Bachelor's Programmes - Catalogue 2021/2022 | Psychology (in English) | PSYE209

PSYE209 Brain and Behavior, Part 1

Annotation:

The Course PSYE 209 “Brain and behaviour, part 1” acquaints the students with the anatomy and functions of the main structures of the human nervous system. Discussed are the main divisions of the nervous system and their functions. The structure and physiology of a single neuron is also presented. Finally, the structure and functions of each of the four brain lobes is discussed.

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To the program courses Schedule VIRTUAL LEARNING
Psychology (in English)

Lecturers:

Assoc. Prof. Margarita Stankova, PhD
Prof. Ivailo Tournev, DSc
Asst. Prof. Ivo Popivanov, PhD

Course Description:

Competencies:

Students who successfully completed the course will:

1) have knowledge about the structure of the major elements of the human nervous system. The mechanisms of functioning of these structures. The key methods for examining the brain structure and function.

2) be able to link the major brain structure with their key functions.


Prerequisites:
x

Types:
Full-time Programmes

Types of Courses:
Lecture

Language of teaching:
English

Topics:

  1. Object of the human anatomy and physiology. Methods of examination of anatomy and physiology. Introduction to the nervous system anatomy and physiology.
  2. Nervous system. General divisions of the nervous system. Central nervous system 1. Main structures in the brain – anatomy and function. Midbrain and Hindbrain.
  3. Central nervous system 2. Forebrain – major fissures and gyri.
  4. Spinal cord – structure and functions. Peripheral nervous system 1. Reflex arc and reflex activity. Most common disorders of the peripheral neves.
  5. Peripheral nervous system 2. Cranial nerves. Sensory, motor and sensori-motor nerves. Most common disorders of the cranial nerves.
  6. Autonomic nervous system – structure and functions. Simpathetic and parasympathetic autonomic system. The most frequent manifestation of autonomic nervous system disorders.
  7. Seminar: Main divisions of the Nervous system
  8. Test on topics
  9. The neuron – a main structural and physiological entity of the nervous system. Physiology on single neuron level. Neuron signalling
  10. Cellular structure of the brain cortex. Brain cortex – occipital lobe.
  11. Brain cortex – temporal lobe.
  12. Brain cortex – parietal lobe.
  13. Brain cortex – frontal lobe.
  14. Seminar. Brain structures of the forebrain.
  15. Test on topics 9-14

Bibliography:

Main literature:

Pinel, J.P.J (2014). Biopsychology. 9-th edition, Pearson Education Inc.

Ross, J. (2012). Nervous System, 4-th edition crash course, Mosby, Elsevier

Kiernan, J.A., & Rajakumar, N. (2014). Barr's the Human Nervous System: an Anatomical Viewpoint, 10-th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Supplementary literature

Passingham, R. (2008). What is special about the human brain? Oxford Psychology Series

Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I.Q. (2009). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology. Sixth edition

Assessment:

Two tests during the semester and a presentation during one of the seminars.