Course Syllabus
ISI Website| indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641
PSYC 3720 - Physiological Psychology
Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho
3 Credits
Instructor Information
Course Instructor: Steve Meier, PhD, ICPS
- Email: smeier@uidaho.edu (Best way to reach me.)
- Phone: 208-885-7679
- Office Hours: By Appt.
- Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications.
Your course instructor is Dr. Steven E. Meier, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Idaho. Dr. Meier received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Washington State University. His specialty of training was in experimental psychology with specialties in Learning (Applied Behavior Analysis), Addictive Behavior (Primarily Alcoholism), and Physiological Systems.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of basic physiological processes and how these processes relate to behavior. The course will review techniques used in the field, human neural physiology and anatomy, plus basic concepts in neurochemistry. In addition, disorders and symptomatology associated with various neurological disorders, psychological disorders, and addictions will be reviewed.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
Course Learning Outcomes
Objectives for each module are listed under each of the scheduled topics
Required Materials
- Carlson, N. and Birkett, (2013). Physiology of Behavior: 12th Ed. Allyn and Bacon. (Required for all Students). You can also use the Digital Version if desired
- Pinel, J., (2008). A Colorful Introduction to The Anatomy of the Human Brain (Second Ed.) Required for all Students.
- Other required, outside readings and materials from the internet will be linked in Canvas
All texts may be obtained from the University of Idaho Bookstore. They may be contacted by phone at (208) 885-9125 and by email: uibooks@uidaho.edu
Course Rules and Requirements
There are several requirements for this course:
Exams
- There will be 4 exams in the course. Each exam covers the specific section indicated on the topics sheet. The exams will cover information from the presentations, textbook, and specific review materials located within the Pinel text.
- While information from the presentations is fair game for the exams, most information in the presentations is discussed in the two texts. However, the presentations provide additional insight to difficult concepts.
- Each exam will also be open book and open note. However, do not let that fool you. These exams are tough and thoroughly cover the material. Make sure you complete the materials in the Pinel text. Those questions will be exactly from the review material.
- Also understand that this material is not easy. You must study at least 1.5-2 hours for this class every day to be successful. If you do not study hard you will get in trouble fast. There is a lot of difficult information and the only way you understand it is to do the work.
Exam Points = 400
Study Tips
You should know this is a difficult class with considerable material to recall and conceptualize in a very short time. Thus, you must utilize good time management skills or you will be in trouble very rapidly. This is also not a memorize and flush class. Not only will you be asked to memorize material, but, you will be asked to integrate and problem solve with the information you learn. Past student comments indicate the exams are fair but hard. Thus, you must study like this is a live class. Make sure you reread what I said under the exam section and complete the assignments in the Pinel book. Finally, use groups to assist your studying. Individuals who have performed in the top 5% have always been in a study group.
- While information from the presentations is fair game for the exams, most information in the presentations is discussed in the two texts. However, the presentations provide additional insight to difficult concepts.
- All exams are open book and note. However, they are challenging/difficult, and material will come from both texts. Further, there is a lot of information to learn so you need to work hard. However, if you study like a regular closed book exam, you will comprehend the material and do well. If you are trying to find the information while taking the exam you will run out of time. So, use an outline, take notes while reading the text, etc. Essentially know the material before you take the exam.
- Anatomy Figures and Book. Throughout the semester, you will be using the Anatomy of the Human Brain book. During your exams, I will be including specific questions from the review sections and pictures. To save you from trying to hunt for the answers, I strongly suggest you fill in the review questions and pictures. This will speed up your progress as you take your exam.
Lessons
Lesson topics in Canvas will be open for you to complete. Each topic is designed to stimulate your thinking about a major Physiological Psychology topic and will be related to area we are discussing. Lessons include:
- Assigned readings from the texts
- PowerPoint presentations and audio/video lectures
Throughout the class, there will be assignments you will need to complete. Generally, they are designed to make you think about a topic we are reviewing. They are listed in the Lesson Plan below.
Lesson Guidelines
- Students may submit up to 3 lessons at once.
- Students may submit up to 6 lessons in one week.
- Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to submitting subsequent lessons.
- Keep a copy of every lesson submitted. Write your name and V Number on every submission.
- Students may submit lessons via Canvas.
- Students will receive graded lessons via Canvas.
- Do not use the google word processing program or similar products when submitting writing assignments. Often, after uploading, the instructional staff cannot open the document. Instead, use MS word OR submit your documents as a PDF.
- You will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.
- There are no specific due dates for the class beyond what is required for ISI. However, you must submit materials in the order presented in the Lesson Plan (unless you decline to complete the optional Extra Credit Assignments).
- Generally, plan to work 10 hours per week or more on the class. Consider it lecture and some study time but at your convenience.
Extra Credit
There are two options to get Extra Credit in this class. Regardless the option chosen, you can only get a total of 30 points of extra credit with either option.
Option 1, Term Paper:
The Extra Credit term paper will be an original work (not a revision) of a major empirical or literature review of any human brain disorder, or treatment for a disorder you find interesting. The paper must be in APA style, and have a minimum of 10 professional journal (paper or web-based) or book citations (not general websites). Do not use Wikipedia as a source. General websites do not count as a source, only professional journals.
- Each paper will be graded on APA format, clarity, discussion of the topic area, reference quality, and general approach to your presentation.
- You should make a copy of the paper for your records in case anything disastrous happens to mine.
- NOTE: This paper must be your own work. Use of other student's papers, cutting and pasting material from the web without giving the author credit, etc. is considered plagiarism will result in an "F" grade in the class and referral to the Dean of Students for additional sanctions.
Minimum length = 5 pages, Maximum length = 7 pages (Does not include the cover sheet, abstract page or references).
Option 2, Topics in Canvas
There is a second extra credit option. Periodically, during the semester an assignment in Canvas will be available related to a topic in Physiological Psychology. You will complete the assignment and submit it via Canvas. These topics will be different than the discussion items you will complete.
EC Total for Option 1 or Option 2 = 30 Points
Communication Standards
If you have questions, the best way is to contact me through email. My phone also transfers to my cell. Do not call me after 9pm or on weekends unless it is an emergency.
Email Guidelines
Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.
In the email's subject line include:
- Your name, V number, course subject and number, and lesson number(s).
- Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321, Lessons 1, 2
In the body of the email include:
- Your name, V number, course subject, number, title, date and lesson numbers(s).
- Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321: Principles of Marketing, day-month-year, Lessons 1, 2
Lesson Plan
Here is the general schedule of what will be covered. Complete the assignments in this order.
- Lesson 1: An Overview and Physiological Psychology
- Assignment 1
- Lesson 2: Techniques used in Physiological Psychology
- Assignment 2
Exam 1 (Covers Lessons 1, 2)
- Lesson 3: The Nervous System
- Assignment 3
- Lesson 4: Nervous System Specifics
- Assignment 4
Exam 2 (Covers Lessons 3 and 4)
- Lesson 5: The Spinal Cord
- Assignment 5
- Lesson 6: Glial Cells and Neuronal Structures
- Assignment 6
- Lesson 7: Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry
- Assignment 7
Exam 3 (Covers Lessons 5, 6, & 7)
- Lesson 8: Disorder
- Assignment 8
Exam 4 (Covers Lessons 8)
Term Paper
Grade Information
Minimal grading will be based on the following scale:
| Assignments | Points Possible | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 2 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 3 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 4 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 5 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 6 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 7 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Lesson 8 | 25 | 4.25% |
| Total: | 200 | 34% |
| Exams | Points Possible | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 100 | 16.5% |
| Exam 2 | 100 | 16.5% |
| Exam 3 | 100 | 16.5% |
| Exam 4 | 100 | 16.5% |
| Total: | 400 | 66% |
| Extra Credit | Points Possible | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Option One: | ||
| Term Paper | 30 | 5% |
| Option Two: | ||
| EC 1 | 10 | 1.67% |
| EC 2 | 10 | 1.67% |
| EC 3 | 10 | 1.67% |
Grade Scale:
> 90% = A
> 80% = B
> 70% = C
> 60% = D
< 60% = F
Course Policies
Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.
Cheating/Plagiarism
If you cheat, plagiarize, use someone else's material, or cut and paste material directly from the internet without providing appropriate credit and I catch you, you will receive an "F" grade for the class and be referred to the Dean of Students. Do not even think of cheating or plagiarizing material in this class.
AI Use Prohibited
As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—is not permitted in this course.
Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of unauthorized assistance and undermines the core learning objectives of the class. This course is intentionally designed to build foundational skills—such as critical analysis, discipline-specific reasoning, original writing, and independent problem-solving—that require your direct engagement. Using AI tools to generate or revise work may hinder the achievement of these objectives and may compromise the integrity of your academic development.
Any use of AI tools for coursework, unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a specific assignment, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in sanctions as outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all university policies regarding academic honesty and should consult the Student Code of Conduct for further guidance.