HPS775 - Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

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

Brain, Biology and Behaviour

Cohort rule:

This unit is at a postgraduate level and students enrolled in undergraduate courses cannot undertake it. Postgraduate students not enrolled in H603 must check with their course adviser before enrolling in the unit.

Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with:

HSE207, HPS205, HPS310, HSO207

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 an integrated understanding of discipline-specific knowledge in neuroscience, psychology and research methodologies, including through verbal presentations.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

ULO2

Explain behaviours and mental abilities at the biochemical, neuroanatomical, and inter-neural process level.

GLO2: Communication

ULO3

Explain the consequences of various brain diseases and disturbances (including traumatic, chemical, and degenerative) on mental, physical, linguistic, perceptual, and emotional functioning.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

ULO4

Use discipline specific language to explain 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.

GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO6

Work effectively with a team to interrogate the literature on a neuropsychological topic, develop an argument and clear conclusions, and present the results work publicly. GLO7: Teamwork

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

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% per manual
Total: 50%

  • Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9

Assessment 2: Group presentations

Prepare and present a discussion topic. Presentation: 10 minutes each student

Group component: 20%
Individual Component: 10%
Total: 30%

  • Week 11

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: HPS775 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

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.