Suggested readings:

· Shapiro, M. S. (2019). Biopsychology: Fundamentals and Contemporary Issues , 1st Edition. Flatworld Publishing.(opens in a new window) ISBNs: 9781453392942 (digital and online); 1453392939 (paperback)

· Sacks, O. (2021). The man who mistook his wife for a hat : And other clinical tales .(opens in a new window) Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

Assignment 1 – Apa 1 page

explore recognizable links between the brain and human behavior we’ll reflect on:

1. how relationships between brain and behavior are studied today, and

2. how basic and applied research in biopsychology provides an avenue for progress towards more compassionate mental healthcare.

Part 1

Answer the following two questions:

1. What were some of the earliest ways of thinking about relationships between the brain and behavior that caught your attention in Chapter 1 of the textbook?

2. After Rene Descartes provided a convincing case that the brain organizes human behaviors, others-like Galvani in the 1780’s-eventually explored these relationships in a scientifically reductionist style. For example, Galvani demonstrated that an electrical pulse could generate the movement of a leg. Explain why that incredible demonstration by Galvani is important, but also provide a reasonable explanation for why a holistic approach is also needed to further compliment an understanding of what actually “controls” when a leg is moved.

Part 2

For the second part of your, first take a moment to reflect on what has been learned about the brain since the beginning of the scientific revolution.

Next, describe how exciting new insight about the functions of our brain might relate to how we treat severe mental illnesses. Be sure to share your perspective on why we eventually, albeit recently, put behavior into a health category. As humans, do you think we developed a sense of behavioral health quickly enough? Also describe how you would respond if someone were to ask you about the current status of available treatments for mental health, would you say they are

Assignment 2 – 1 page

we explored how different types of cells are represented within our nervous system: an incredibly diverse and dynamic world of cells. Please reflect on:

1. how neurons are different from other cells in the human body, and

2. how glial cells provide essential services for the healthy functioning of our nervous system.

Be sure to include all details outlined below.

Part 1

Specifically, in the first part name and describe in some detail at least four specialized cellular components of a typical neuron, being sure to include the dendrites. Based on what you have learned this week, speculate one possible consequence of a neuron having half of the number of dendrites than another otherwise identical neuron.

Part 2

It may have seemed surprising this to learn that there are literally tons of proteins that not only function within cells like our favorite neurons and glia, but that large numbers of proteins are also strategically located within these cells’ membranes. We will be talking a lot more about membrane-bound proteins in the future. But for now, let’s just consider how dynamic and critical the continuous production, digestion, and recycling of proteins actually is for brain cells. Specifically, in the case of oligodendrocytes, the manufacturing of myelin—that insulation along axons of nearby neurons—is vitally important for supplying neurons with an ability to communicate with each other. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder whereby motor and cognitive functions are gradually and permanently impaired for an individual.

In this second part, provide an explanation for how a disorder like MS is largely caused by an inability of oligodendrocytes to continue providing myelinated tissue in the adult brain. In other words, at this time in our course how would you try to convey a relationship between oligodendrocytes, the production of an incredibly important protein called myelin, and our ability to physically move around with purpose?

Assignment 3 – 1 page

The evolution of the brain has depended on the allowance of strategies that pertain to, well, survival. In Chapter 2 we read about the amygdala helping to remember things like environmental threats or stimuli that produce a fear response. This can be plenty helpful when learning that lions and other big cats are not sleeping in the early mornings and later in the evenings. The unconscious shiver produced on a beautiful morning in a lush orchard may just turn out be lifesaving if it prompted the right memory back in the year 10,000 BCE.

Prompt

answer the following questions:

Part 1

1. What if cells in the amygdala never developed an ability to change with experience? In other words, what if they could not undergo any biological processes associated with learning?

2. How would not having an ability to predict a possible threat affect human behaviors today?

3. Conversely, consider what it might be like to have a really enhanced, out-of-this world, phenomenal, super-sensitive capability to learn everything and anything that might be considered a threat?

Part 2

1. In what ways is the human brain different from other species (non-primate and non-human primate)?

2. What seems to be the most developed features of the human brain?

3. Why is a convoluted brain better than a smooth one? For this last question please be sure to cite at least one reference to support your argument. Your reference can pertain to any publication you care to find and delve into.

Assignment 4 – 1 page

Explain how action potentials are generated and then propagated along axons. Include what the difference would be in an action potentials’ strength between myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. Try to include the role nodes of Ranvier play in this propagation. Briefly describe how action potentials trigger neurotransmitter release at synapses and the subsequent impact of their release on postsynaptic neurons.

Topic 2

Alcohol affects a specific type of receptor called the GABA-A receptor on the neuron’s membrane. The GABA-A receptor provides a very strong inhibitory signal; thus, it generally pushes the negative charge of neurons even further below their usual resting state. Based on what we have been reading this week (and last week), how would you describe the effects of alcohol at a low dose (below the ‘legal limit of 0.08 BAC) and its ability to reduce social anxiety?

Keep in mind how we’ve discussed that too much excitation is frequently associated with psychological disorders and maladaptive mental processes that occur in, for instance, generalized anxiety and clinical depression. Feel free to mention how people noticeably change in response to a little bit of alcohol. Remember, we are talking about low doses of alcohol here, not intoxicating, behaviorally disruptive doses of alcohol!

Guidelines for Assignments 1–4 (Biopsychology)

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Assignment 1: Brain and Behavior (1 page, APA)

Objective: Explore links between the brain and human behavior, both historically and in modern research, with reflection on mental healthcare.

Part 1 Guidelines:

1. Identify early theories linking brain and behavior from Chapter 1 of your textbook. Examples: phrenology, mind-body dualism, humoral theory.

2. Highlight ideas that caught your attention and briefly explain why.

3. Discuss Galvani’s experiment:

   • Explain how electrical stimulation caused muscle contraction.

   • Justify why this was revolutionary for understanding neurophysiology.

   • Include a holistic perspective: how behavior also depends on higher-level integration of perception, cognition, emotion, and environment.

Part 2 Guidelines:

1. Reflect on major insights since the scientific revolution: neuron function, synapses, brain mapping.

2. Discuss how modern neuroscience informs mental healthcare (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia).

3. Address why behavioral health is now categorized as a medical concern.

4. Reflect personally: do you think humans recognized the importance of behavioral health quickly enough?

5. Evaluate the current status of mental health treatments (medication, therapy, emerging technologies).

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Assignment 2: Neurons and Glia (1 page, APA)

Objective: Examine cellular components of the nervous system and their roles.

Part 1 Guidelines:

1. Identify at least four specialized parts of a neuron:

   • Dendrites

   • Soma (cell body)

   • Axon

   • Axon terminals

2. Describe function for each part.

3. Speculate consequences if a neuron has fewer dendrites: reduced synaptic input, slower signal integration, impaired processing.

Part 2 Guidelines:

1. Explain glial cell functions, emphasizing oligodendrocytes.

2. Connect myelin production to neural communication efficiency.

3. Discuss Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

   • Loss of myelin → slower conduction → impaired motor/cognitive function.

   • Connect protein synthesis in glia to neuron function.

4. Make your explanation clear and accessible, showing cellular dysfunction leads to behavioral/motor symptoms.

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Assignment 3: Brain Evolution and Learning (1 page, APA)

Objective: Explore evolutionary brain functions, especially threat detection and learning.

Part 1 Guidelines:

1. Discuss amygdala’s role in learning fear responses.

2. Consider what happens if:

   • Cells cannot change with experience → impaired learning, reduced threat response.

   • Cells have extreme sensitivity → heightened threat detection, possibly anxiety-prone.

3. Link biological function to human behavior today: risk assessment, survival strategies.

Part 2 Guidelines:

1. Compare the human brain to non-human species: size, neocortex development, problem-solving capacity.

2. Highlight most developed features: prefrontal cortex, language centers, social cognition.

3. Explain why convoluted (folded) brains are advantageous:

   • More cortical surface area → greater processing power.

   • Support with at least one credible source.

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Assignment 4: Action Potentials and Alcohol Effects (1 page, APA)

Objective: Explain neural signaling and alcohol’s effects on inhibitory pathways.

Part 1 Guidelines – Action Potentials:

1. Explain how an action potential is generated:

   • Resting potential → depolarization → repolarization → hyperpolarization.

2. Explain propagation along axons:

   • Myelinated vs. unmyelinated fibers (speed, saltatory conduction).

   • Role of nodes of Ranvier.

3. Describe how action potentials trigger neurotransmitter release:

   • Presynaptic terminal → synaptic cleft → postsynaptic neuron response.

Part 2 Guidelines – Alcohol and GABA-A:

1. Explain GABA-A receptor function: inhibitory signal → hyperpolarization.

2. Describe low-dose alcohol effects: mild inhibition reduces social anxiety, increases relaxation.

3. Connect to psychological disorders: too little inhibition → anxiety, excessive excitation.

4. Provide examples of observable behavioral changes with low-dose alcohol (reduced tension, increased sociability).

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General APA Guidelines for All Assignments

• 1 page per assignment, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman.

• Include in-text citations and a references page (APA 7th edition).

• Use credible sources: textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, reputable websites.

• Begin with an introduction sentence summarizing your approach; end with a concluding reflection.

• Use clear headings (e.g., Part 1, Part 2) for organization.

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