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PSYC366 Biopsychology

Updated: 22 November 2011
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
16 April 2012 18 April 2012 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 or candidature in GradDipPsych or GradDipSocSc
Co-requisites GradDipPsych or GradDipSocSc students only: 12cp at 200 level in PSYC or PSIO or ZOOL
Restrictions PSYC311
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Andrew Talk (atalk@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit presents a survey of the neural mechanisms of experience and behaviour. Models of brain function and dysfunction are considered from both experimental and clinical perspectives. Specific topics may include the brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, movement, wakefulness and sleep, memory, motivation, emotion and mental disorders. The unit is presented via lectures and laboratory tutorials for on-campus students, or via an intensive school for off-campus students.
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: 9781742166490
Burton, L.J., Wiley 3rd ed. 2009
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Biological Psychology
ISBN: 9781111831004
Kalat, J.W., Wadsworth 11th ed. 2011
Text refers to: Trimester 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)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1-4 and 6
Mid-Semester Test 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1-3
Online Laboratory Quizzes 20%
Assessment Notes
4x Online quizzes
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4 and 6-8
Final Examination 2 hrs 30%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1-3 and 7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology;
  2. demonstrate a working knowledge of research methods used in the neuroscience of behaviour;
  3. critically evaluate research about the brain mechanisms of experience and behaviour;
  4. understand the basic principles underlying the brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, 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. This is assessed in all assessment tasks. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
The written assessment structure teaches students discipline-based communication skills, which they practise while writing the essay. The student's communication skills are assessed as a component of assessment marking. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students are made aware of the global perspective through lectures on global scientific enterprise. This is an assessable component of the unit. 		True 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. This is an assessable component of the unit. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
The discovery and assessment of new findings during the study of the essay topic will foster the development of life-long learning habits and skills for students. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
The student's problem-solving skills are developed and assessed in their assessment tasks particulary during laboratory pracs. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students' awareness of social responsibility will be aroused through the discussion of animal ethics issues. This is an assessable component of the unit. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students will be encouraged to develop their team-work skills during their laboratory pracs and these skills will be assessed. 		True True True
   

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