Syllabus
Biological Psychology

Biological Psychology

PSYC-2330

Credit Fall 2019
08/26/2019 - 12/15/2019

Course Information

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Office Hours

No office hours have been entered for this term

Instructor Contact Information

Email:  samuel.donaldson@austincc.edu

Phone/Voice Mail:  512-375-3215 (You may leave a voice mail at anytime, day/night)

Office Location:  To be announced.

Options for Meeting with the Instructor:

If you wish to meet with me, you can meet with me during my scheduled Office Hours.  Please let me know and confirm with me any meetings during my Office Hours

You may also schedule a time to meet outside of my Office Hours.  The best way to schedule a meeting is to send me an ACC email with proposed times and dates.  I will do my best to accommodate you

I can meet with you in person, or by phone.  In person meetings generally need to happen at the Riverside or Eastview Campus, before or after class time, or on Fridays

If you wish to meet by phone, I am available to schedule a time 7 days/week (including weekends), between 8:00am and 5:00pm. 

 

 

Course Description & instructional Methodology

This syllabus is mostly complete but still subject to change.  The final syllabus will be updated and published no later than two weeks before the start of the course in August.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include evolution, genetics, research methods in behavioral neuroscience, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, learning and memory, lifespan development, cognition, psychological disorders, and other complex behaviors. (PSYC 2330 is included in the Psychology Field of Study.)

* Credit Hourse: 3

* Classroom Contact Hours per week:  3

* Prerequisites:  PSYC 2301 with a grade of C or better.

 

 

COURSE RATIONALE

The course is designed to be an introduction to the biological basis underlying human behavior.  Your enhanced understanding of underlying biological processes for human behavior will help you better understand yourselves and others.  If you plan on entering a healthcare related field this course will assist you with communicating and coordinating care with various medical healthcare providers such as physicians and nurses.  

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

In additon to lecture, relevant videos, case examples, and stimulating learning activities will be employed to make the study of biological psychology relevant to the everyday lives of students in helping them better understand themselves and the people around them.

 

Course Requirements

General Expectations and Requirements

You are expected to meet the following course requirements:

  1. Read the required textbook:

Title: Biopsychology; John Pinel & Steven Barnes.  10th Edition.  Pearson.

  1. Attend class, taking notes and paying attention. 
  2. Successfully comple four (4) examinations. The exam content will be based on both textbook readings and lecture.  Much of the exam content may be based solely on topics covered only during class (See #2 above).  It is important that you make friends in class in case you need to borrow someone's notes during an absence
  3. Read and understand the course "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) which will be posted to the course Blackboard.
  4. Regularly access the course Blackboard site and your ACC email at least twice per week.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grading will be based on the average of the following:

  • Your two highest scoring exams from exams #1, #2, #3 
  • Final Exam

For example: You received the following scores on the first three exams:  Exam #1 = 80; Exam #2 = 90; Exam #3 = 60.  Your lowest exam grade is dropped, so only exam's #1 & #2 are part of your average.

You receive an 100 on the Final Exam

Your final course grade is:  Exam #1 = 80 + Exam #2 = 90 + Final Exam = 100 = 270 divided by 3 = 90 (Average score)

Grading Key for exams and for your final course grade:

A = 90-100+

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 59 and below

Your final course grade will be based on the average of your two highest scoring exams plus the Final Exam.

More About the Exams, Extra Credit & Grading

Grades will be based on the average of your performance on only three (3) exams. You may drop your lowest exam grade on any of the first three exams.  

The Final Exam is a partially comprehensive final exam; you may not drop that final exam grade even if it is your lowest.  Also, there are provisions for a make-up exam for the final exam only.

Extra Credit activities are not offered -- remember, you can drop your lowest exam grade (see above).

You should be prepared for four scheduled tests. Tests could include multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank and essays. Tests taken in class may have bonus (extra credit) essay questions.  

There are no provisions for retests because of poor performance on a test.

Individual test scores will be posted on Blackboard.  Students who do not perform well are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to go over their individual tests with me during my campus office hours or by appointment.  These meetings can occur either in-person or by phone.  Phone meetings are available 7 days per week, including weekends.

Attendance

You are an adult. This is not an on-line course.  Attendance is not required by me, but you may have attendance requirements from third parties, e.g., financial aid. It is my professional experience that those who miss lecture do not do as well as those who attend class.

If you miss class, or if you are late to class, you do NOT need to let me know the reasons, or apologize, etc. But if something is happening in your life which is interfering with your attendance, please consider discussing that with me; together, we may come up with a solution.

Attendance will be taken by signing-in since I am required to take attendance.  Your lack of attendance does not directly factor into your score average.  There is no grade penalty nor credit applied around attendance.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), you are responsible for communicating with me by checking your ACC email or ACC Course Blackboard during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by me as a result of class sessions being missed.

Disrupting the Class

The most common disruptions are: texting, talking, coming in late and interrupting lecture, for example, crossing in front of me.

The first time I need to address this with you, I will do so privately.  The second time, I will stop the class and address you directly during the class.  If the behavior continues, you will be asked to leave the class for that day.

Make-Up Exams

There are generally no make-up exams for the first three exams; you have the option to drop the lowest exam grade on one of your first three exams including a missed exam.  The Final Exam is the only exam with a make-up provision.

Students with Disabilities

Any student who feels that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.  After meeting with SAS, they will give you a written notice to hand to your instructor which specifies the accommodations to be made for the course.

Students with documented disabilities who require special testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, a reader, etc.) should give me their accommodation letter at the beginning of the semester and far in advance of the first exam.  

Blackboard and Email

You need to learn how to use ACC's Blackboard; your college advisor will be able to help you find free resources at ACC to assist you in learning to use Blackboard.

Communication outside of class is done via posted Blackboard Announcements and by ACC email. You should be in the habit of checking Blackboard and your ACC emails at least twice per week.  On Blackboard, you will find your grades, a copy of this syllabus as well as other relevant course material such as the lecture slides.

Withdrawal Policy

You may elect to withdraw from this course at any time up until ACC's deadline. You, the student, are required to know this deadline and to initiate the process following ACC's policies and procedures. This will result in a "W" showing on your official college transcript. You are strongly encouraged to discuss this possibility with the instructor and your ACC academic advisor before you make this decision.  

Per state law: Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

I do reserve the right to drop a student should I feel it is necessary.  An example: a student who is chronically disruptive to the class environment.

Use of Translation Dictionaries on Exams

If English is not your first language, please see me about using a translation dictionary during exams.  The dictionary will need to be hard copy; sorry, no on-line dictionaries.

 

Readings

Textbook Title: Biopsychology.  John Pinel & Steven Barnes.  10th Edition.  Pearson.

About the Textbook:  This is an interactive, digitally based textbook.  It involves less reading and more opportunities for interactive learning.  You may print out at your own cost any portion or all of the textbook -- or, you may also purchase an upgrade to include a loose leaf print version from the publisher.

It is important to note that the cost of this textbook is significantly less the published price if you participate in "First Day". Here is a link with more information about First Day:  

https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/first-day-classes

 

Course Subjects

The class schedule with detail about lectures and scheduled exams will be announced no later than two weeks before the start of the semester in August.

I reserve the right to modify the course schedule and syllabus based on class need or unforeseen circumstances.  I will give written notice of such changes, if any, via ACC email as well as post these changes as announcements on Blackboard.

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Define and explain the biological foundations of behavior, including theories, history, and research methods.

2. Describe the evolution and development of the nervous system – neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurotransmission, and neuroendocrinology.

3. Identify the structures and function that underlie sensation, perception, and motor control.

4. Identify and discuss the regulation of behavior, including motivation and emotion, sexual behavior, and biological rhythms.

5. Articulate the biological components of learning, memory, and language.

6. Describe the biological underpinnings of age-related changes in cognition and socioemotional functioning over the lifespan.

7. Examine how biological processes impact health and well-being.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand psychological concepts and be able to recognize them in real-world contexts.
  • Acquire a basic understanding of major perspectives in the field.
  • Gain an awareness of the breadth of the academic discipline of psychology.
  • Understand the various research methods psychologists use and critically evaluate evidence.

 

More about Sam Donaldson, Ph.D.

I am an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at ACC (since 2016).  When I am not teaching, I work as a Consultant in managed behavioral health care, primarily Medicaid. 

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Licensed Psychologist (Texas & Pennsylvania)
  • Six years of teaching experience at both the university and community college levels:  Intro to Psych, Personality Theory & Abnormal Psychology.
  • 17 years direct clinical practice with adults & adolescents, all levels of care, with a specialization in Addiction & Mood Disorders.
  • 17 years corporate executive in the managed behavioral healthcare industry.

College policies

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

  • Student ID number
  • Course prefix and number
  • Course synonym
  • Course section number
  • Test number
  • Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

 

 

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)