Heloisa Alves, PhD

A broad survey of principles underlying the systematic study of behavior. Using examples from basic research and applied settings, a variety of perspectives are explored, including findings associated with the physiological, behavioral, cognitive, developmental and social approaches.

Introduction to the biological basis of behavior. Topics will include basic neuronal functioning and brain specialization, as well as the relation of other biological systems (e.g. sleep/wake cycles, circadian rhythms) to brain function and behavior.

A history of cognitive science as a discipline. Topics such as human learning, memory, perception, language, and attention are reviewed. Theories and research on mental processes underlying these behaviors and biological underpinnings and real-life application of these topics are studied.

Fundamentals of research methodology in psychological research including literature review, hypothesis generation, design, measurement, statistical analysis, ethics and APA format writing style. Emphasis on the selected cognate content areas of physiological psychology.