Syllabus
Psychology 332C, Hormones and Behavior
Unique Number 44815
Fall 2006
MWF 9:00-10:00 a.m.
NOA 1.126
Instructor: Dr. Yvon Delville
Office: Seay 5.234
Office Hrs: M 3:00-5:00 and by appointment.
Phone: 232-5731
E-Mail: Delville@psy.utexas.edu
TA Kristan Singletary
Office: Seay 2.102B
Office Hrs: TW 10-11:00 and by appointment
Phone: 232-7953
E-Mail: kgsingle@mail.utexas.edu
Web Site: http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/class/psy332C/Delville
Text: Nelson, R.J. 2005. An Introduction to Behavioral Endocrinology, 3nd Edition.
Prerequisites: Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, upper division standing required, and Psy308 or three semester hours of coursework in biology are strongly recommended.
Grading: The grade will be based on two midterm exams (25% of total grade, each), 6 group reviews of scientific articles (20% of total grade, 3.3% each), and a comprehensive final (30% of total grade).
Midterms: There will be two midterm exams, each accounting for 25% of the total grade.
Final Exam: The comprehensive final exam will account for 30% of the total grade
Reviews of Articles:
Scientific articles will be posted on the class server during the semester, along with a list of questions for each article. The students will be expected to work in groups to answer these questions within a week. Each review of article will be worth 3.3% of the total grade. There will be a total of 6 such reviews throughout the semester. Together, these reviews will account for 20% of the total grade.
Course Goals:
The goals of the course are to approach all aspects of Behavioral Endocrinology and develop an understanding of research on hormones and behavior and their results. The class will cover multiple levels of explanation from the molecular to the organism.
Grading Policy:
Your final grade will be derived from the sum of your grades. The department policy is to assign either an A, B, C, D or F. There will be no intervals (such as AB, B+ or B-).
Class Schedule:
Dates Topic
W 8/30 Introduction. Chapter 1. History
F 9/1 Science Reading, Discussing and Evaluating Data
M 9/4 Labor day, no class
W 9/6 Chapt. 1. Studying hormones and Behavior
F 9/8 Chapt. 1. Methods in Behavioral Endocrinology Research
M 9/11 Chapt. 2. The Endocrine Glands
W 9/13 Chapt. 2. Vertebrate Hormones
F 9/15 Chapt. 2. Mechanisms of Hormones Action
M 9/18 Chapt. 2. Mechanisms of Hormones Action
W 9/20 Chapt. 2. Basic Concepts in Behavioral Neuroscience
F 9/22 Chapt. 3. Sex Determination and Differentiation
M 9/25 Discussion of assignment #1
W 9/27 Midterm 1
F 9/29 Chapt. 3. Sex Determination in other Vertebrates
M 10/2 Chapt. 4. Sex Differences
W 10/4 Chapt. 4. Sex Differences
F 10/6 Chapt. 5. Male Reproductive Behavior
M 10/9 Discussion of assignment #2
W 10/11 Chapt. 5. Male Reproductive Behavior
F 10/13 Chapt. 6. Female Reproductive Behavior
M 10/16 Class canceled
W 10/18 Class canceled
F 10/20 Chapt. 6. Female Reproductive Behavior
M 10/23 Discussion of Assignment #3
W 10/25 Midterm 2
F 10/27 Chapt. 7. Parental Behavior
M 10/30 Discussion of assignment #4
W 11/1 Chapt. 7. Parental Behavior
F 11//3 Chapt. 8. Affiliative Behavior
M 11/6 Discussion of assignment #5
W 11/8 Chapt. 8. Aggressive Behavior
F 11/10 Chapt. 8. Aggressive Behavior
M 11/13 Discussion of assignment #6
W 11/15 Chapt. 9. Homeostasis and Behavior
F 11/17 Chapt. 9. Homeostasis and Behavior
M 11/20 Chapt. 10. Biological Rhythms
W 11/22 Chapt. 10. Biological Rhythms
F 11/24 Thanksgiving Holiday
M 11/27 Chapt. 10. Biological Rhythms
W 11/29 Chapt. 11. Stress
F 12/1 Chapt. 11. Stress
M 12/4 Chapt. 11. Stress
W 12/6 Chapt. 12. Learning and Memory
F 12/8 Chapt. 13. Hormones and Psychiatry
Disabilities Statement:
"The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY."