Psychology 110

Neil Lutsky, Carleton College
October 16, 2002

Class Outline: Biological Psychology

I. Two things I have learned in psychology.

II. Biological Psychology from the point of view of behavioral genetics.

  1. Contexts of plausibility
  2. Basic logic of twin comparison studies.
  3. A representative study: Buss, Plomin, & Willerman.
  4. Questions and rejoinders: Twin comparisons.
  5. Genetic concordance in psychopathology.

III. Neural functioning: A quick review of micro-level basics.

  1. The structure of the neuron: Dendrites: Cell Body (Soma),
    Axon,     and Terminal.
  2. The action potential: resting potential, depolarization,
    all or none, refractory period.
  3. The synapse: Vesicle release of neurotransmitters, post-synaptic
    excitatory or inhibitory potentials, synthesis, release, reuptake,
    and breakdown.
  4. Major neurotransmitters.
    1. Acetylcholine.
    2. Norepinephrine.
    3. Dopamine.
    4. Serotonin.
    5. GABA.

IV. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.

V. Questions for Linda Hellmich, Ph.D.