1a) In what ways is the "flight-or-fight" (sympathetic nervous system activation) response helpful to humans in emergency situations?
1b) Can you give an example of a situation when your fight or flight response was activated and how you responded? How did you feel?
2a) What is a neuron?
2b) Identify and explain the key components of the neuron (dendrites, axon, terminal button, myelin sheath, etc.)?
2c) Describe one neurotransmitter and how it impacts emotion or behavior.
3a) Identify the stages of sleep and the key occurrences during each stage.
3b) Suppose that a new "miracle pill" allows a person to function with only one hour of sleep per night. However, because a night's sleep is so short, a person who takes the pill will never dream again. Knowing what you do about the functions of sleeping and dreaming, what would be some advantages and drawbacks of such a pill from a personal standpoint? Would you take such a pill? Why or why not?
4a) Identify the following classes of drugs: stimulants, depressants, narcotics, hallucinogens and steroids. What are the effects of each class of drug? Describe the common withdrawal symptoms and overdose reactions.
4b) The National Institute of Drug Abuse highlighted certain signs that indicate drug and alcohol problems. Choose five signs and discuss if you have experienced any of these or if you know anyone that has.