Unit 3 - Biology

UNIT OVERVIEW

Module 9

Biology, Behavior, and Mind

• Why is studying biology important to understanding psychology?

Neural Communication

• Why is knowing about neural communication important?


2018 Unit 3 - Biology

Module 10

The Nervous System

• Why is knowing about the nervous system important?

The Endocrine System

• How do the endocrine system and nervous system interact?


Module 11

The Tools of Discovery: Having our Heads Examined

• How have modern techniques of studying the brain helped our understanding of behavior and mental processes?

Older Brain Structures

• Why are the parts of the brain that control more basic function called “older”?

Unit 3 - Biology Module 10
Unit 3 - Biology Module 11
Unit 3 - Biology Module 12
Unit 3 - Biology Module 13
Unit 3 - Biology Module 14
Unit 3 - Biology Module 15

Module 12

Structure of the Cortex

• What qualities of the cortex differentiate humans from other animals?

Functions of the Cortex

• How are the functions of the cortex different and similar to other animals?


Module 13

Our Divided Brain

• What can research of split brain tell us, or not tell us, about how the brain works?

Right–Left Differences in the Intact Brain

• How do intact brains work differently from split brains?

The Biology of Consciousness

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of dual processing?


Module 14

Genes: Our Codes for Life

• How important are your genes to your daily behavior and mental processes?

Twin and Adoption Studies

• How do studies of twins and adoptees inform us about the nature–nurture issue?

The New Frontier: Molecular Genetics

• What is the promise of molecular genetics research?

Heritability

• How does knowing the heritability of a trait help inform an individual about behavior and mental processes?

Gene–Environment Interaction

• How do heredity and environment work together?


Module 15

Natural Selection and Adaptation

• How much do natural selection and adaptation influence daily life?

Evolutionary Success Helps Explain Similarities

• How is being genetically similar important?

An Evolutionary Explanation of Human Sexuality

• What is the value of evolutionary explanations for gender differences?

Reflections on Nature and Nurture

• How would you explain the nature–nurture issue to someone who has not studied psychology?


Chapter Articles

Chapter Videos

7 Myths About The Brain

Severed Corpus Callosum, Michael Gazzaniga


Crash Course Psychology #3: The Chemical Mind

How we read other's minds, Rebecca Saxe (Ted Talk)

Video Reviews - watch the videos below on the unit content content and complete the questions listed on the Google Form

Behavioural Genetics

BehavioralGenetics.mp4

The Brain

Brain.mp4

Evolutionary Psychology

EvolutionaryPsychology.mp4

The Neuron

TheNeuron.mp4
Techniques to Study the Brain and Behavior - Video & Lesson .mp4
Using Twin Studies to Determine Heritability - Video & Lesso.mp4
Parts of the Brain - Video & Lesson Transcript Study.com.mp4
Functions of the Nervous System - Video & Lesson Transcript .mp4
Gottlieb's Epigenetic Psychobiological Systems Perspective C.mp4

A. Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging, surgical)

B. Neuroanatomy

C. Functional Organization of Nervous System

D. Neural Transmission

E. Neuroplasticity

F. Endocrine System

G. Genetics

H. Evolutionary Psychology

An effective introduction to the relationship between physiological processes and behavior — including the influence of neural function, the nervous system and the brain, and genetic contributions to behavior — is an important element in the AP course. AP students in psychology should be able to do the following: • Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron and the process of transmission of a signal between neurons.

• Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters (e.g., reuptake mechanisms, agonists, antagonists).

• Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.

Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions: — central and peripheral nervous systems; — major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas; — brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.

• Discuss the role of neuroplasticity in traumatic brain injury.

• Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research (e.g., case studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques).

• Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.

• Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.

• Identify key contributors (e.g., Paul Broca, Charles Darwin, Michael Gazzaniga, Roger Sperry, Carl Wernicke).