Psych 477 Neuro-Psychology Fall 2024 Lecture Notes PDF

FALL 2024 M/W/F CLASS PSYCH 477 NEURO- PSYCHOLOGY Dr. Amanda de Guerre HELLO I am Amanda deGuerre Ph.D. from Capella University Associated Faculty @ City University Edmonton, Registered Psychologist Director of Nature’s Path Counselling I am excited to bring my knowledge...

FALL 2024 M/W/F CLASS PSYCH 477 NEURO- PSYCHOLOGY Dr. Amanda de Guerre HELLO I am Amanda deGuerre Ph.D. from Capella University Associated Faculty @ City University Edmonton, Registered Psychologist Director of Nature’s Path Counselling I am excited to bring my knowledge and passion to learners You’ll often find me in the mountains or at the lake outside of work.  Reason #99 why I may be delayed in responding to emails THE KIDS What is this class about ? THIS CLASS IS A LOT OF WORK! IT IS HEAVY IN TECHNICAL TERMS & BIOLOGICAL CONTENT! A LOT OF MATERIAL IS COVERED IN A CLASS! MISSING A DAY WILL SET YOU BEHIND! THE SCHEDULE Part 1: Background Chapters 1 - 7 About the history, evolution, genetics, epigenetics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and methodology Part 2: Cortical Organization Chapters 8 -12 Organization of the sensory and motor systems, cerebral cortex functions, and cerebral asymmetry. “Understanding the organization of the cerebral cortex is central to appreciating how the brain functions and processes the complex process that underlies complex behaviour.” (Kolb & Whishaw, 2021) Part 3: Cortical Functons Chapters 13- 17 Understanding the anatomically defined cortical regions Part 4: Higher Functons Chapters 18-22 Looking at language, memory, social behaviour, affect, spatial behaviour, and attention and consciousness through neural networks from the lens of psychological theory rather than anatomy (Kolb & Whishaw, 2021). Part 5: Plasticy and Disorders Chapter 23- 28 Exploration of the neurological and psychiatric disorders and neuropsychological assessment of brain functions from the interdisciplinary perspective  THE THREE PARTS MONDAYS WEDNESDAYS FRIDAYS In Practice Lectures: Key parts of In Research This focuses on the clinical the Textbook This focuses on the facets within This focuses on the emerging research & checks Neuropsychology. intellectual facets our knowledge Brain Theory Brain = “tissue within the skull” It is the control centre The brain is filled with fluid that cushions the brain and removes waste. Spinal Cord It is the information highway sending and taking messages to and from the brain. Nerve fibres carry the information through our body Brain + Spinal cord together = Central Nervous System When working together - information travels to the opposite hemisphere of the brain: cross-brain Neuron Theory Neurons are discrete autonomous cells that interact but are not physically connected Neurons send electrical signals that have a chemical basis Neurons used chemical signals to communicate Genetic influences on brain structures: The evolutionary journey is marked by physical structure, size and behaviour Brain size comparisons draw inferences on cognitive abilities, evolutionary application and physiological traits Genes guide brain development Neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) Synaptogenesis (formation of synapses ) and pruning (removal of unnecessary synapses) Behavioural Genetics Inherited traits studies through twin studies Gene-environmental interactions - studies about genetic predispositions to certain behaviours through exposure to environmental factors Neurogenic Disorders: Alzheimers Disease early onsite, Huntingtons disease Selective Breeding, Cloning, Transgenic Techniques, Gene The Brain Modification Research The focus of research  CLASS ASSIGNMENTS OVERVIEW Syllabus Review Structure RECAP BRAIN THEORY NEURON How does this relate to THEORY the rest of body Why are they important Next Class MONDAY Holiday - NO CLASS WEDNESDAY Lecture: Background – The Neurons & Communication - (Chapter 1.4; 4.1-5.7) IN RESEARCH Article: