Studietorget - FS-import-h05

Work Load 5 credits (ECTS)
Objectives To give the student elementary knowledge in behavioural endocrinology, an area in vast expansion both scientifically and clinically. It has become apparent that hormones influence many aspects of human behaviour, and it has also become more and more apparent that disturbances in the hormone system early in life is associated with, at least, anxiety and depression in adulthood. Some hormones have actions on some genes, either activating or deactivating them. Hormones can, therefore, provide excellent examples of the relationship genes - behaviour, a subject that is in the process of dramatic changes ever since the human genome was been mapped. It seems reasonable that any psychology student should have some knowledge in an area that will attract considerable attention in a near future.
Contents 1. Introduction to the endocrine system, with emphasis on interactions between endocrine and central nervous function. 2. Elementary introduction to membrane and intracellular actions of hormones. Activation/deactivation of genes. 3. The axis hypothalamus - hypophysis - adrenal gland: Role in stress and depression 4. Sex hormones: Interaction between peripheral and central effects. Sex differences caused by hormones. 5. Peptide hormones: Pleasure, appetite, and pain.
Form of teaching Lectues (2 hrs per week, except 2 reading weeks in November), seminar (2 hrs every 2nd week).
Assessment Written exam (5 hours) covering the obligatory readings (75 % of the final grade) + oral presentation of the self-selected readings (25 % of the final grade). Grading form A-F. If the students get the grade F, make-up exam will be given the following semester.
Examination semester Autumn
Type of course Practical.
Level of course/Year of study Clinical programme.
Recommended reading/syllabus Available on request.
Language of instruction Norwegian.
Timetables http://timeplan.uit.no/emne.php?department=ALLE&module=PSY-2543-1

Teaching autumn 2005 Orienteringsmøte 19.08.05, kl. 10.00
Forelesning	Første gang: 05.10.05, kl. 12.15