Biopsychology I

Biopsychology is also known as “Physiological Psychology”, “Psychobiology” or “Biological Psychology”.

Physiology is the study of the way living organisms function. It can encompass the way things move, chemical and bodily processes, growth, atrophy, and anything else that supports or causes physical or chemical changes to occur within the body. Therefore, it differs from anatomy, which is the study of the physical structure of the body.

There are obvious, observable or measurable associations between the physiology and the psychology of a person. For example, the mind and emotions can be affected by chemical processes caused by different foods, such as the soothing effects of bananas and carbohydrates. Intake of other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs, can affect the psychological state of a person. On the other hand, emotions can cause physiological responses. For instance, when people become stressed, their blood vessels may contract and the heart rate may increase. It has also been shown that focusing on positive thoughts such as love, appreciation or gratitude can cause immediate improvement in immune system function and regulate heart rhythm.

Mind over body is not always possible. The body also influences the mind and much of what we consider basic human behaviour.  Learn to describe ways in which human pscyhology and human physiology influence each other and our behaviour.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found ACS to be wonderful in all aspects"
D. Kenyon, ACS Biopsychology student

Lesson Structure

There are 7 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Types of external and internal stimuli, mind-body debate, introduction to the nervous system.
2. The senses
   • Sensory input, sensory perception, description of the major senses.
3. The Nervous System
   • Description of the neurons, the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, including the autonomic nervous system.
4. The Endocrine System
   • Effect of hormones on behaviour and physiology, association of endocrine system and nervous system, connection between external and internal stimuli.
5. Stress
   • Types of stressors, physical affects of stress, personality & stress.
6. Emotions
   • Homeostasis, eating disorders, physiological responses to emotions, theories of emotion.
7. Consciousness
   • Degrees of consciousness, awareness & attention, altered states of consciousness.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• Explain what is meant by the mind-body debate and consider various theories.
• Explain how different people can perceive the same stimulus in different ways, due to biological differences between them.
• Explain how the condition and functioning of the nervous system can affect the psychology of an individual.
• Explain the function of sensory and motor neurons.
• Explain the functioning of the cerebellum, the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
• Identify which brain structures are present in the limbic system, and their main functions.
• Explain how dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine act as neurotransmitters.
• Explain how the condition and functioning of the endocrine system can affect the psychology of an individual.
• Describe the relationship between psychological stress and the physical response of the body.
• Discuss the relationship between emotions and the physical nature of the body.
• Discuss the relationship between consciousness and the physical nature of the body.
• Describe the effect of three psychoactive drugs on the Central Nervous System.
• Explain how the autonomic nervous system works in terms of its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Some Sample Course Notes

Gender is determined by sex chromosomes. XX produces a female, XY a male. Males are produced by the action of a gene on the Y chromosome that contains the code for the production of a protein called H-Y antigen – this causes the development of the gonads to testes. If there is no testicular hormone, the Mullerian system (embryonic precursors to female reproductive organs) will develop female sex organs and the Wolffian system (embryonic precursors to male reproductive organs) will fail to develop. That is, in the embryo, there are “potential” reproductive organs waiting to develop, but without the correct hormone, they will not develop into the correct organs. There is a condition called Turner’s Syndrome. People with Turner’s Syndrome have only one sex chromosome – the X chromosome – so instead of XX or XY, they are XO. The ovum that gives rise to an individual with Turner’s Syndrome has been fertilised by a sperm that has lost its Y chromosome. As the Y chromosome is not present, the H-Y antigen is not produced, so the testes do not develop. As only one X chromosome is present, the ovaries do not develop. However, even though they have no gonads at all, people with Turner’s Syndrome develop into females with normal female internal sex organs.

Sexual maturity occurs when the hypothalamus begins to secrete gonadotrophin releasing hormone, which stimulates the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone by the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the gonads to secrete their hormones and cause the body to develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, pubic hair.

Other Study Options

Are you interested in how the mind and body work together? Have a look at these courses also -

Biopsychology II http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/Biopsychology-II-348.aspx

Neuropsychology http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/Neuropsychology-358.aspx

Psychopharmacology http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/Psychopharmacology-Drugs-Psychology-341.aspx

Certificate in Biopsychology http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/Certificate-In-Biopsychology-397.aspx

Or if you are not sure if psychology is for you, why not try our Introduction to Psychology - http://www.acs.edu.au/courses/product.aspx?id=359

Reading

If you would like to see our range of psychology books, please visit - http://www.acsbookshop.com/books_productcategory.aspx?id=14

For more information on the range of careers available in psychology, have a look at - http://www.thecareersguide.com/articles.aspx?category=14

We have some interesting articles on psychology and counseling at - http://www.acs.edu.au/psychol/