Introduction to Biopsychology

Description

Introduction to Biopsychologyis a lively and engaging introduction to brain and behaviour.  This edition has been substantially re-written and extended throughout to provide more information and detail on all key areas of the syllabus. Assuming no background knowledge in biology or psychology this book will help any biopsychology student keep abreast of the latest developments in this dynamic and forward-looking area of psychology. New topic coverage includes a comprehensive look at sensory systems which affect our perception and understanding of the world around us, and a unique insight into degenerative diseases of the brain including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  and Huntington’s diseases.  This new expanded edition leads the reader with ease through exciting and cutting edge research, including recent advances in cognitive neuroscience and genetics, which illustrates how the discipline is moving forward.

The companion website to Introduction to Biopsychology has also been substantially updated and can be found at www.pearsoned.co.uk/wickens. This fantastic learning tool provides additional support through interactive animations to bring study of the brain to life; mind maps to aid learning and retention of information; multiple choice questions and exercises to test progress; an essay-writing guide to assist with assignments and links to relevant websites for further research.

Contents

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO NEURONS, BRAINS, AND BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

2. THE VISUAL SYSTEM

3. SENSORY SYSTEMS OTHER THAN VISION

4. THE CONTROL OF MOVEMENT

5. HUNGER, SATIETY AND BODY WEIGHT

6. EMOTIONAL STATES

7. SLEEP AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

8. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOUR

9. LEARNING AND MEMORY

10. LANGUAGE AND COGNITION

11. THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

12. DRUGS AND ADDICTION

13. DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE BRAIN

14. GENES AND BEHAVIOUR

Features

This edition:

• Includes a NEW comprehensive and wide-ranging chapter on sensory systems, which affect our perception and understanding of the world around us
• Includes a NEW chapter providing a unique insight into degenerative diseases of the brain including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  and Huntington’s diseases
• Contains an extensively revised chapter on emotion, including information on the fascinating role of frontal lobes in behaviour, and the rise and fall of psychosurgery
• Has been substantially re-written and extended throughout to provide more information and detail on all key areas of the syllabus
• Places a strong emphasis on the historical development of the subject to help students gain a deeper understanding of the main themes in biopsychology
• Describes exciting and up-to-date research, including recent advances in cognitive neuroscience and genetics, which illustrates how the discipline is moving forward.
• New special interest boxes that provide new insights into the brain and will stimulate debate. These include topics such as: how laughter affects the same areas of the brain as cocaine; what happens when a blind person sees again; and whether your sleeping habits make you a lark or an owl!
• This edition includes bibliographies to encourage further reading, and a detailed glossary to help students get to grips with key concepts. It also features search terms to help students locate further information on the Internet.
• The companion website to Introduction to Biopsychology has also been substantially updated and can be found at www.pearsoned.co.uk/wickens. This fantastic learning tool provides additional support for students and includes:

·  Interactive animations to bring study of the brain to life

·  Mind Maps to aid learning and retention of information

·  Multiple choice questions and exercises to test progress

·  An essay-writing guide to assist with assignments

·  Links to relevant websites for further research