Bio Psy #73733

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Welcome!

Biological Psychology PSYC 202 / 73733

Instructor: Brent LaMon, Ph.D.

Contact information

Email Address: blamon@cuesta.edu

Phone Number:  (805) 541-3600 ext: 2681

Office Location/ Hours: Building 6200, room 6201, days & hours TBD

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

The best and fastest way to contact me is email.  I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only.  During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours.  On weekends, I may be able to get back to you but I cannot guarantee an immediate response. 

Course Environment:

This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.

Class opens / Accessing Canvas:

Prior to the Monday classes start 8/17/2020, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions on the course home page.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after 8/17/2020 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com  

Online Learning: 

If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes, exams) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings.  Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week minimum on coursework for this transfer-level college class.

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? 

  • First, go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced)Links to an external site.,  there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)

Regular Effective Contact policy:

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through a variety of weekly instructor-initiated methods that may include:  threaded discussion forums; announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.

Many class activities will require students to stay current in text book and other assigned readings, lecture PowerPoint presentations, discussion forum participation and other class activities that require timely response, and so students should plan to log-in to class a minimum of several times each week for the duration of the course to stay current with course requirements and due dates.

Course Description

The course presents an analysis of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes in terms of evolutionary, genetic, anatomical and physi­ological determinants. Topics will examine heredity, development, cognitive processes, and the function of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe and analyze the basic theoretical perspectives, research findings, ethical issues and vocabulary of biological psychology. (Theory/Content/ Values)

  1. Evaluate the scientific research methods used to study the evolutionary, genetic, developmental, anatomical and physiological bases of behavior and mental processes. (Scientific thinking/Research Methods)
  2. Describe the basic structure and physiology of the nervous and endocrine systems and the techniques used for the analysis of brain function and behavior. (Theory/content)
  3. Describe the anatomical and physiological processes responsible for different aspects of cognition and behavior; including sensory-motor processes, regulation of body systems, memory, emotion, motivation and pathological conditions associated with various psychological disorders. (Applications)

Text Book and Materials

TEXT: Biopsychology (10th ed.). J. Pinel & S. Barnes, Pearson Publ., 2018. ISBN-9780134203690

Students should be able to use a personal computer with internet access for the duration of the course and not attempt to rely on a cell phone as their primary means to access the Canvas course content.

Technical Support

Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using a phone or using an unsupported browser.

 

Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome browser software.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site. for Canvas applications.

Accommodations:

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148.

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy:  In addition to my course policies described in the syllabus, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site. and other college policies listed on the Student Affairs page of the Cuesta College web site.

Add / Drop Policy:  In addition to the course policy described in the syllabus, please review the Cuesta policy for drops and withdrawals:    Add Policy  Links to an external site.   Drop Policy  Links to an external site.

Waitlist Policy:  Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.:  

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