Biological Psychology (PSYC20006)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
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: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
3 x Revision Quizzes. Each quiz contains 10 multiple-choice questions focusing on content delivered in recent lectures.
| At equal intervals throughout the teaching period | 15% |
An examination
| During the examination period | 45% |
An assignment
| From Week 7 to Week 11 | 40% |
An online module
| From Week 4 to Week 7 | 0% |
Attendance of at least 80% of laboratory classes. Hurdle requirement: In case of failure to meet the attendance requirement, additional work related to the missed class activities (e.g., an essay whose length is 500 words for each tutorial missed) will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Julia Chan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Carlson, N.R., & Birkett M.A. (2016). Physiology of Behavior (12th ed.). Pearson;
Op de Beeck, H., & Nakatani, C. (2019). Introduction to Human Neuroimaging. Cambridge University Press;
and
Gravetter, F.J., & Wallnau, L.B. (2017). Statistics for The Behavioral Sciences (10th ed.). Cengage Learning. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Psychology Major Psychology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 14 March 2025