Biological Psychology (PSYC20006)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Coordinator
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject studies the relationship between brain mechanisms and behaviour. Its major aim is to develop an appreciation of the neurobiological basis of psychological function and dysfunction via two approaches. The first emphasises a top-down method that links psychological functions to their biological substrates. Neuroscientific research techniques and what they can reveal about psychological function are emphasised. These techniques are presented within an historical context, beginning with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), continuing with electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and finishing with modern molecular genetic techniques. The second approach emphasises a bottom-up approach including the topics of brain genetics and development, neurons and neural circuits, neurotransmission and neurotransmitter substances, and the structurofunctional properties of selected brain regions. Neurobiological principles are illustrated using conditions with abnormal neuronal function. The third approach combines the top-down and bottom-up approaches to demonstrate how combining knowledge of cognitive theory and structurofunctional properties of the brain enables diagnosis and interpretation of pathological conditions. Case studies are used to illustrate this approach.
A quantitative methods component will be integrated into the lecture, tutorial and assessment structure of this subject. The aim is to provide an understanding of, and practical experience with, the appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis techniques used to evaluate hypotheses in Biological Psychology.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the Lecture Stream students should demonstrate knowledge of:
- The way in which the brain regulates complex forms of human behaviour.
- Some of the methodologies for investigating brain and behaviour relationships.
- Some methods of analysing data that are appropriate for research in biological psychology
Skills
On completion of the Lecture and Tutorial streams students should have developed skills in:
- Critically reviewing literature in an area of biological psychology in a way that could lead to clearly motivated research questions
- Analysing data in ways that are appropriate for research in biological psychology
- Interpreting data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods
- Evaluating and drawing conclusions from research findings
- Communicating biological psychology research findings effectively in a written format
- Critically analysing and critiquing multiple sources of information and generating a cohesive understanding of that information
Application of knowledge and skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills:
- Solve problems in biological psychology based on knowledge of psychological research findings
- Apply biological psychology concepts and theories to problems of behavioural change in a range of contexts
Generic skills
Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to:
- develop skills related to the ability to research an area
- analyze the information critically
- arrange it in a report that is clearly expressed and lucid
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this subject
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
512222 Behavioural Neuroscience 2
512225 Biological Psychology
Recommended background knowledge
Prior coursework in the two Level 1 psychology subjects, Mind Brain and Behaviour 1 and Mind Brain and Behaviour 2 is recommended.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Full laboratory report(s) of not more than 2000 words to be submitted, incorporating feedback from first submission, to be submitted during semester (exact due date dependent on your allocated lab stream; please check the LMS) (40%)
- An examination of no more than two hours to be completed during the main examination period (60%).
Hurdle requirement:
- Laboratory report(s) introduction and methods to be submitted to be submitted during semester (exact due date dependent on your allocated lab stream; please check the LMS)
- Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes.
In case of failure to meet these hurdle requirements, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Stefan Bode Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Coordinator
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment 170 hours
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Carlson, N.R. & Bricket M.A. Physiology of Behavior, Boston, MA: Pearson. 12th Edition (2016)
and
Gravetter, FJ and Wallnau, LB, Statistics for The Behavioral Sciences, 10th Edition, Cengage Learning
Recommended texts and other resources
Kandel, E et al. Essentials of Neural Science and Behaviour. McGraw Hill.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Psychology Major Psychology - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 4 April 2025