Mind and Brain Description and Syllabus
Mind and Brain Syllabus
Empire State College
Janet Lee Bachant, Ph.D.
Phone: 646-230-1207; email: janet.bachant@esc.edu
Website: http://empire2.esc.edu/facultyweb/JanetBachant.nsf/web
Study Group Description and Syllabus
My office hours are Monday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I am located in Room 530 at 325 Hudson Street. The best way to reach me is by email but if you wish to leave me a phone message please repeat your number twice.
This study explores the relationship between mind and brain with particular emphasis on how the mind is structured and how mental organization changes. We will begin by gaining a working knowledge of neuropsychology: an introduction to the scientific method, anatomy of the nervous system, including the structure of neurons, the nerve impulse, synapses, the work of neurotransitters, and the development and plasticity of the brain. The second half of the study will focus on how recent advances in neuroscience relate to clinical work and explores the process of changing mental organization.
TEXTS:
Kalat, J.W. (2007). Biological Psychology (9th Ed). Publisher: Thomson/Wadsworth. (Publisher’s name is changing to Cengage for Center of Engagement) Bundle Number: 0495258369
Cozolino, L. (2002). The Neuroscience of psychotherapy: Building and rebuilding the human brain. New York and London: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN -9780393703672
This study has a hybrid type of structure in that it integrates online resources and testing (quizzes on each chapter) with small group discussion. There are several advantages to this format: it offers technological resources to enhance learning (such as the generation of personalized study plans based on pretests you can take) and it allows for criterion learning – you can decide how well you want to do and take multiple quizzes on the material if you want to improve your grade. Your best score is the one that will use. Your quizzes will be timed and must be finished in the time allotted in order to count.
Students must obtain access to Cengage/Now, the publisher’s support site as part of this study. Cengage/Now is packaged with new textbook purchases (www.esc.edu/bookstore -- Go to online ordering, textbooks, mentor list, and choose Mind/Brain texts packaged. You may also purchase an optional Study Guide to this text if you desire.
YOU MUST REGISTER ONLINE AT THE CENGAGE WEBSITE IN ORDER TO GET CREDIT FOR IT AND IN ORDER TO TAKE THE QUIZZES . Register as soon as possible at:
www.academic.cengage.com/login
All students must be registered by the first meeting. When asked to pick your college choose SUNY Empire State College/Saratoga. You will be prompted for your course key: E-4X2P5D52Z2ZZX. You will also be asked for the access code that comes with your book in order to obtain access to your course materials. Enter it when prompted. NOTE: use the sign out button when leaving the site rather than Xing out of the page.
EVALUATION: Your evaluation will be based on three criteria:
· Weekly quizzes that you will take each week, online (I am instituting criterion learning for this study group which means that you will be able to take multiple quizzes on each chapter, in addition to a self test which will not count. I will record the highest grade for each quiz. These quizzes will be timed.
· Active participation in group discussion of the issues involved in each chapter demonstrating that you have read and understand the material and submission of weekly questions on the assigned material.
· Presentation of a project to the study group involving a more in-depth exploration of a topic in the purview of this study that is of interest to you. Presentations MUST include handouts to your colleagues of references, websites, media resources, etc. that will be helpful to anyone wanting to pursue further learning in your topic area.
Quizzes are located on the Cengage learning site. In order to enter this site you will need the access code that comes with the purchase of your textbook. Begin by registering and then go to the student guide and work through the covered areas including an overview of getting started, completing your assignments, tracking your progress, taking advantage of instant feedback and getting technical support.
Cengage gives you access to many resources that you will find very useful in learning this material including self tests, the generation of study plans based on your self test results, post tests, flashcards, and references. Using these resources will substantially increase your grade.
You will need to read Chapter 1 and Appendix A (Brief, Basic Chemistry) in the Kalat text BEFORE the beginning of the second study group meeting.