Understanding Biology's Role in Human Behavior

Oct 16, 2024

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.