GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF BIOPSYCHOLOGY
Biopsychology is the study of how the anatomical and physiological characteristics of a person affects their psychology.
Our "state of mind" is affected by physical characteristics.
At different stages in both a child's and adult's development, aspects of the bodies physical nature will change, and the nature of a person's psychology will also change in response to those changes. Injuries, illnesses, or abnormal physical development can all have affects upon a person's psychology as well.
Who needs to understand Biopsychology?
Anyone who deals with people will enhance their understanding of the people they deal with through an understanding of biopsychology.
People involved in welfare services, counselling and child services (eg. teachers, youth leaders etc) in particular can find a greater understanding of this subject to be very useful. By studying this course you will develop your ability to comprehend the way in which a person’s state of mind influences their physical body, and the way in which their physical body affects their state of mind.
There are obvious, observable or measurable associations between the physiology and the psychology of a person. For example, the mind and emotions can be affected by chemical processes caused by different foods, such as the soothing effects of bananas and carbohydrates. Intake of other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs, can affect the psychological state of a person. On the other hand, emotions can cause physiological responses. For instance, when people become stressed, their blood vessels may contract and the heart rate may increase. It has also been shown that focusing on positive thoughts such as love, appreciation or gratitude can cause immediate improvement in immune system function and regulate heart rhythm.
An external studies course to develop the learner's ability to comprehend how an understanding of the way in which a person’s state of mind influences their physical body; and the way in which their physical body affects their state of mind.
Lesson Structure
There are 7 lessons in this course:
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Introduction
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Types of external and internal stimuli, mind-body debate, introduction to the nervous system.
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The senses
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Sensory input, sensory perception, description of the major senses.
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The Nervous System
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Description of the neurons, the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, including the autonomic nervous system.
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The Endocrine System
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Effect of hormones on behaviour and physiology, association of endocrine system and nervous system, connection between external and internal stimuli.
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Stress
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Types of stressors, physical affects of stress, personality & stress.
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Emotions
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Homeostasis, eating disorders, physiological responses to emotions, theories of emotion.
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Consciousness
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Degrees of consciousness, awareness & attention, altered states of consciousness.
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
What You Will Do
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Explain what is meant by the mind-body debate and consider various theories.
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Explain how different people can perceive the same stimulus in different ways, due to biological differences between them.
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Explain how the condition and functioning of the nervous system can affect the psychology of an individual.
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Explain the function of sensory and motor neurons.
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Explain the functioning of the cerebellum, the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
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Identify which brain structures are present in the limbic system, and their main functions.
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Explain how dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine act as neurotransmitters.
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Explain how the condition and functioning of the endocrine system can affect the psychology of an individual.
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Describe the relationship between psychological stress and the physical response of the body.
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Discuss the relationship between emotions and the physical nature of the body.
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Discuss the relationship between consciousness and the physical nature of the body.
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Describe the effect of three psychoactive drugs on the Central Nervous System.
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Explain how the autonomic nervous system works in terms of its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Some Sample Course Notes -
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Arguments against Animal Research
*Some researchers argue that if abandoning animal research means we don’t learn some things, so be it.
* We have no basic right to harm animals.
*There are dissimilarities between humans and animals – critics have said that there are differences between the brains of animals and humans to make the research irrelevant.
*Some argue that the pain and suffering caused to the animals if never justifiable.
*It has been argued that not enough is being done with legislation to protect animals. Regan (1983) argued that we do not need larger, cleaner cages, but empty cages.
*If researchers were not allowed to use animals in research, they would have to develop other methods to replace them. CAT, MRI and PET scans are real alternatives to animal research.
*David Hume (a philosopher) argued that not using animals in our research is the way for us to evolve further.
*Animals have their own inherent value. They deserve to be treated with respect and not be harmed.
*Many ethical guidelines will look at the cost (to the animals) compared with the benefits (to humans). If the benefits are thought to outweigh the costs, then the research will often be approved by an ethics committee. However, by doing this, we are committing speciesism – ie. one species is better and worth more than another.
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