Key facts

UNE unit code: PSYC366

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Biopsychology is a fascinating, rapidly expanding branch of psychology. When exploring questions of nature versus nurture, biopsychology deals with the ways that biology shapes brain function and human behaviour.

Studying this unit, you will gain a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of the neural mechanisms of experience and behaviour. Models of brain function and dysfunction are considered from both experimental and clinical perspectives.

The unit begins with an introduction to basic principles of neuron structure and function, neurotransmission, neuropharmacology, functional neuroanatomy, and neuronal development.

You will then examine a range of specific topics, including brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory and psychological disorders.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
(PSYC200 and PSYC202 and PSYC206 and PSYC213 and candidature in BPsychSc or BPsych(Hons) prior to 2021 or Psychology major in BArts, BSocSc, BSc, BA/BBus, BA/LLB or BA/BSc or GradDipPsych); or 12cps at 200 or 300 level for other students.
Restrictions
PSYC466; and GDPSY
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Andrew Talk
Andrew TalkSenior Lecturer; Fourth Year Course Coordinator - Faculty of Medicine and Health; School of Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology, with the ability to transmit this knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  2. demonstrate coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of research methods used in the neuroscience of behaviour;
  3. describe research about the brain mechanisms of experience and behaviour; and
  4. analyse and explain the basic principles underlying the brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, and psychological disorders.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 

No. Words: 2000

QuizYes10%All offerings

Online Quiz

No. Words: 300

Written AssignmentYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 2500

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

ISBN: 9781433832161

American Psychological Assocation, APA 7th ed. 2019

Text refers to: All offerings

Biological Psychology, International Edition

ISBN: 9798214039664

Kalat, J.W., Cengage 14th edn 2023

Text refers to: All offerings

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