West Valley College_
Department of Psychology___
Michelle D. Reed
408.741.4029

Physiological Psychology

General Information:
Classes will be held twice weekly in Room LA/SS 21. Students who fail to attend the first class session will be dropped from the roster, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. After the first session, students who stop attending, but fail to formally drop the course with Admissions & Records will receive an F on their transcripts.
 
Course Description:
Physiological Psychology provides students with an understanding of human cognitive and behavioral activity from an in-depth biological perspective. Lecture Format: 3 units. Acceptable for credit: University of California; California State University. Course Number: Psych 007.
 
Course Objectives:
The student will be required to demonstrate an ability to analyze, synthesize and critically evaluate biological psychology concepts both in testing formats and practical applications. By the completion of the course, one must be able to explain the physiological substrates of behavior, critically analyze and evaluate research findings in selected topics of neuropsychology, and identify the fundamental aspects of abnormal psychology on a physiological level.
 
Office Hours:
Regular office hours will be held in Social Sciences office 2d on Mondays from 12:30-1:30 P.M., Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30 P.M., and Thursdays from 8:30-9:00 A.M. Appointments may also be scheduled on an individual basis. Students needing to schedule individualized appointments should call my voicemail a minimum of 24 hours in advance, in order to ensure I have received the request in time. Students are encouraged to discuss any difficulties or questions they may have regarding the course content. Prior to the beginning of the semester, students may also contact me via my e-mail address: [email protected]. Once the term begins, all email communication will occur from within Canvas at: https://wvm.instructure.com/login/canvas
 
Disability Statement:
West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.
 
Testing Format and Policy:

Students will be given four exams during the course, which will cover both lecture material and reading assignments. Each exam will consist of multiple choice; fill-in and short answer questions, as well as essays. Exams will be given at the beginning of the class period.

Students requiring a make-up exam will receive a 7.5% off their exam score, if taken by the next class session. For exams taken after that time, additional deductions will be taken for every calendar day. Makeup exams must be taken within 10 calendar days of the original test date; otherwise, a zero will be recorded for the given test. Students are allowed only one makeup exam during the term.
 
Grading Policy:

Student exams and papers will be graded on a slight curve, which is very close to a traditional percentage grading system. At the end of the semester, student test and term paper scores will be totaled. A final grade will be calculated based upon the total points earned out of 875 possible points. Although attendance and participation is not formally averaged into the grading process, it may be taken into consideration if the student's overall score falls on the boarder between two grades.

Category Total Points Per Category
3 Exams 600
Final Exam 200
Term Paper 75
Total Possible Points: 875*

*Although it is highly unlikely to occur, the instructor reserves the right to alter these (*) areas depending upon the needs of the class.

 
Cheating Policy:
Students caught cheating will receive an F for that exam or project. The zero will be averaged into the student's final grade. Additional repercussions from the college may also occur under such circumstances.
 
Required Texts and Materials:
Kalat, James W. (2016) Biological Psychology (12th Edition or later) ISBN: 9781305105409
Hull, Elaine M. Study Guide for Kalat's Biological Psychology (Recommended, not required)
A 16 page Blue Book (8 1/2 x 11"), Scantron (Form 882), No. 2 pencil, and a non-erasable pen are all required for all exams
 
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
  1. Analyze, synthesize and critically evaluate biological psychology concepts both in testing formats and practical applications.
  2. Explain the physiological substrates of behavior, critically analyze and evaluate research findings in selected topics of neuropsychology, and identify the fundamental aspects of abnormal psychology on a physiological level.

**Please Note: the instructor reserves the right to change any portion of the syllabus during the semester, in order to meet the needs of the given class.