BEHV 2002 Brain and Behaviour

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101684

Coordinator Andrew McKinnon Opens in new window

Description This subject provides an introduction to the biological and neuroscientific bases of human behaviour. Topics covered include the chemistry of life, the molecular basis of life, the cell and some of the major organ systems of the human body with particular reference to the nervous, endocrine and sensory systems. The subject has a significant laboratory component which reinforces lecture and text material. Students will be introduced to the biological and neuroscientific concepts necessary for a thorough understanding of areas of psychology such as abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, developmental psychology, human learning, and physiological psychology.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 0972 - Neuroscience

Restrictions

Successful completion of 20 credit points of study .

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Distinguish biological psychology as a scientific discipline and its major objectives (APAC Graduate Attributes 1.1i, 1.1viii, 1.1xii.)
Identify the major themes and perspectives of biological psychology (APAC GA 1.1i, 1.1viii, 1.3)
Describe the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system (APAC GA 1.1viii,1.3)
Analyse the major theoretical and empirical perspectives associated with various brain processes, and how these processes impact mental functioning and behaviour (APAC GA 1.1v, 1.1vii, 1.1xii, 1.3, 1.5)
Apply knowledge of biological psychology to a range of clinical conditions (APAC GA 1.1iv, 1.3)
Critically evaluate theories and propositions in biological psychology through a phased literature review responding to a hypothesis (APAC GA 1.1xii, 1.3, 1.6)

Subject Content

Nervous system 1
Nervous system 2
Neurotransmitters
Sensory systems
Movement
Learning and memory
Neuroplasticity
Emotion and stress
Hunger
Anxiety and depression
Psychosis
Drugs and addiction

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task	Mandatory
Participation	5-10 minutes per week	10	N	Individual	N
Presentation	10-15 minutes	20	N	Group	N
Critical Review	1,200 words	30	N	Individual	N
End-of-session Exam	90 minutes	40	N	Individual	N