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Psychology 275-A1: Brain and Behavior

Fall Term, 2023
MWF 9:00-9:50am
CCIS 1-440

Instructor: Dr. Erin N. Scully

Office: BS P-358
e-mail: escully@ualberta.ca
Office hours: Wednesdays @ 10:00am

Teaching Assistant (Office hours by appointment):

Katharine Stenstrom kstenstr@ualberta.ca
Note: Students are also encouraged to use the discussion board on eClass

Lecture Room & Time:

CCIS 1-440
MWF 9am

Course Description: An introduction to brain mechanisms involved in sensation,

perception, movement, motivation, learning, and cognition, as studied in both humans
and lower animals. Prerequisites: PSYCH 104 or SCI 100. [Faculty of Science]

Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes: In this course, students will
learn the key concepts and psychological vocabulary associated with each chapter we
cover. They will acquire critical thinking skills, helping them become informed
consumers of psychological information encountered in everyday life. They will practice
their academic writing skills and apply their knowledge to answer practical questions.

Recommended textbook: Garrett, B. & Hough, G. (2022). Brain & behavior: An

introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE
Publications, Inc.

Important Dates: See the current Calendar, which include the Registration Add/Drop
deadline and Withdrawal date.
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Tentative Schedule (subject to change ):

Week (tentative dates) Topic Readings

September 6 Introduction & course Outline

Review

September 8 & 11 Into to behavioral Chapter 1

neuroscience

September 13, 15, 18 Communication within the Chapter 2

nervous system

September 20, 22, 25, Organization and Function Chapter 3

October 2

October 4 Midterm #1 Chapters 1-3

October 6, 11 The methods and ethics of Chapter 4

research

October 13, 16, 18 Drugs, Addiction, and Chapter 5

Reward

October 20, 23, 25, Motivation and regulation of Chapter 6

internal states

October 27, 30, November 1 Emotion and Health Chapter 8

November 3 Midterm #2 Chapters 4-6, 8

November 6, 8 Body Senses and Movement Chapter 11

(Pt. 1)

November 13-17 Reading Week

November 20, 22, Body Senses and Movement Chapter 11

(Pt. 2)

November 24, 27, 29, Psychological Disorders Chapter 14

December 1

December 4, 6, 8 Sleep and Consciousness Chapter 15

Scheduled by Registrar** **Final Exam Cumulative

I reserve the right to make changes to this outline as the course progresses.
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Grade Evaluation:
Exam and assignment marks will be tallied at the end of the course and converted to the
4‐point/letter grade. The grading will be loosely based on the table below; however, we
reserve the right to apply adjustments using our expert judgement so your demonstrated
ability corresponds to the letter grade descriptors specified by Calendar section 23.4(4).
This course is NOT graded on a curve. Grades are unofficial until approved by the
Department and/or Faculty offering the course.

Percentage Grade University Grade Point Meaning

Grade Value

85 – 89.99, 90 – 94.99, 95 – 100 A-, A, A+ 3.7, 4.0, 4.0 Excellent

%

70 – 74.99, 75 – 79.99 , 80 – B-, B, B+ 2.7, 3.0, 3.3 Good

84.99 %

60 – 62.99, 63 – 66.99 , 67 – C-, C, C+ 1.7, 2.0, 2.3 Satisfactory

69.99 %

55 – 59.99 % D+ 1.3 Poor

50 – 54.99 D 1.0 Minimal pass

0 – 49.99 % F 0.0 Failure

Grades are unofficial until approved by the Department and/or Faculty offering the
course.

Grade Allocation________________________________________________________
Midterms (2) 25% Midterm 1: Wednesday October 4
25% Midterm 2: Friday November 3
Written Assignment 15% Wednesday, December 6 @ 11:59pm
**Final Exam 35% Final exam: TBA
(cumulative)_____________________________________________________________
Total 100%

Midterms (25% each) & Final Exam (35%)

Both of the midterms (October 4 & November 3) and the final (TBA) will cover material
from both the lectures and textbook up to and including the class prior to each
examination. These exams can consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, definition,
and short answer. Representative exam questions will be posted on eClass prior to the
first midterm. There is NO possibility of a reexamination in this course. The final exam
will be CUMULATIVE, however, the emphasis will be on materials from the latter third
of the course (i.e., lectures since Midterm 2).

A student who fails to write the MIDTERM due to incapacitating illness, severe
domestic affliction, or other compelling reasons must formally apply for an excused
absence. Excused absences are not automatic and are granted at the discretion of the
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instructor; unacceptable reasons that include but are not limited to personal events such
as vacations, weddings, or travel arrangements. For excused absence from the midterm
exam, the weight of the missed midterm will be transferred to the final exam. You must
contact the instructor via e-mail from your University of Alberta e-mail account within
48h following the scheduled date of the midterm missed to apply for this. Students who
have missed the midterm will be required to write a longer final exam that will include
additional questions from the first two-thirds of the term. When a student misses a
midterm without an acceptable excuse, a final grade will be computed using a raw score
of zero for the missed midterm.

A student who fails to write the FINAL EXAM due to incapacitating illness, severe
domestic affliction, or other compelling reasons must formally apply for a deferred final
examination. Such an application must be made to your Faculty office within 48 hours of
the missed examination and must be supported by a Statutory Declaration or other
appropriate documentation (Calendar section 23.5.6). Deferred examinations are a
privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be
granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of
the Code of Student Behaviour.

Note: For an excused absence where the cause is religious conviction, a student must
contact the instructor within two weeks of the start of classes to request accommodation
for the term (including the final exam, when relevant). Instructors can request adequate
documentation to substantiate the student request.
The midterms for this section of PSYCO 104 will be 50 minutes in length. The final
exam for this section of PSYCO 104 will be 2 hours in length. For students registered
with Accessibility Resources:
● If you have ANY accommodations, you MUST register this exam in
ClockWork by the required deadline and write your exam in a location determined by
the Accessibility Resources Exam Office.
● If you have any questions regarding this accommodation, please contact
Academic Success Centre-Accommodation Services (arrec@ualberta.ca).

Short Written Assignment (15%)

The written Assignment will be introduced in class in more detail. It will involve students
showing their critical thinking by applying course terms and ideas to topics presented in
mainstream media.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guidelines for Respectful Engagement:

The following is condensed content from the “Forum Decorum” document, created by
the Arts Pedagogy Working Group.

“Students from many different backgrounds participate in courses at the University of

Alberta. Sexist, racist, homophobic comments and other inflammatory remarks are not
conducive to learning in our courses, and are absolutely not permitted. All participants
are governed by the Code of Student Behaviour. Be mindful when discussions involve
controversial topics or issues, and consider the possibility that members of our
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community have themselves experienced some of these issues and/or very different
realities because of these issues. Participate in a respectful and considerate manner.

If you are witness to or the target of abusive or offensive behaviour in any course, please
inform your instructor immediately. You may also contact the Psychology
Undergraduate/Graduate Advisor, Associate Chair of Undergraduate/Graduate, or Chair.”

Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of

academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards
regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code
of Student Behaviour and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in
suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an
offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or
expulsion from the University.

All students should consult the Academic Integrity website for clarification on the
various offences. If you have any questions, ask your instructor. All forms of dishonesty
are unacceptable at the University. Any offence will be reported to the Associate Dean of
the Faculty, who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken (please refer to the
Academic Discipline Process.) Typical sanctions include conduct probation, a mark
reduction, a mark of zero on an assessment, a grade reduction, a grade of F in a course, a
remark on the transcript, and/or a recommendation for suspension or expulsion from the
University of Alberta.

Exams:
Students should refer to the Calendar information on Conduct of Exams for more
information.

Recording and/or Distribution of Course Materials: Audio or video recording, digital

or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is
allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved
accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or
used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to
be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the
content author(s).

STUDENT RESOURCES:

COVID-19 Information: Updates pertaining to university-related activities can be found

on the COVID-19 Information website

Student Services and Resources: General information about various student services,
including academic, financial, health and wellness, safety, and career development, can
be found on the website for Current Students. Additional information can be found on
the Campus Life website.

Academic Success Centre (1-80 SUB): The Academic Success Centre provides
professional academic support to help students strengthen their academic skills and
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achieve their academic goals. Individual advising, appointments, and group workshops
are available year round in the areas of Accessibility, Communication, Learning, and
Writing Resources. Modest fees apply for some services.

Academic Success Centre – Accommodation Services (1 – 80 SUB): The University of

Alberta is committed to creating work and learning communities that inspire and enable
all people to reach their full potential. The Academic Success Centre’s Accommodation
Services promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally designed environment. For
general information to register for services, visit the Academic Accommodations website.
Eligible students have both rights and responsibilities with regard to accessibility-related
accommodations. Consequently, scheduling exam accommodations in accordance
with Accommodation Services’ deadlines and procedures is essential, and adherence to
procedures and deadlines is required for U of A to provide accommodations. Please visit
the Accommodation Processes and Responsibilities website for further information.

Office of Universal Design and Accessibility Facilitation: In cases of temporary

conditions that hamper a student’s ability to complete an assignment or write an exam
(e.g., broken arm), the Office of Universal Design and Accessibility Facilitation can help
determine what temporary accommodations are required. To request assistance in such
cases, please email the Dean of Students Office at doshelp@ualberta.ca.

The Centre for Writers (1-42 Assiniboia Hall): offers free one-on-one writing support
to students, faculty, and staff. Students can request consultation for a writing project at
any stage of development. Instructors can request class visits and presentations.

Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights: provides confidential disclosure services
as well as advising and consulting on any issue relating to Human Rights, Discrimination,
Harassment, and Accommodation issues. There are several ways to contact them,
including anonymous options.

First Peoples’ House: provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations,

Métis, and Inuit learners to achieve personal and academic growth.

Health and Wellness Support: There are many health and community services available
to current students. For more information, visit the Health and Wellness Support for
Students website.

Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Upset? It is normal for us to have different mental health
experiences throughout the year, particularly as we adjust to returning to campus as we
move through a pandemic. Know that there are people who want to help. You can reach
out to your friends and access a variety of supports available on and off campus at the
Need Help Now webpage or by calling the 24-hour Distress Line: 780-482-4357
(HELP).

Office of the Student Ombuds: The Office of the Student Ombuds offers confidential
interviews, advice and support to students facing academic, discipline, interpersonal and
financial difficulties.
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LEARNING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Science are committed to
ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are able to work and study in an environment
that is safe and free from discrimination, harassment, and violence of any kind. It does
not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment. This includes virtual
environments and platforms.

The Department of Psychology believes that organizational diversity and excellence go

hand-in-hand. We are committed to identifying our limitations as a department in terms
of equity, diversity, and inclusion and making actionable changes to overcome these
limitations. We want all our constituents to feel welcome, safe, and valued in the core
activities of teaching, research, and administration. Please visit our EDI in Psychology
website for more information.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and
respects the histories, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all
First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading
System section of the University Calendar.

Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be
announced in class and/or posted on the course website (e.g., eClass). The date of the
final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination
date reported in this syllabus.

COPYRIGHT: Dr. Erin N. Scully, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science,

University of Alberta (2023).