Module 2.1 Overview: Biology and psychology

Overview

In this module, the main goal is to learn about how neurochemistry impacts human psychology. Your lecture and assignment this module is around the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which is about the intersection between neurochemistry and learning. It is presented again in Chapter 5 of your book, but I want to introduce it to you now so that you can start using this knowledge!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Describe the structure of neurons and explain how they operate.
Analyze the differences between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Describe the endocrine system.
Discuss the various technological devices used to study the brain.
Describe the three major regions and two hemispheres of the brain.
Describe the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
Describe the influence of genetics on human functioning.
Compare and contrast behavior genetics and molecular genetics.
Discuss how sex and race differences are controversial topics in genetic research.

To-Do List

To meet the objectives of this module, you will complete the following activities and assessments:

Review the lecture, videos, and other materials in the module.
Complete the chapter reading.
Participate in the Discussion, "Yerkes-Dodson Law," initial post due Wednesday at 11:59pm and reply post due Saturday at 6pm.
Complete the Module Quiz on the week's chapter.

Tips

Every module in Canvas can be navigated by the "Previous" and "Next" buttons at the bottom of each page. It's best to move through the module by clicking the Next button in the lower right corner.
You can see an overview of the entire course at any time by clicking the Modules link in the Course Navigation menu.

Schedule

You should expect to spend at about 7 - 10 hours to complete all the learning activities of each module. Check the weekly announcement for details of what is due and when.

Need Help?

Remember you can always tap into your classmates or me via the Student Lounge or Q & A Discussion (use the Discussions navigation link).
Need some support? Check out some of my favorite student resources, from tutoring to food shelves!
Questions for me? Come to office hours (check CityZoom for time or contact me via Canvas Inbox for another time to meet). There is no code for entry and you will be in the waiting room until I admit you. Typically this will be immediate, but if I am already speaking to someone you will have to wait. I will meet with everyone who is waiting even if we go past time!