Biological Processes/Consciousness Unit Psychology
Sep/Oct. 2016 Mr. Aiello
BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES and STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are for the students to:
• acquire a working knowledge of major psychological theories and core concepts
• develop an understanding and appreciation of what makes psychology a science
• develop basic skills in conducting psychological research
• understand the relevance of psychology to their lives
• increase their critical thinking, especially in regards to scientific research about behavior
• continue to develop their oral and written communication skills
This unit can be very troublesome for students who do not regularly and carefully read the textbook, primarily because of the large number of new and difficult words, and the heavy reliance upon videos to illustrate the concepts discussed in the text. If you do not keep up with the reading and vocabulary, the illustrations in class will not be as helpful. To encourage regular reading, we will have several reading quizzes during this unit.
Because of the heavy use of unusual terminology, I strongly encourage you to develop a method by which to learn the many new terms. Flashcards or something similar often seems to help many students. There are also many resources on the Myers textbook website to help clarify and review concepts and vocabulary. There are also several more specific essential questions to help you each time you read the text. See me if you would like additional help or suggestions on what you can do to improve your understanding of the material and ideas.
In addition, this chapter is the first one with required Key Contributors to turn in. At the end of the chapter are a list of people who are discussed in the chapter. You need to write a one- or two-sentence summary of their contribution to psychology, and then come up with a hashtag for them.
Essential Questions
1. Why is knowing about neural communication important?
2. What are the major tasks of the hindbrain (brainstem, thalamus, cerebellum)?
3. What are the major tasks of the midbrain (limbic system)?
4. What are the major tasks of the cerebral cortex (explain each of the lobes and association areas)?
5. Why does drain bamage not always have to be permanent?
______
6. Explain the arguments about whether or not hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness.
7. Describe several risks associated with sleep deprivation.
8. Describe and differentiate between the sleep disorders, and both their medical and behavioral treatments. (a simple chart might work here: insomnia; narcolepsy; apnea)
9. What are the most significant biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors in drug use and abuse?
Night Homeplay Assignment Myers Online Activities
Friday, Sep. 9 Myers Module 9. * Psychsim 5: Neural Messaging
(optional -Animations: Ion Flow 1 – 4)
Monday, Sep. 12 Myers Module 10
Tuesday, Sep. 13 Flip It: Reflex Arc
Flip It: Structure of the Nervous System
(opt. -Animations: Signal Transmission 1 – 3)
Wednesday, Sep. 14 Myers Module 11
Thursday, Sep. 15 Flip It: Limbic System
*Psychsim 5: Brain and Behavior
Friday, Sep. 16 Myers Module 12
Monday, Sep. 19 Flip It: Structure & Function of the Cortex
Tuesday, Sep. 20 Myers Module 13
Wednesday, Sep. 21 Flip It: Split Brain Research
*Psychsim 5: Dueling Brains
(optional - Animations: Split Brain)
Thursday, Sep. 22 Read the article “Hit Parade: The Future of the Sports Concussion Crisis.”
Friday, Sep. 23 Have a safe and fun Homecoming!!
Monday, Sep. 26 Complete and turn in:
Brain Collage
The three Psychsim 5 Activities
Vocabulary/Key Contributors (all terms in Modules 9 – 13)
Essential Questions 1 - 5
40 Studies: More Experience = More Brain
Tuesday, Sep. 27 Myers Module 22 (optional - Flip It: Theories of Hypnosis)
40 Studies: Acting as If You are Hypnotized
Wednesday, Sep. 28 Complete the Sleep Myths Quiz and Am I Sleep Deprived Questionnaire, then read Myers Module 23.
Thursday, Sep. 29 Myers Module 24
40 Studies: To Sleep, No Doubt to Dream
Night Homeplay Assignment Myers Online Activities
Friday, Sep. 30 Read the article “The Power of Sleep” then go to bed earlier than usual!!
Monday, Oct. 3 Flip It: Why Do We Dream?
Tuesday, Oct. 4 Myers Module 25
Wednesday, Oct. 5 Begin reading the article “How Addiction Hijacks the Brain’s Reward System.”
Thursday, Oct. 6 Finish reading the article.
Friday, Oct. 7 *Psychsim 5: Your Mind on Drugs
Flip It: Neurotransmitters and Drugs
Monday, Oct. 10 Flip It: The Psychology of Addiction
Tuesday, Oct. 11 Read the article “No End in Sight: The Abuse of Prescription Narcotics.”
Wednesday, Oct. 12 Complete and turn in:
Psychsim 5 activity
Vocabulary/Key Contributors
Essential Questions 6 - 9