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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS/NS 370 - 2"
COURSE NAME: "Psychobiology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Eleonora Vagnoni
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 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:
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.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

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.

Sample topics include: the basic anatomy of the nervous system, the neural basis of sensation, perception, learning, memory, emotion, the neural plasticity and the brain after a lesion.
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 and neuropsychology.

-    Understand and evaluate psychobiology research

-    Accurately summarize and present information from psychological sources.

-    Demonstrate awareness of the ethical issues associated with psychobiology research.

 

 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Final ExamA cumulative final exam, covering all the material composed of a set of short questions, involving either multiple choice or short textual answers.30
Midterm 1Midterm exam. The Exam is non-cumulative and covers only the content covered in the course up until that week.20
Midterm 2Midterm exam. The Exam is non-cumulative and covers only the content covered in the course up until that week.20
Flipped ClassroomAssessment based on attendance and participation in class. Particular weight will be given to the flipped session, in which students will have to complete a problem-based task in class using the information they read before the class.30

-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 ____________
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.
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.
SCHEDULE

Introduction, action potential and synapses

Central Nervous System Anatomy

Methods Used in Psychobiology

Sensation and Perception

Learning, Memory and Amnesia

The Frontal Lobe

Spring Break

Motor System

Peripersonal Space

The Neural Basis of Emotions

Deficits After Brain Lesion

Neural Plasticity

Sleep and Dreaming

Review Material Final Exam

Final Exam