Biopsychology                                              Instructor:  Donette Steele, M.A.

Fall 2009                                                      Phone: (562) 856-8122

                                                                   Email: donette.steele@verizon.net

REQUIRED TEXT: Brain and Behavior by Bob Garrett -2^nd edition

RECOMMENDED TEXT: Brain and Behavior Study Guide by Bob Garrett

ASSIGNMENTS                TOPICS                               MEETING DATES

Chapter 1              What is Biopsychology?                   Aug. 18, 20 & 25

Chapter 2   Communication Within the  Nervous System       Aug.  27 & Sept. 1   

Chapter 3      The Functions of the Nervous System        Sept. 3 & 8

Chapter 4      The Methods and Ethics of Research         Sept.   10, 15, & 17

Chapter 5      Drugs, Addiction, and Reward                    Sept.   22,  24 & 29

Chapter 6      Motivation and Regulation of Internal States        Oct. 1 & 6

Chapter 7      Biology of Sex and Gender                         Oct.  8, 13 & 15

Chapter  8     Emotion and Health                                   Oct. 20 & 22

Chapter  15    Sleep and Consciousness                         Oct.  27 & 29

Chapter 11    Body Senses and Movement                      Nov.  3 & 5

Chapter 12     Learning and Memory                                Nov.   10 & 12

Chapter 13     Intelligence and Cognitive Functioning         Nov.  17 & 19

Chapter 14     Psychological Disorders                             Nov.  24, Dec. 1 & 3 

Chapter 9       Hearing and Language                                Dec.  8 & 10     

Final Date to be announced                

COMMUNICATION/OFFICE HOURS:  I will be available by appointment.  I may also be reached at (562) 856-8122.  I do not use the Cerritos Voice Mail or Email system so contact me at the above phone number or at donette.steele@verizon.net.  I will not receive any communications outside of the two listed.  Leave a return phone number if you call me and the best times to reach you.  The best way to reach me is by email.  I return email promptly. Note: I do not return calls to students if their phones do not accept private number calls. Do not call the Social Science Department with messages for me, the department does not accept messages.  Do not call or leave me a message if you miss a class, or to tell me you will not be in class, this is your responsibility and not mine.  Do not call me and ask me what the assignments are, the assignments are announced in class.  Pair up with another student and exchange phone numbers and/or email addresses and work with them to exchange necessary information you may need.

 EXAMS:  You will be taking one multiple-choice exam per chapter. You are responsible for the material in the textbook chapter, readings, films, and lectures.  Lectures are a valuable source of information for the exam, try not to miss a lecture.

 The Exam will be given at the beginning of the next class following the end of the lecture on the chapter.  Exams will be given at the beginning of class and you will have 45 minutes to complete the exam.  All exams will be turned in at 10:15am. No late exams accepted.  If you come late you may attempt to take the exam but it must be turned in at 10:15 am.  The Instructor may exercise her right to change exam completion time.

There is no talking during exam periods so come prepared to take the exams.  All items should be removed from your desk except for the exam, Scantron and pencil.  Scantron should be placed under your exam and only the answer you are working on should be uncovered.  You will need an 882 Scantron and a pencil.  Turn in your exam, Scantron and extra credit when you have finished the exam.  All exams must be in by 10:15 am.

If you have any questions ask the Instructor and not another student.  Once you pick up an exam you may not leave the classroom until you have completed the exam and turned it in.  Talking is not permitted. 

During an exam your Exam Paper must cover your Scantron.  Any Scantron not covered (except for the question you are working on) will be picked up by the Instructor and a grade of (0) F will be given to the student for the exam. 

FIRST EXAM:  On the back of your Scantron for the first exam you must list three other students, their phone number, and their email addresses.  Failure to do this will lower your first exam score by 25%.  These numbers are your class contacts - use them!

MISSED EXAMS: There will be no make-up Exams. There will be no exception to the policy so do not ask.   You will be able to drop your lowest two exam scores.  If you miss an exam your score will be zero (0).  This will count as one of your lowest exam scores and dropped.  You may do this for two exams or take each exam and drop your lowest two exam scores. 

EXTRA CREDIT:  There will be assigned extra credit for the exams.  Extra credit needs to be turned in with your Scantron at the end of the exam.  No late extra credit is accepted.  Do not ask if you can turn it in late as the answer is no.  Do not ask me at the end of the semester if there is any extra credit or assignment you can do in order to pass the class.  The answer is no.  If you do not have a passing grade in the class you do not have the basic knowledge of the subject necessary to pass the course. TERM PAPER:  A written term-paper is due on the day of the final.  The details will be announced in class.

TERM PAPER:  A written term-paper is due on the day of the final.  The details will be announced in class.  Term paper will be equal to four exam scores. 

CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY: Cell Phones should be turned off or set to vibrate mode in class.  Texting is not allowed in class.  If you text while taking an exam I will assign you the score of zero (0) on the exam.  Electronic devices of any kind are not allowed to be used  in an exam.  Electronic dictionaries are not allowed in an exam.   If you don’t understand a term in a question or don’t understand the question you are allowed to speak with me and I will attempt to help you to understand the question.  Do not ask another student for information during an exam.  If you speak during an exam I will assign you a score of zero (0) on the exam.  If you do not cover your exam with your Scantron (except for the answer you are working on) I will pick up your exam and assign you the score of (0) on the exam. 

 ATTENDANCE:  Attendance is mandatory according to academic policy.  If you miss more than 20% of the course meetings the Instructor may drop you or lower your semester grade.  If you are late to class, enter through the back door.  Do not walk in front of the Instructor during lecture.  Keep disruption to a minimum.    If role has been taken and you are not present you must (hand write) the Instructor, your name, class and the reason for being late or you will be counted as absent.  The Instructor monitors and tracks absences and late students and this may lower your semester grade.

DROPPING THE COURSE: The Instructor will only drop students not attending the first day of class.  If you should decide to drop the course you will need to complete the paperwork necessary to withdraw.  The Instructor will assign you the grade of F (Failing) if you do not officially withdraw from the course.  This is the student’s responsibility.  If your name is on the computerized grade sheet at the end of the semester the Instructor is not allowed to assign a W (Withdraw) and must assign a letter grade.