Skip to Main Content
Library Home

Social Sciences and Psychology

PSY 209 - Biopsychology

About this Class

Biopsychology is the study of the biological nature of psychological phenomena.  The course explores the biological basis of basic nervous system structure and function, development and plasticity of the brain, sensory function, movement, consciousness, emotions, learning, cognition, and the varied mental disorders.  Students will learn the association between neurological structure, chemistry, and function and related behaviors and psychological experiences.  Students will also conduct basic psychophysiological experiments.

  1. Identify key characteristics of the study of biopsychology.
  2. Describe basic bio-chemical-electrical neurological functions.
  3. Refute common fallacies related to the nervous system and brain function.
  4. Summarize examples of current biopsychological literature.
  5. Apply strategies to carry out basic psychophysiological experiments.
  6. Write in APA style.
  7. Deliver presentations related to research findings.
  8. Apply principles of biopsychology to the interpretation of everyday experiences.

Special Assignments

Healthy Brains Project

The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with a diverse way of sharing knowledge learned in the course with the greater community.  Studying Biopsychology reveals many ways in which we can promote personal and community brain health.

Based upon a set of chapter-specific topics, individual or small groups of students will a public service announcement of sorts (there are options) to communicate strategies for brain health.