PSYC 318 Dr. Kim Gerecke
Physiological Psychology gereckek@rhodes.edu
MWF (01) 10-10:50am; (02) 11 – 11:50 am 843-3990
Clough 123 Office hours: MWF 1:30 – 3:00 or by appointment
Required Text:
Carlson, NR (2005) Foundations of Physiological Psychology, 6th Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Class Objectives
This course will investigate how the brain's normal and abnormal functioning affects human experience and behavior.
Particular emphasis will be placed on those aspects of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and physiology, which directly
influence experience, motivation, language, thought, and learning.
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Be able to identify brain structures, describe their functions, and the role they play systems functioning.
- Understand the structure, function and hierarchical organization of the brain.
- Be able to discuss various technologies and clinical methods for studying the brain.
- Gain insight into the complex interplay among physiology, behavior, and environmental circumstances.
- Be able to describe the potential outcome of damage to nervous system structures.
Class Schedule
A detailed class schedule is located below. There are times when we will move through material more quickly and other
times when we may need to slow down. Therefore, this schedule is tentative with changes to be announced in class. I
will try to post changes to the schedule, but ultimately, it is your responsibility since you are expected to attend class.
DAY DATE TOPICS
Wednesday August 22 First day stuff
Friday 24 Introduction
Monday 27
Chapter 2 – Structure and function of cells of the nervous
system
Division of groups for presentations
Wednesday 29 Chapter 2
Friday 31 Chapter 2
Monday September 3 No Class - Labor Day Holiday
Wednesday 5 Chapter 2
Friday 7 Chapter 3 – Structure of the nervous system
Monday 10 Chapter 3 – Structure of the nervous system
Group Assignment #1
Wednesday 12 Chapter 3
Friday 14 Chapter 4 - Psychopharmacology
Monday 17 Chapter 4
Wednesday 19 Chapter 4
Friday 21 Chapter 5 – Methods and strategies of research
Assignment #1 Due
1
