Brain & Behavior
PSYC/BIOL 3322, Section 001, Summer 2014
Life Science Building – Room LS122
MTWTh (1:00-3:00 P.M.)
Instructor: Kellen Gandy & James Schaeffer
Office Number: LS Room 505 & 513
Email Address: &
Office Hours: Kellen: M 12:00pm – 1:00pm; James: W 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Course Description
This course will provide a comprehensive review of the physiological processes that underlie animal and human behavior.
Student Learning Objectives
Students are expected to learn how the nervous system works and the underlying neural mechanisms of behavior. Topics will include: anatomical structure, molecular basis, sensory and motor systems, neurotransmitters, control of hunger, thirst, temperature, emotional disorders and schizophrenia, etc.
Required Textbook(s) and Materials:
Biological Psychology, 11th edition by James W. Kalat. This is the required edition for this course. Students should use their own discretion if purchasing an older edition. Optional supplemental text for the student’s personal benefit: Study Guide for Kalat’s Biological Psychology by Elaine M. Hull
Grading Policy and Final Grades
Your final grade in this course will be determined by your performance on two exams (100 possible points each) and a final exam (100 possible points). The final is not comprehensive. All material reviewed from class PowerPoints, lecture, textbook, videos, and in-class activities may appear on the exams. There will be no extra credit offered for this course.
85-100%= A
75-84.9 = B
65-74.9 = C
55-64.9 = D
0-54.9 = F
Grade Inquiries
Students’ grades will be communicated via blackboard. Under no circumstances will information about grades be sent through email. If you have any concerns about your grade or progress in the course, please visit our office hours immediately after a concern arises. Grades will only be calculated using the predefined grading policies mentioned above. Additionally, inquiries about grades or other confidential classroom information will not be provided to non-students regardless if the individual is related to you or financing your tuition.
Make-up Policy
Makeup exams will be given only if documentation is provided that indicates that circumstances beyond a student’s control prevented them from taking a scheduled exam. A note from a friend or family member is not acceptable documentation. A request for a makeup exam must be made before or no later than the next class period following the missed exam.
Drop Policy
There will be no grade given if a student appropriately drops a course before 5:00 p.m. on the Census Date, July 14, 2014. Additionally, the student may drop the course by the date specified by the University of Texas at Arlington, July 29, 2014. Please refer to the online University academic calendar for these dates and more information (http://www.uta.edu/uta/acadcal.php).
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves within the realms of student policies at the University of Texas at Arlington. Students should respect the learning opportunities of others and themselves and not disrupt the classroom by using cell phones, social networking, cheating and /or engaging in disruptive conversation with others. Students who fail to act in accordance with university guidelines may be asked to leave the classroom and possibly face disciplinary action from the university administration.
Academic Dishonesty
“Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.” (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2., Subdivision 3.22). Academic dishonesty is an unacceptable conduct for this course and will not be tolerated. All students involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures and may be suspended or expelled from the University. Please refer to http://www.uta.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/ for more student affair information.
Students with Disabilities Policy
Students with disabilities that attend the University of Texas at Arlington will be accommodated in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and students will not be discriminated against concerning the disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation please notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester and so the appropriate measures can be taken to ensure the best learning environment for each student.
Student Support Services
Students who require assistance should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for further information. Student support services include but are not limited to admission and transition, learning assistance, advising and mentoring, developmental education, and federally funded programs.
Bomb Threats
If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentations/tests caused by bomb threats. Unannounced alternate sites will be available for these classes. Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event that your classroom is not available.
Class Schedule – Summer 2014
Date / Course Material / Important DatesJuly 8- 10 / Chapter 1: The Major Issues
Chapter 2: Nerve Cell and Nerve Impulses
Chapter 3: Synapses
July 14 - 17 / Chapter 4: Anatomy of the Nervous System
Chapter 5: Development and Plasticity of the Brain
Exam I (Ch 1 – 5) / Census Date – July 14th
Exam I – July 17th
July 21 - 24 / Chapter 6: Vision
Chapter 7: Other Sensory Systems
Chapter 8: Movement
Chapter 9: Wakefulness and Sleep
July 28 - 31 / Chapter 10: Internal Regulation
Chapter 11: Reproductive Behaviors
Exam II (Ch 6 – 10) / Last day to drop – July 29th
Exam II – July 30th
Aug. 4 - 7 / Chapter 12: Emotional Behaviors
Chapter 13: The Biology of Learning and Memory
Chapter 14: Cognitive Functions
Chapter 15: Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia
Aug 11 (Monday) / Final (Ch 11 - 15) / Final Exam (1:00 – 3:00 P.M.)