Welcome to my Blog!

Psy215H Final Exam is Tuesday, the 1th!

END OF SEMESTER!

As the end of the semester bears down on us, I just want to remind you of a number of things:

1) Final Exams: Please make sure you bring a scantron and #2 pencil- Psy215H needs to bring 2 scantrons!

2) The finals schedule is as follows:

• Psy 215: Thursday, 12/19
• Psy 101H: Tuesday, 12/17
• Psy 101: 11:00am: Thursday, 12/19
• Psy101: 3:00pm: Thursday, 12/19
• Psy 201: Wednesday, 12/18

3) If for any reason, you cannot make the final exam, you must contact me. If the circumstances warrant, you can obtain an INC for the course. If this is granted, you are required to make up the final within 4 weeks of the start of the Spring 2014 semester. If you fail to do so, the INC automatically turns into an F.

4) It is my intent to put in all student grades by end f the day Friday, December 20th. You can check your final grades through the student portal.

5) I will be on campus through 12/19. I encourage you to check with me then if there are any issues. If there is an error that needs to be corrected that requires me to do so in person on campus, it will not be able to be completed until Spring semester begins.


Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

MUSIC AND THE BRAIN

An interesting article.....

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131210072030.htm

READING YOUR MIND/BRAIN

Here is a fascinating video about how scientists have made strides in the area of "Mind Reading"........


http://msnvideo.msn.com/?channelindex=4&from=en-us_msnhp#/video/c5c038d3-6d0a-4700-8453-633b923423d4

CONTROVERSY OF EVOLUTION

Here is a recent article regarding the continuing controversy about teaching evolution in school! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/23/education/texas-education-board-flags-biology-textbook-over-evolution-concerns.html?_r=0

Feel free to let me know your thoughts in class!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

REMINDER: ALL CLASSES ARE CANCELLED TOMORROW THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST

ARTICLES RELATED TO ADDICTION

In Pyschology 215 we are currently covering the chapter related to addiction. Here are 3 recent articles that look at the many different perspectives related to this topic in our world:

The controversy on how to treat opioid depednence:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/17/health/in-demand-in-clinics-and-on-the-street-bupe-can-be-savior-or-menace.html

The personal side of addiction:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/nyregion/she-vanquished-a-cruel-addiction-but-challenges-remain.html

The addiction to technology:

http://business.time.com/2013/11/15/candy-crush-saga-the-science-behind-our-addiction/

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS

November 20 during Common Hour in room H-30, the Social Sciences and Criminal Justice Department will host members of the Long Island Historical Fencing Society as they present an exhibition of late Medieval fencing (c. 1300) with a focus on the weapon of choice for this period – the long sword. There will be a discussion of the evolution of the sword and its historical context and the display of various weapons and protective equipment.  All students and faculty are invited to attend.  This event is sponsored by the office of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development.

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST-CLASSES CANCELLED

ALL CLASSES WILL BE CANCELLED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST. PAPERS THAT WERE DUE THAT DAY WILL BE DUE THE FOLLOWING CLASS.

MENTAL HEALTH PARITY

As you may have hard, there has been a movement to try and obtain benefits for mental health care equal to those available for general medical conditions. The following article is an update where the process is currently.


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/us/politics/rules-to-require-equal-coverage-for-mental-ills.html?hpw&rref=health&_r=0

DREAM ANALYSIS

The following article was recently published from a researcher whom is interested in using statistcal anlaysis to understand dreams. This topic can be the focus of a second paper so I thought some of you might be interested.......

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/opinion/sunday/data-mining-our-dreams.html?_r=0

2ND EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

                                                                                            

 

 

Join us for an informative guest lecture co-sponsored by

Psychology Club and Psi Beta

 

Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC

Clinical Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) will be lecturing on

 

 treatment modalities for

individuals with alcohol and drug dependence

 

and

 

educational pathways for students interested in working in the field of alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

 

When:  Wednesday, November 13^th

       11:00-12:15

 

Where: Southampton building, room H30

 

All are welcome!

 

Suffolk County Community College Office of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development

REMINDER-FIRST EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY FOR FINAL IS TOMORROW!

Understanding the Neurobiology of Addiction

Psychology students can earn extra credit for the final exam by attending one of two events that will be held  in the upcoming months. Information on the first one is below:

 

The neuroscience underlying the core symptoms addicts exhibit.

This presentation will include the most current brain imaging research explained with brain scans of addicted individuals.

 

NOVEMBER 6^th at 11:00 am

Room H22

Presenters:

Dr. Patricia Woicik PhD

and 
Prof. Joy Bolger, M.S. LMHC

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In a number of our classes over the past week, we have been discussing different aspects of the field of artificial intelligence. There have been a number of articles recently which gives you a more in-depth idea of scientists' attempts to integrate humans with computers. feel free to explore them:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/science/making-robots-more-like-us.html?_r=0

 http://www.newsday.com/opinion/columnists/peter-goldmark/goldmark-think-it-and-a-computer-will-make-it-happen-1.6364596

 

This can make an excellent topic for your second paper, so if you are interested, just follow the directions for the research paper and you can use this as a topic.

 

Enjoy!

MEETING OF THE MINDS SYMPOSIUM

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED:


SAVE THE DATE: Friday, November 15

Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute presents:

4th Annual MEETING OF THE MINDS SYMPOSIUM

Friday, November 15, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Charles B. Wang Center, Stony Brook University

Open to all students, physicians and healthcare practitioners with an interest in the field of Neurosciences Research.

Free event. Registration required.

Register at:
http://neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu/meeting-of-the-minds.html

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Cornelia Isabella Bargmann, PhD
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Torsten N. Wiesel Professor, The Rockefeller University

"Using Fixed Circuits to Generate Variable Behaviors"

SESSION TOPICS

"Mapping the Long-Term Memory Trace," Todd Sacktor, MD, Distinguished Professor of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neurology, SUNY Downstate

"Magnetogenetics: Remote Stimulation of Cells using Nano Particle Heating," Arnd Pralle, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, SUNY Buffalo

"Mapping the Functional Output of Newly Generated Neurons in the Adult Neural Circuit," Shaoyu Ge, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook

"Functional Mapping of Human Brain Cells," Jian Feng, PhD, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo

"Thalamocortical Pathways and Visual Cortical Maps," Jose-Manuel Alonso, MD, PhD, Professor, Graduate Center for Vision Research, SUNY College of Optometry

"Functional Mapping of the Human Brain," Gerwin Schalk, PhD, Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center; Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany

"Flexible Electronics: Applications to Brain Mapping," James Turner, PhD, Research Scientist, Department of Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging Center, SUNY Binghamton

"Brain-Wide Glymphatic Waste Drainage Quantified by Integrative PET-MRI," Helene Benveniste, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology and Radiology; Vice Chair for Research, Department of Anesthesiology, SUNY Stony Brook

"Astrocytic GABA and Alzheimer's Disease," C. Justin Lee, PhD, Professor of Anesthesiology and Radiology; Vice Chair for Research, Department of Anesthesiology, SUNY Stony Brook

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Register at:
http://neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu/meeting-of-the-minds.html

If you require a disability-related accommodation, please call (631) 444-9975.

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.

What does your Halloween Costume mean?

If you are dressing up this Halloween click this link and find out how what you are wearing might tell you something about yourself! (Or..is a cigar, just a cigar?)


http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-why-behind-the-buy/201310/what-your-halloween-costume-says-about-your-personality

Deep Brain Stimulation

Here is an interesting article regarding the use of Deep Brain  Stimulation in the treatment of depression.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/science/pentagon-agency-to-spend-70-million-on-brain-research.html?_r=0

Feel free to use as a research topic for your second paper (follow same rules for research papers)..........

Extra Credit-Part II

                                                                                            

 

Students can choose from either this one or the previous post in terms of doing extra credit for the final exam: 

 

 

Join us for an informative guest lecture co-sponsored by

Psychology Club and Psi Beta

 

Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC

Clinical Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) will be lecturing on

 

 treatment modalities for

individuals with alcohol and drug dependence

 

and

 

educational pathways for students interested in working in the field of alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

 

When:  Wednesday, November 13^th

       11:00-12:15

 

Where: Southampton building, room H30

 

All are welcome!

 

Suffolk County Community College Office of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

Psychology Department Event

 

Understanding the Neurobiology of Addiction

Psychology students can earn extra credit for the final exam by attending one of two events that will be held  in the upcoming months. Information on the first one is below:

 

The neuroscience underlying the core symptoms addicts exhibit.

This presentation will include the most current brain imaging research explained with brain scans of addicted individuals.

 

NOVEMBER 6^th at 11:00 am

Room H22

Presenters:

Dr. Patricia Woicik PhD

and
Prof. Joy Bolger, M.S. LMHC

 

In order to receive the extra credit, students can attend the seminar (and sign in with me). Summarize the lecture and submit by 11/20/2013.

 

Please ask if you have any questions.

 

MIDTERMS/UPDATE

As you know, first papers are coming due and we are closing i n on the Mid-Term. A few suggestions to assit you thorugh this busy time!

• For papers, review syllabus and blog and make sure you meet all the assignment requirements. Many students lose points becuase they did not follow assignment directions (i.e. APA format, handing in peer-reviewed artcle)

• Exams: I will reserve time to review with you in the class for the exams. With the review, you will need to bring in questions that you would like me to answer. The quality and extensiveness of the review will depend on you!!!

• Practice Tests: I strongly encourage you to give yourself a practice test before taking the exam. Excellent practice questions can be found on MyPsychLab and textbook websites!

• Please make sure you bring a scantron and pencil to the exam!

• Remember: The exam is closed once the first student completes the exam so please be on time!

The Dangers of Pseudoscience

The following article is an excellent review of the importance of the scientific method. It is a good review as to why Psychology insists on research as the basis of development for psychological theories.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/the-dangers-of-pseudoscience/?_r=0

Here is what you need to do for extra-credit for Mental Health Awareness Day!

Students in my Psychology Classes can obtain up to 7 points of extra credit on the mid-term exam by doing the following:

1) Attend one of the lectures

2) Obtain one additional resource on the topic of the lecture

3) Complete a summary paper of the topic and information from the source

All the same requirements of the writing assignments apply (i.e. APA format).

Stress and Dementia

As you may know, there is a great deal of concern in our society revolvign around dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer's. The article below looks at the connection between stress and dementia.....

http://healthyliving.msn.com/blogs/daily-apple-blog-post?post=2e01d14c-9f53-446e-a39d-91dc2a5c984a&_nwpt=1

Reminder.......

Dear Colleagues,

 

I would appreciate your assistance in informing students about the Ammerman Campus Counseling Center's Mental Health Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 9th, from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm in the Babylon Student Center.  The complete schedule of events is as follows:

 

PRESENTATIONS at 9:30am, 11:00am, and 12:30pm, all in the Babylon Student Center: 

 

·         “Dating Violence & Domestic Violence 101” at 9:30am, Old Field Room (Shannon Rigney, SCCADV)

·         “Anger Management in the 21^st Century “at 9:30am, Orient Point Room (Steve Pinto, Life Center)

·         “The Biology of Addiction” at 9:30am, Mildred Green Room (Professor Mike Mangino)

·         “Heroin: The Long Island Epidemic” at 11:00am, Montauk Point Room (Steve Chassman, Clinical Director, LICADD)

·          “GLBT 101” at 11:00am, Orient Point Room (LIGALY)

·         “Veterans: Diagnoses, Treatment, & Suicide Prevention” at 11:00am, Mildred Green Room (Nancy Olsen, VA Medical Center)

·         “Enhancing Inner Peace Through Yoga” at 12:30pm, Mildred Green Room (Professor Angela Strynkowski)

 

 

9:30am – 1:30pm:  Tables staffed by representatives from:

 

·          Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (domestic violence, sexual assault and other issues)

·          John T. Mather Eating Disorders Program

·          Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (SCCADV)

·          Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD)

·          Response of Suffolk County (crisis intervention and suicide prevention)

·          Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY)

·          National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

·          FEGS Positive Space Program (HIV and mental health)

·          Federation of Organizations (mental health services for individuals and families)

·          Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center (mental health and suicide prevention)

 

Raffles:  Students can win prizes, including a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, by attending presentations, visiting tables, and participating in other events.

 

This program is co-sponsored by the Office of Campus Activities/Student Leadership Development.

 

Thanks for your help in spreading the word on this important program.   

 

Regards,

 

Tom Tyson, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Student Services/

Director of Counseling

 

Psychotherapy

A major part of the field of Psychology is psychotherapy. Over the past few years, a major debate has emerged as to the most effective way to treat psychological disorders. In geneal, there has been a shift towards the use of psychotropic medication as opposed to psychotherapy. The current article discusses some of the issues involved with this debate.

Feel free to use this as a possible topic for one of your papers!


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/opinion/psychotherapys-image-problem.html?_r=0

Papers/Another Resource:

A number of people have begun to ask questions about resources for the upcoming papers. An additional resource you can use is on the Suffolk library Website and is called LibNet. The following link will take you there and has great information about APA as well as databases to obtain peer-reviewed artciles from:

http://libguides.sunysuffolk.edu/psychology?hs=a

Other helpful tips for the paper include:

 

· Follow all assignment directions: Make sure you review the course syllabus and have met all the basic requirements of the assignments

· Make sure that you cite appropriately and use APA FORMAT- lack of citations can lead to issues with plagiarism

· APA format does not have to include all the “sections”-this is only when you are conducting an experiment!

· Absolutely no assignments are due after the due date

• If you submit the paper to me with enough time before it is due, I will review it and give you suggestions on how to improve you grade.

• The Library and Writing Center are excellent resources as well!

Please see me if you have any questions.

CLASSES CANCELLED 9/30/2013/ Another valuable resource!

Attention all Monday/Wednesday Students: Next Monday, September 30th, all classes will be     cancelled.




All Students: Please visit the Suffolk County Community College Virtual learning Commons (VLC)!

Suffolk Community College has developed additional student support for the Psychology Department as part of their Virtual learning Commons. While the Psychology section of the VLC is geared towards Introductory Psychology Students, the resources would help both Abnormal Psychology and Brain and Behavior students as well. Please take a moment to access it and become familiar with the available resources!

Virtual Learning Commons: The VLC/Psychology site contains over 100 videos, short tutorials, self-assessments, and various interactive activities that will enhance your understanding and/or help you review some of the more difficult concepts covered in your Psychology 101 class. Chapters covered include Research Methodology, Biological Perspectives, Learning, Human Development, and Personality Theory/Psychological Disorders. You can access the VLC through MySCCC on the College’s home page.- link to www.sunysuffolk.edu

 

Predicting Violent Behavior

Often times, the role of a Psychologist requires them to assess whether or not an individual is a threat to themselves or others. The following article gives a glimpse into how this process works in real lif and the challenges associated with it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/19/us/signs-may-be-evident-in-hindsight-but-predicting-violent-behavior-is-tough.html

GET INVOLVED!

Those interested in pursuing the field of psychology or learning more about it have an excellent opportunity at Suffolk Community College. Applications are now being accepted for Psi Beta, The National Honor Society in Psychology for Junior and Community Colleges. The benefits of membership include:

·         Members gain recognition for achieving the honor of membership.  Among the entities that recognize Psi Beta membership are Psi Chi, APA, APS, psychology departments at colleges and universities, and employers.

·         Verification of membership for references throughout the member’s lifetime.

 

·         Eligibility for national awards.

 

·         Publication of membership and activities in the nationally distributed Psi Beta Newsletter.

 

·         The opportunity of participate in national, regional, and local psychological association programs, including paper and poster presentations at professional conferences.

 

·         Eligibility for student membership in APA and APS.

 

·         Membership meets one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in numerous occupations in federal service.

 

Psi Beta offers students the opportunity to operate a chapter and provides opportunities for students to acquire leadership skills, interact with faculty outside of the classroom, learn more about the professional and educational choices available in psychology, network with professionals in the field of psychology, participate in community service, interact with peers who have similar interests, and be involved with Psi Beta on the national level.

 Applicants must have completed an Introduction to Psychology course, received a B or better in any psychology courses they have completed, and have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.  Applicants must be enrolled as full time students and must have already completed 12 credits of coursework.

Members are expected to be active participants, and to attend meetings and events regularly.

 If you are interested in applying, please contact:

 Courtney Brewer, PhD, LMHC (brewerc@sunysuffolk.edu)

The New Science of the Mind

In the world of psychology/psychiatry, there continues to be a vigorous debate regarding the role of Neuroscience in the understanding of mental disorders.  Recently,  Dr. Eric Kandel, one of the most renown living neuroscientists, published an op-ed discussing some newer research on how Neuroscience is helping us elucidate the etiology of depression. In addition, he discusses research demonstrating the effectiveness of psychotherapy on facilitating structural changes to the brain. The article can be found at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/opinion/sunday/the-new-science-of-mind.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 

As with any debate, there are two sides. A good critical thinker becomes skilled at understanding the notion that there is more than one way to view anything. Other noted professionals have offered their opinions regarding Dr. Kandel’s assertions and they can be found at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/16/opinion/are-depressions-causes-biological.html

 While Dr. Kandel’s article touches on one of the deeper debates of our discipline (nature versus nurture) it also incorporates some very exciting topics in terms of Neuroscience’s growing influence. For example, the possibility that we can use some of the tolls of neuroscience (i.e. imaging techniques) to better diagnose disorders and identify what treatment will be most effective (evidenced based practice) will continue to move our field towards a more scientific approach to dealing with psychological disorders. In addition, it adds to a growing base of evidence demonstrating the power of neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. Finally, it reinforces a growing body of evidence that suggests psychotherapy can have biological effects on the brain as well as be an efficacious treatment for many psychological disorders.

While the final answer to some of the deeper questions referenced by Dr. Kandel and his colleagues remains elusive, what is clear is that there continues to be excited changes in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all of which should lead us to a better understanding of mental disorders and add to our toolbox effective treatments.

 

INTERESTING ARTICLE

A great article for those of you on Psy 201 (Brain and Behavior) as well as any psychology students.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/13/brain-surgery-hyper-empathy-amygdala-remove-epilepsy_n_3920770.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl4|sec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D374688


If you are interested in using this as a topic for one of your writing assignments, feel free (the requirements are the same as the other ones requiring research.....)

You're Invited: Brain Aneurysms � Beyond the Basics, Thursday, September 26, 6 to 7:30 pm

You're Invited: Brain Aneurysms -- Beyond the Basics

During Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, we invite you to learn about
the latest research and treatment for brain aneurysms from three
world-renowned experts at Stony Brook Medicine: Henry Woo, MD; David
Fiorella, MD, PhD; and B. Barry Lieber, PhD.

Thursday, September 26

6 to 7:30 pm

Hospital Lobby Conference Rooms 1 and 2

Light refreshments will be served.

Presentation topics:

Treatment of Brain Aneurysms: Then and Now

New Endovascular Technology for Brain Aneurysms

Introduction to Headley: A New Neurovascular Simulator for Training
and Research

Open to all healthcare professionals, students and the general
public.

Free. Register at neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu or call (631)
444-8121.

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal
opportunity educator and employer. If you require a
disability-related accommodation, please call (631) 444-4000.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

Suffolk Community College will be hosting its’ annual mental health awareness day on Wednesday, October 9th from 9:30am until 1:30pm in the Babylon Student Center. Specifically, it will offer workshops on a variety of issues.  This year the current planned workshops are:

 PRESENTATIONS at 9:30am, 11:00am, and 12:30pm, all in the Babylon Student Center: 

 

·         “Dating Violence & Domestic Violence 101” at 9:30am, Old Field Room (Shannon Rigney, SCADDV)

·         “Anger Management in the 21^st Century “at 9:30am, Orient Point Room (Steve Pinto, Life Center)

·         “The Biology of Addiction” at 9:30am, Mildred Green Room (Professor Mike Mangino)

·         “Heroin: The Long Island Epidemic” at 11:00am, Montauk Point Room (Steve Chassman, Clinical Director, LICADD)

·          “GLBT 101” at 11:00am, Orient Point Room (LIGALY)

·         “Veterans: Diagnoses, Treatment, & Suicide Prevention” at 11:00am, Mildred Green Room (Nancy Olsen, Northport VA Hospital)

·         “Enhancing Inner Peace Through Yoga” at 12:30pm, Mildred Green Room (Professor Angela Strynkowski)

9:30am – 1:30pm:  Tables staffed by representatives from:

·          Victim's Information Bureau of Suffolk (domestic violence, sexual assault and other issues)

·          John T. Mather Eating Disorders Program

·          Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (SCCADV)

·          Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD)

·          Response of Suffolk County (crisis intervention and suicide prevention)

·          Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY)

·          National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

·          FEGS Positive Space Program (HIV and mental health)

·          Federation of Organizations (mental health services for individuals and families)

·          Northport Veterans Administration Hospital (mental health and suicide prevention)

 

Students in my Psychology Classes can obtain up to 7 points of extra credit on the mid-term exam by doing the following:

1)     Attend one of the lectures

2)     Obtain one additional resource on the topic of the lecture

3)     Complete a summary paper of the topic and information from the source

 

All the same requirements of the writing assignments apply (i.e. APA format).

 

Due Date: Wednesday, October 16^th.