PSYC 200 Biological Psychology is recommended for majors in psychology or other biological sciences. It will emphasize fundamental neurological processes which underlie sensation, perception, learning, and motivation, and will also explore selected topics in other areas.
Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 101 both with a minimum of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of the methodology and interpretation of biopsychological research with both animal and human subjects
- Demonstrate familiarity with the applications of fundamental psychobiological principles to several selected areas of human behaviour
- Know the anatomy and pharmacology of the nervous and endocrine systems
- Be familiar with biopsychological processes underlying behaviour such as vision, learning/memory, recovery from brain damage, motivation, addiction, rhythmicity, emotional and mental disorders, neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity, cognition and language
Teaching and Learning Approach
The lectures in this course introduce the concepts and practice of biological psychology. Students are
encouraged to enrich the class by engaging in discussions and asking questions, and are expected to utilize the
textbooks and lecture materials to study independently outside of scheduled class meetings. Lecture slides and
other supplemental materials will be posted on Moodle (learn.selkirk.ca).Learning Resources
Required textbooks:
Kolb, B., Whishaw, I.Q. & Tesky, G.C. (2023). An Introduction to Brain and Behavior (7th Edition): Worth.
[Note: you may acquire a hard copy or a digital copy.]
Felton, D.L., & Maida, M.E. (2024). Netter's Neuroscience Coloring Book 2: Elsevier Canada. [Note: hard
copy required.]Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Origins of Brain and Behaviour
2. Nervous System Functional Anatomy
3. Nervous System Functional Units; Neurons Electrical Signals
4. Neural Communication and Adaptation
5. Midterm Test 1 – Chapters 1 to 5
6. Drugs Influence on Brain and Behaviour The Study of Brain Structures and Functions
7. Nervous System Development and Adaptation
8. STUDY BREAK
9. Sensing, Perceiving, and Seeing
10. Hearing, Speaking, and Music
11. Midterm Exam 2 – Chapters 6 to 10
12. Response to Stimulation and Movement
13. Emotions and Motivation
14. Sleep and Dreams
15. Learning and Remembering Thinking
16. Brains Misbehaving
17. Final Exam – Cumulative (but with a focus on Chapters 11 to 16) Date, time, and location to be announced by the Registrar's Office: selkirk.ca/exam-schedulesAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Midterm Exam 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) | 1-4 | 15% |
| Midterm Exam 2 (Chapters 6 to 10) | 1-4 | 15% |
| Final Exam (Cumulative) | 1-4 | 30% |
| Weekly Assignments | 1-4 | 20% |
| Colouring Book Chapter Completion | 3 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.