SOCIAL BIOCHEMISTRY

SOCIAL BIOCHEMISTRY: A COURSE CURRICULUM

Prof. Joel C. Snell, Kirkwood College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The article describes an elementary course in social biochemistry for social science majors.This offering assumes that nature and nuture are intertwined and explain human behavior. It is

an upper division undergraduate course or graduate course.

1.THE HISTORY OF NATURE & NURTURE DEBATE

Why have there been large divisions and political conflicts over the discussion of nature and nurture of humans? It has a great deal to do with the impact on the political system and  social order. Today, there is now an acceptance by most in the social sciences that the 2 divisions are really part of a single paradigm and that the two intertwine. This does not mean that each and every individual behavior is equal from both areas. Although both contribute, one may be more pronounced than the other.

2. THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM are described here in terms of elementary functions that apply to social behavior. Latest MRI and brain scans are also discussed.

3.THE ENVIRONMENT FOR “NORMAL & NON-NORMAL “ BEHAVIOR.

What is  normal for one culture or subculture may vary from another. This area borrows heavily from sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

4.EXTERNAL CHEMICALS AND BEHAVIOR means that individuals and groups can have their behavior and cognitions changed by drugs, pollution, and related. Additionally, some balanced amounts of medication and good nutrition also positive impact behavior.

5. INTERNAL CHEMICALS AND BEHAVIOR over time can create discomfort or equilibrium for the individual and the group. These chemicals are more often discussed as biochemicals.

6.MEASURING BIO-CHEMICALS FROM SALIVA TO MRI’S. What are the major strategies for measuring various social behaviors? In this area, the discussion focuses on chemicals from saliva to MRI’S. A special emphasis here may be anxiety, depression, anger, and happiness as well as other areas.

7. SPECIAL TOPICS includes latest research and controversies in the field.

This course is for social science majors and other interested students. This course does not fulfill requirements for physical sciences or related areas. It is for upper undergraduates and graduate students in the social sciences. For graduate students an extra term paper is required. The course may be taught by the social science faculty with special speakers from the physical sciences.

Please see:

Snell,J &M. Marsh (2005) Biochemical sociology Journal of Instructional Psychology, Vol. 32, #1