PSYC 2001 - Brain Science Foundations

Credits: 1
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 0
Course Description: This course is a description and discussion of the brain’s influence on behavior and mental processes. The focus is on how the brain and nervous system contribute to psychological functioning, both normal and pathological. This is an introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience, the multidisciplinary study of how the brain affects cognition and other mental states. Topics include the history and philosophy of brain research, how neurons and synapses work, brain anatomy and localization of function, the cerebral hemispheres, split-brain research, brain evolution and development, the role of genetics, and the most recent findings in the science of the brain.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: PSYC 1020 .

Major Content

1. Brain anatomy localization of function
2. Brain cells neurons, synapses, neural networks
3. Brain evolution and brain development
4. The cerebral hemispheres and the corpus callosum (split-brain)
5. The history and philosophy of cognitive neuroscience
6. The influence of genetics on brain and psychological functions

1. describe the basic facts of brain evolution.
2. articulate the role that genetic factors play in brain development and psychological processes.
3. describe the primary lateralized functions of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres and the brain’s basic anatomical parts.
4. explain the fundamental changes in brain that occur throughout the life span.
5. describe the history and philosophy of cognitive neuroscience, including influential researchers and key ideas.
6. describe the basic functioning of a neuron and a synapse.
7. compare and contrast the basic parts of the limbic system and their primary functions.
8. illustrate the areas of the cerebral cortex for motor, somatosensory, auditory, language, and visual functions.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

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