Body and Behaviour
Volledige vakbeschrijving
What causes jetlag? Why do you feel like having a cup of soup? How come smokers are so hooked on their cigarettes? These and other questions will be answered during the course Body and Behaviour. This course mainly studies biological explanations for behaviour based on themes such as sexuality, eating and drinking, sleeping and waking, medication, movement and addiction. Knowledge of the biological basis of behaviour is essential for psychologists. The most important structure for explaining human behaviour is our brain. However, establishing a link between electrical and neurochemical activities in our brain to behaviour is no easy task. You need sound knowledge of neuroanatomy (how parts of the brain are in connection to one another), neurophysiology (how brain cells operate), and neurotransmission (how brain cells communicate). During the first few weeks of the course, special attention will be paid to the (further) development of this basic knowledge. Students will also learn that knowledge of the biological basis of human behaviour does not only come from research on humans, but also on animals. Finally, research methods used by psychologists to study the biological basis of behaviour will be touched upon. Today, psychologists are able to carefully study the structure and function of the brain using these methods. The most important methods will be discussed and the pros and cons will be compared.
Doelstellingen van dit vak
Knowledge about: Basic neuroanatomy, anatomical views and positions, anatomy and function of a neuron, foundations of neurotransmission, mechanisms of medication, sensorimotor system, reflex arc , systems neuroscience, sleep and sleep stadia, circadian rhythms, hunger and thirst, homeostasis, conditioning, addiction, basic genetics, hormones, sexual development, overview of research methods in neuroscience.
Aanbevolen literatuur
Breedlove, S.M., Rosenzweig, M.R., & Watson, N.V. (2007). Biological psychology (5th ed.). Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates; Pinel, J.P.J. (2008). Biopsychology (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall; Carlson, N.R. (2013). Physiology of Behavior (11th revised ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education; E-reader.