GPS 505 - Physiological Basis of Behavior

The course focuses on current topics in the area of experimental psychology with an emphasis on the biological correlates of psychopathology. The goal is to educate students about basic neurophysiology by evaluating the medical treatment of the major psychological disorders. The process of drug discovery is described in detail with a cursory review of both pre-clinical (animal) and clinical-trial data. The strengths and weaknesses of current physiological theories of depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and substance-abuse related disorders are discussed.

Prerequisites:
Bachelor’s Degree, Introduction to Psychology and Physiological Psychology or its equivalent.

Credits: 3 cr.

Miscellaneous Notes:
The instructor recommends reviewing Neil R. Carlson’s Physiology of Behavior text prior to enrolling in this course.

When Offered: Fall