PSY 253: Brain & Behavior

Explore the intricacies of genetic mutation and its role in DNA sequence changes. Understand the factors leading to these mutations and their relation to broader evolutionary concepts. Dive into the complexities of behavioral evolution, natural selection, and cognitive evolution.

Explore the intriguing concept of altruism and its manifestations in the animal kingdom. Understand how Kin Selection, rooted in evolutionary biology, provides a compelling explanation for selfless behaviors that seemingly benefit others more than oneself.

Understand Freud's perspective on dreams as manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. Contrast this with the Neural Activation Theory, which links dreaming to random neural activity during REM sleep. Discuss the criticisms and nuances of both theories in modern psychology.

Uncover the mystery behind reversed-color afterimages and how our eyes decode them. Explore the role of cones and the importance of Hering's opponent-process theory. Break down other vision theories and their relevance to our color perception.

Discover the intricacies of associative learning in psychology. Differentiate between concepts like classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Gain insights into how our brains form patterns and shape responses based on experiences.

Discover the intricate details of circadian rhythms and their role in the sleep-wake cycle. Analyze different phenomena, from body temperature fluctuations to the full moon, to identify true examples. Enhance your understanding of our body's internal clock and its impact on well-being.