Biological Foundations

 a. Discuss the major divisions and sub-divisions of the nervous system and their role in behavior, include: central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral [autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) and somatic]. 

b. Identify the components and function of a neuron. 

c. Explain the process of neurotransmission, include: action potentials and synaptic transmission. 

d. Identify the major structures and functions of the brain. 

e. Describe the methods used to analyze neural form and function: include the MRI, fMRI, PET, CAT, and EEG. 

f. Examine the role of genetics in the development of behaviors.

 a. Identify altered states of consciousness, include: sleeping, dreaming, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback, and mind-altering substances. 

b. Describe the sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. 

c. Explain theories of sleeping and dreaming. 

d. Investigate the validity of hypnosis. 

e. Analyze the physical and psychological issues associated with addiction. 

f. Explain how the major drug classes (stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens) affect neurotransmission and behaviors.

 a. Categorize and explain the different physiological and psychological reactions to stress. 

b. Identify strategies to deal with stress that promote health, include: coping strategies and behavioral modification.

 a. Describe the basic structures of the eye and ear, the associated neural pathways, and the process of sensory transduction. 

b. Recognize causes which can lead to hearing and vision deficits: include environmental causes, aging, genetics, diet, disease, and trauma.

c. Describe the major theories associated with visual and auditory sensation and perception: include threshold theory, opponent process theory, trichromatic theory of vision, frequency theory, volley theory and place theory of hearing.

d. Identify additional senses, include: smell, taste and touch.

e. Analyze different perceptual illusions and describe why illusions are important for our understanding of perception.

f. Compare top-down and bottom-up processing. 

 a. Compare and contrast the biological, cognitive/learning, and humanistic perspectives of motivation. 

b. Compare and contrast theories of emotion, include: James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Singer-Schachter’s Two Factor.