By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the basic parts of a neuronDescribe how neurons communicate with each otherExplain how drugs act as agonists or antagonists for a given neurotransmitter system

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selectionDescribe the differences between genotype and phenotypeDiscuss how gene-environment interactions are critical for expression of physical and psychological characteristics

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the difference between the central and peripheral nervous systemsExplain the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systemsDifferentiate between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the functions of the spinal cordIdentify the hemispheres and lobes of the brainDescribe the types of techniques available to clinicians and researchers to image or scan the brain

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the major glands of the endocrine systemIdentify the hormones secreted by each glandDescribe each hormone’s role in regulating bodily functions

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the major theories of emotionDescribe the role that limbic structures play in emotional processingUnderstand the ubiquitous nature of producing and recognizing emotional expression

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe how hunger and eating are regulatedDifferentiate between levels of overweight and obesity and the associated health consequencesExplain the health consequences resulting from anorexia and bulimia nervosa

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Define intrinsic and extrinsic motivationUnderstand that instincts, drive reduction, self-efficacy, and social motives have all been proposed as theories of motivationExplain the basic concepts associated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand basic biological mechanisms regulating sexual behavior and motivationAppreciate the importance of Alfred Kinsey’s research on human sexualityRecognize the contributions that William Masters and Virginia Johnson’s research made to our understanding of the sexual response cycleDefine sexual orientation and gender identity

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the field of human factors psychologyExplain the role of human factors psychology in safety, productivity, and job satisfaction

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the aspects of employee selectionDescribe the kinds of job trainingDescribe the approaches to and issues surrounding performance assessment

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Define organizational psychologyExplain the measurement and determinants of job satisfactionDescribe key elements of management and leadershipExplain the significance of organizational culture

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand educational requirements for careers in academic settingsUnderstand the demands of a career in an academic settingUnderstand career options outside of academic settings

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Appreciate the diversity of interests and foci within psychologyUnderstand basic interests and applications in each of the described areas of psychologyDemonstrate familiarity with some of the major concepts or important figures in each of the described areas of psychology