PSYC6106
Biological, Developmental and Scientific Basis of Behaviour
Behaviour and biology are inextricably bound, despite the dichotomy suggested by the historical “nature vs. nurture” argument. This course explores the biological organization of the human central and peripheral nervous systems and related physiological functioning. Brain and sensory perception, the role of hormones, pheromones, and some drug effects are additionally discussed.
From birth, human development progresses through the phases of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each of these phases contains within it what might be regarded as the developmental tasks and milestones necessary to successfully mature into the next phase of development. The tasks and milestones of a normal developing life will be studied, with special attention given to gender differences, attachment and independence. This course emphasizes the growth and development of the individual over the course of a lifetime, the varying contexts of human development, and the processes underlying normal human development.
(6 credits) Required