Lesson 3: Biopsychology
Attention
Many consider the brain to be the most complex object in the universe!
"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:
- Categorize personal behavior traits as being inherited or learned or both.
- Describe the interaction between the biological and environmental forces that have shaped a single personal trait.
- Describe the basic process of neuron transmission.
- Match the name and function of the major neurotransmitters
- Match the name and function of major structures in the brain.
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/
Click HERE to check out the Genes to Cognition Online website developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Very cool 3D imaging of the brain and the capability to look up disorders of the brain as well!
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 describes the process of how action potentials bring about the release of neurotransmitters between one neuron and the next.
Click HERE to view this video directly on YouTube
Assessment
Lesson 3 Discussion
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.
Share your perspective on some of your own traits and the degree to which they are inherited or learned.
Lesson 3 Quiz
Use the above listed resources to answer each of the following questions.
- Describe the biochemicalelectrical process of neuron communication (this can be a very complex description.)
- Match the name and function of the major neurotransmitters.
- Match the name and function of the major structures of the brain.