Lesson 2: Biopsychology


Attention

Many consider the brain to be the most complex object in the universe!

brain

"The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around" ----Thomas Edison

"If the brain were so simple that we could understand it we would be simple we couldn't" ----Emerson Pugh

"The brain is the most complicated kilo of matter in the universe" ----Anonymous in Memory (1999)

"The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office" ----Robert Frost


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify the neuron as the basis for neural communication
  • Describe how information is transmitted and integrated in the nervous system
  • Classify the major divisions and subdivisions of the nervous system
  • Assess the effects of heredity and environment on behavior

Teaching

This video describes the basic ways in which our brains operate
Click HERE to view this video directly on YouTube  

Cranial Nerves Handout (optional)

Although the use of this resource is often frowned upon, this particular presentation is very good
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron


Diagram of the Neuron

Here is a link to the journal titled "Neuron". There are lots of free articles to learn much more about the cutting edge of neuron research!
http://www.cell.com/neuron/

Here is a podcast on Brain Science that you can subscribe to! (Recent topics include interviews with top neuroscientists!)
http://brainsciencpodcast.wordpress.com/

BRAIN FACTS
This is a comprehensive document published by the Society for Neuroscience. It is a great resource for all things related to the brain!

 

This video is specifically about how the "action potential" aspect of a neuron's firing system works!
Click HERE to view this video directly on YouTube

This video describes the process of how action potentials bring about the release of neurotranmitters between one neuron and the next.
Click HERE to view this video directly on YouTube  


Assessment

Potential Class Discussion - Otherwise ignore this material

In all of Psychology we hear of the "debate" between Nature (that our traits arise mainly from our genetics) and Nurture (that our traits arise mainly from our environment) The truth is, Psychology has adopted the "Interactionist Perspective" in that both the Nature and Nurture aspects of our selves interact with one another. In this discussion I would like you to identify skills that you have. To what degree do you think that these are a function of your biology (inheritance of "good brain") and to what degree do you think these are a function of environment (creating a "good brain" with education, training, or experience) and to what degree do you think that these two forces have interacted to create the unique skill that YOU have.

Just for fun, check out this interesting article on the relationship between height (genetic) and leadership (trait)