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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PS/NS 370-2"
COURSE NAME: "Psychobiology"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2025
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Francesco Gentile
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisites: PS 210 with a grade of C- or above
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course provides an overview of the field of psychobiology. Drawing
both from the biological and psychological sciences, the course
introduces students to the structures and functions of the central and
peripheral nervous systems, with a focus on how they influence mental
processes and behavior.
Students will gain the foundational knowledge to understand how
biological processes inform the human experience. They will learn how
the activity of neurons can yield simple motor actions as well as
complex behavioral states and functions (e.g., motivation).
Sample topics include: the basic anatomy of the nervous system, neural
communication, brain development, as well as the neural basis of
sensation, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, sleep and
consciousness.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The first part of the course focus on the key biological factors influencing behavior, namely ontogenetic, physiological, evolutionary, and functional aspects. In the second part of the course, aggressive, empathic and sex and reproductive behaviors are examined through these various biological lenses.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understand the key concepts, principles, and theories in psychobiology as well as the application of psychobiology research.
- Understand the questions addressed and critically evaluate the methods used in psychobiology.
- Understand and evaluate psychobiology research, including quantitative data (e.g., statistics, graphs, tables).
- Accurately summarize and present information from psychological sources.
- Demonstrate awareness of the ethical issues associated with psychobiology research.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| Biological Psychology | James W. Kalat | Cengage Learning | 1111831009 | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Quizzes | | 15 |
| Midterm | | 60 |
| Group presentation | | 15 |
| Participation | | 10 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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- Week 1: Introduction + Action Potential
- Week 2: Synapses
- Week 3: Nervous system anatomy
- Week 4: Genetics
- Week 5: Development
- Week 6: Evolution
- Week 7: Vision
- Week 8: Audition
- Week 9: Other Senses
- Week 10: Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
- Week 11: Aggressive Behavior
- Week 12: Sex and reproductive Behavior
- Week 13: Empathic Behavior
- Week 14: Review of course material for the final exam
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