PSYC2400

Biological Psychology

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

PSYC2400 forms part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council's accredited undergraduate sequence in psychology. It examines the biological bases of behaviour in terms of human anatomy, physiology, and evolution and includes selected topics in neuroscience and their relevance to psychology. The laboratory program extends and develops the lecture material and provides additional practical topics that introduce students to basic research methods and techniques in Biological Psychology.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Workplace Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives

This course will:

1. Provide an introduction to the biological basis of behaviour through knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, evolution and neurophysiology.
2. Provide a foundation for developing an understanding of the ways in which behaviour is dependant on the integration of neural activity at the molecular, cellular and systems level.
3. Enable students to relate fundamental aspects of neurophysiology to the production of simple and complex behaviour.

Skills:
PSYC2400 includes a significant laboratory component which provides students with resources and training to develop basic skills in :
1. practical techniques in the Biological Psychology.
2. research methodology and design relevant to Biological Psychology.

Content

Biological Psychology is the study of the biological bases of behaviour. PSYC2400 covers core introductory topics in Biological Psychology which examine the way in which the nervous system integrates activity at many levels, from the micro level of molecular changes in nerve cells to a macro level of whole systems. These topics include:
1) the mechanisms of individual neurons;
2) the ways in which neurons integrate their activity;
3) the anatomy of neurons and the nervous system;
4) the mechanisms underlying complex behaviours such as sensory and motor behaviour;
5) the behavioural consequences of common nervous system disorders.

Related courses:
PSYC2300, PSYC2500, PSYC3301, PSYC3400, PSYC3500, PSYC3501

Replacing Course(s)

PSYC2080

Transition

Students who have done PSYC2080 will not have to do PSYC2400.
PSYC2400 not to count with PSYC2080.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

PSYC1010, PSYC1020.
A 1000 level Biology course is recommended.
STAT2000 (previously PSYC2070) should be taken prior to or in conjunction with PSYC2400.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Laboratory

Assessment Items

Examination: Class	Mid-term examination
Examination: Formal	A formal exam covering all lecture and lab topics.
Quiz - On-line	Weekly on-line quiz
Reports	Laboratory reports

Contact Hours

Laboratory: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Compulsory Course Component	WHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. Compulsory Course Component: In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory lab induction.

Timetables