Neuroscience
This unit includes the following chapters.
“Why It Matters: Neuroscience” is an introduction on the biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.
“Introduction to Neural Communication” is an introduction to the basic structures of a neuron and the function of each structure.
“Neurons” explains the role and function of the basic structures of a neuron.
“How Neurons Communicate” describes how neurons communicate with each other and explains how drugs act as agonists or antagonist for a given neurotransmitter system.
“Introduction to the Nervous System and the Endocrine System” is an introduction to the role of the nervous system and the endocrine system.
“Parts of the Nervous System” subdivides the parts of the nervous system and describes the differences between them.
“The Endocrine System” describes the endocrine system and its primary responsibilities within the body.
“Introduction to the Parts of the Brain” is an overview on the parts of the brain.
“Brain Hemispheres” explains the two hemispheres of the brain, lateralization, and plasticity.
“Lobes of the Brain” identifies the location and function of the lobes of the brain.
“The Limbic System and Other Brain Areas” identifies and describes the role of the parts of the limbic system, the midbrain, and hindbrain.
“Brain Imaging” describes the types of techniques available to clinicians and researchers to scan the brain.
“Introduction to Nature and Nurture” is an introduction on how nature, nurture, and epigenetics influence personality and behavior.
“The Nature-Nurture Question” explains the historic nature vs. nurture debate.
“Human Genetics” explains the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection, genetic variation, and mutation.
“Gene-Environment Interactions” describes epigenetics and examines how gene-environment interactions are critical for expression of physical and psychological characteristics.
“Putting It Together: Biopsychology” gives a summary of the learning objectives covered throughout the unit.
“Discussion: Biopsychology” gives and assignment to write a post and to respond to the posts of 2 classmates.
