HPS310 - Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Trimester 3: Online
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:Nil
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Mark Rogers
Trimester 3: Mark Rogers
Previously:

Brain, Biology and Behaviour

Prerequisite:

One of HPS201, HPS202, HPS203, HPS204, HPS301, HPS307, HPS308

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: HPS205, HPS775
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per fortnight

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

Trimester 1
1 x 2 hour online lecture per week
1 x 2 hour online seminar per fortnight

Trimester 3
1 x 2 hour lecture (pre-recorded) per week
1 x 2 hour online seminar per fortnight

Content

This unit explores contemporary neurobiological explanations of human behaviour. Individual, social, ethical and practical implications are examined in the context of topics including: neural structure and function, psychopharmacology, biological methods, sensory systems, emotions, motor activity, sleep, mental disorders, language, memory and learning.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

ULO1

Demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge in neuroscience, psychology and research methodologies. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Demonstrate knowledge of, and differentiate between behaviours and mental abilities at the biochemical, neuroanatomical, and inter-neural process level.

GLO2: Communication

ULO3

Demonstrate knowledge of differentiate between and explain the consequences of various brain diseases and disturbances (including traumatic, chemical, and degenerative) on mental, physical, linguistic, perceptual, and emotional functioning; diagnose psychological and behavioural conditions that are of neurophysiological origin.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

ULO4

Use discipline specific language to explain and critically analyse concepts within the field of Neuropsychology suitable for an academic audience within psychology.

GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO5

Search digital and non-digital literature to identify and classify prominent structures of the nervous system and describe their functions, as well as use critical thinking and problem solving skills to explain neurological problems.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Seminar manuals Four manuals, each answering approximately 15 brief answer questions 4 x 12.5%
Total: 50%
  • Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9
Assessment 2: Assignment Recorded mini-lecture (slides and narration) with quiz questions 10-20 minutes 30%
  • Week 9
Assessment 3: End-of-Unit Assessment 1 hour 20%
  • End-of-unit assessment period

In fortnightly seminars students will work on simulations and exercises designed to consolidate and expand upon material covered in the classes (in class for campus students or online (via Collaborate) for online students). Online students will require access to a computer-compatible microphone.

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HPS310 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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