Biopsychology: The Biological Basis of Human Behavior

This course investigates human behavior from a perspective emphasizing biological mechanisms, which underlie the conscious choices we make. Various daily biological and physiological needs necessitate a balanced interaction between our bodies and minds. In this course, we will study human nature as a singular mind/body unit, with the hypothesis that consciousness can be molded by physiological function. Conversely, it also holds true that the body is influenced by our consciousness. Hence, there is the continual dynamic dance between the tangible and intangible components of our self-awareness. Emotional health and physical health are integrally related as one depends upon the other. Various components of behavior will be reviewed, such as the nervous system and brain, the biochemistry of behavior, motivated behavior, learning and communication, and physiological/neurological disorders. Completion of BI 114 or 141 strongly recommended