Biological Bases of Behaviour I 2500-EN-O-05-I
It is no exaggeration to say that what makes us human is our large and
complex brains. From a biological point of view all our experiences and
actions are the result of neural activity and the study of human behavior
would not go far without the study of brain structure and function. The
content of the course maps well onto subjects investigated by biological
psychologists. Thus the aim of this course is firstly to present how
biological psychology explains behavior. We will survey different
explanations related to the physiology of the nervous system at different
levels of organization: from genes, cells and neurotransmitters to largescale
networks spanning the entire brain.
The second aim is to show students how scientific knowledge arises from
individual experimental studies employing a range of methods. The
converging methods approach is unique to biological psychology, thus we
will look at the contribution of genetics, animal models, neurophysiology,
neuroimaging and patient studies.
Throughout the course we will look at morphology and the
anatomy of the nervous system, the principles of neural transmission, and
the functional organisation of the central nervous system (CNS).
Subsequent themes cover different sensory systems: vision, hearing,
proprioception and smell as well as the neural basis of learning and
memory and of motor control. We will conclude with a brief outlook on
comparative studies of animal behavior, basic concepts in evolutionary
theory and a critical look on the field of evolutionary psychology.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
1. Students will know the anatomy and functional organisation of the
peripheral and central nervous system.
2. They will know functional relationships between brain activity and
motor, cognitive or emotional processes.
3. They will have well-organised knowledge on theory of evolution and
evolutionary processes and molecular genetics in relation to human
motor, cognitive and emotional processes.
4. Student will know the principles of psychophysiological and
neuroimaging research methods and biological mechanisms
underlying electrical and hemodynamic brain responses.
5. They will know basic
Assessment criteria
Lecture: No specific attendance policy. Attendance will not be monitored.
Seminar: 2 unexcused absences allowed. 2 more excused absences are
allowed. In case of more than 4 absences extra work will be required.
Attendance will be monitored.
Lecture:
1. Passing grade from Seminar.
2. Multiple-choice test (100% grade). (60% total points needed to
pass)
Seminar (60% total points needed to pass)
1. Midterm test. (30%)
2. Final test. (40%)
3. Essay (30% grade).
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: