Lecture Notes: Bio 150 Course at Stanford University

Introduction

• Scenario of a man's bizarre out-of-character behavior leading to neurological disease.
• Exploration of genetics and behavior linked to neurological disorders.

Big Questions in Biology and Behavior

• Genetic Influence: Exploration of genetic influences on sexual orientation, political opinions, religious beliefs, and aggression.
• Nature vs. Nurture: Discussion on the interplay between genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences.

Commonalities in Different Circumstances

• Examples: Periods, brain tumors, junk food, anabolic steroids used in legal defenses.
• Key Point 1: Biological factors in the body can influence behavior.
• Key Point 2: Mental processes can affect physical states in the body.

Course Focus

• Understanding the intersection between physiology and behavior.
• Study of human behavior, social behavior, and abnormal behavior.
• Challenges of interpreting complex human behavior in biological terms.

Categorical Thinking

• Definition: Simplifying complex continua into categories.
• Examples: Color spectrum, sound differences in languages, memory constraints due to categorization.
• Problems: Over/underestimation of differences, losing the big picture.

Approach to Studying Behavior

• Avoiding categorical thinking and understanding the complexity of behavior.
• Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Integration of endocrinology, anatomy, evolutionary biology, etc.
• Course Goal: Explore interactions between body states and behavior without reducing explanations to single categories.

Human Uniqueness in Biology

• Example 1: Humans using typical physiology in unique ways (e.g., stress from abstract concepts).
• Example 2: Human behaviors unique to our species (e.g., complex language use, social bonding).

Course Structure

• First Half: Introduction to different biological disciplines (e.g., genetics, endocrinology, neuroscience).
• Second Half: Applying knowledge to specific behaviors (e.g., aggression, depression, language use).

Course Logistics

• No prerequisites required; designed for a broad audience.
• Weekly sections and additional catch-up sections for non-science majors.
• Assessments: Midterm and final exams focused on cross-disciplinary understanding.

Resources and Materials

• Textbooks: Two books assigned, one by the lecturer.
• Online Resources: Course materials, lecture notes, and assignments available online.
• Various Supports: TAs, office hours, and sections to assist students.

Important Dates

• Midterm: May 3rd at 7:30 PM.
• Final Exam: June 4th at 12:15 PM.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of understanding the biology of behavior.
• Avoid reductionist thinking in complex biological and behavioral studies.
• The course encourages a nuanced view of human behavior, integrating multiple biological perspectives.