Skip navigation to main content

You are here: UNE Home / Course and Unit Catalogue / 2010 / A-Z / PSYC366

Sub sections:

Quick Search

Quick Links

Year:

PSYC366 Biopsychology

Updated: 07 January 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 1 Off Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Armidale Semester 1 On Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
18 April 2010 20 April 2010 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites 18cp at 200 level in PSYC or PESS or PSIO or ZOOL
Co-requisites GradDipSocSc students only: 12cp at 200 level in PSYC or PSIO or ZOOL
Restrictions PSYC211 or PSYC311 or PSYC365
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Andrew Talk (atalk@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

How do drugs produce their effects on behaviour and why are some drugs addictive? How are memories formed? Why do we need sleep? What brain abnormalities are responsible for brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia? These and many other questions are considered in this unit on the biological basis of behaviour. In addition, relevant neuroscience research techniques and their application to the topics under consideration will be considered. The unit is presented via lectures and laboratory tutorials for on-campus students, or via a residential school for off-campus students. A background in science is not required for an understanding of the concepts covered in this unit.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology
ISBN: 9780470811238
Burton, L.J., Wiley 2nd ed. 2006
Text refers to: Semester 1 , On and Off Campus
Biological Psychology
ISBN: 9780495603009
Kalat, J.W., Wadsworth 10th ed. 2008
Text refers to: Semester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Essay 30% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
GA: 1-4 and 6 LO: 1-4
Mid-Semester Test 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
GA: 1-3 LO: 1-4
Online Laboratory Quizzes 10%
Assessment Notes
3x Online Mandatory quizzes worth 3.33% each
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
GA: 1, 2, 4 and 6-8 LO: 1-4
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
GA: 1-3, 7 LO: 1-4

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. have an understanding of the basic principles of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology;
  2. acquire a working knowledge of the methods used in biopsychological research;
  3. critically evaluate biopsychological research;
  4. understand the basic principles underlying the biological bases of learning, memory, motivated behaviour, sleep and waking, drug addiction, sexual behaviour and disorders of the mind.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will deepen their knowledge of the discipline through the study of the topic biopsychology including through reading their textbook and attending lectures. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
The written assessment structure teaches students discipline-based communication skills, which they practise while writing the assignment. Students' communication skills are assessed as a component of assignment marking. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students are made aware of the global perspective through lectures on global scientific enterprise. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are encouraged to develop research skills in collecting and evaluating data, including the skills to assess the utility of information, identify the most useful sources of information and critically examine those sources. Students will carry out literature database searches. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
The discovery and assessment of new findings during the study of the topic will foster the development of life-long learning habits for students. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students? problem solving skills are developed and assessed in their assessment tasks particulary during laboratory pracs. 		True
7 Social Responsibility
Students' awareness of social responsibility will be aroused throught the discussion of animal ethics issues. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students will be encouraged to develop their team-work skills during their laboratory pracs. 		True True True
   

Email to a friend