Psychological Science: Hormones and Behavior (A)

About PSYS 3205 A

A study of the involvement of hormones in cognition, emotion, the stress response, circadian and homeostatic mechanisms that affect mental state, psychopathology, and reproductive behavior. Prerequisites: PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002; PSYS 2200, NSCI 2100, or NSCI 2105.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: PSYS 2000 or 2002 and PSYS 2200, NSCI 2100, or NSCI 2105; Junior and Senior standing only; PSYS and NEUR majors and minors only; System waitlisting enabled for this section. PACE students by permission and override.

Section Description

In this course we will study a broad range of topics in behavioral neuroendocrinology, which will allow us to develop a sufficient background to be able to understand most of the basic scientific literature on the diverse subjects that we learn about.
We will talk about hormonal involvement in cognition, emotion, the stress response, circadian and homeostatic mechanisms, psychopathology and reproductive behavior. Hormone- and brain structure- based sex differences will be discussed with respect to all the above-mentioned topics.
It is my goal to help you understand this growing and important field of study as it relates to both neuroscience and psychology. It is my hope that you will find this course both intellectually challenging and fascinating.

Section Expectation

Learning Goal 1. Students will develop an understanding of basic endocrinology and neuroendocrinology and how these systems affect behavior in animals as well as people.
Learning Goal 2. Students will be able to read and understand basic empirical scientific papers on hormones and behavior.
Learning goal 3. Students will learn how to present the findings of an empirical scientific paper to classmates in a professional and cogent manner.

Evaluation

In order to achieve Learning Goal 1: One midterm exam (15% grade) on the course material up to that point, and another comprehensive exam worth 25% covering the rest of the course material will be given on the last day of class.
Class participation (coming to class and being involved in class activities such as case studies and discussions of the assigned scientific papers) 30% (This is Learning Goal 2 and constitutes a very important component to the course)
A class presentation (in teams of 3-4), and an in-depth write-up of, a scientific paper (30% final grade) (Learning Goal 3). Groups and scientific papers will be decided early in the course and some class time will be available for teams to work on their papers and presentations).

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

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