Behavior

Essential Questions:

• Is everything that is psychological, biological?
• How do biological processes relate to behavior?
• How does damage to a biological process affect behavior?
• What are the core components of the nervous system and how are they organized?
• How do the nervous system and the endocrine system interact to affect behavior?
• Nature versus Nurture?

Objectives:

• Identify the major components of the nervous system and determine how they are organized
• Describe the neuron and its functioning – action potentials, neurotransmitters, synaptic integration, and modification
• Identify and describe the functions of the different parts of the brain.
• Explain split brain studies
• Describe the nature of the endocrine system and it interaction with the nervous system.
• Determine the role of genetics in influencing behavior.

Activities, Readings and Viewings:

• Read Myers chapters 2 & 3
• Video – The Secret Life of the Brain – PBS
• Brain coloring book
• Video – The Brain Module: Split Brain - Online
• Hemispheric Preference Inventory - Experiencing Psychology

Evaluation:

• Quizzes
• Exam 2

Smartboard presentation (notes)

Link to download smartboard software

Neuroscience smartboards (smartboard files)

Neuroscience smartboards (PDF)

Web-links from class:

http://www.arn.org/docs/glicksman/eyw_040701.htm

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/matthews/channel.html

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/matthews/actionp.html

http://www.mind.ilstu.edu/flash/synapse_1.swf

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/matthews/nmj.html

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/matthews/neurotrans.html