Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC466
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Biopsychology is a fascinating, rapidly expanding branch of psychology. When exploring questions of nature versus nurture, biopsychology deals with the ways that biology shapes brain function and human behaviour.
Studying this unit, you will gain a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of the neural mechanisms of experience and behaviour. Models of brain function and dysfunction are considered from both experimental and clinical perspectives.
The unit begins with an introduction to basic principles of neuron structure and function, neurotransmission, neuropharmacology, functional neuroanatomy, and neuronal development.
You will then examine a range of specific topics, including brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory and psychological disorders.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
GradDipPsych students: It is a requirement that students who wish to enrol in PSYC466 in Trimester 1 in order to complete their degree program in three trimesters, complete PSYC101 and PSYC102 in Trimester 3 of the preceding year.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate competent theoretical knowledge of the basic principles of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology, with the ability to transmit this knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate and apply technical knowledge of research methods used in the neuroscience of behaviour;
- critically evaluate research about the brain mechanisms of experience and behaviour; and
- competently apply skills to analyse and explain the basic principles underlying the brain mechanisms of sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, and psychological disorders.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Exercises | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 300 |
| Written Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
| Final Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Biological Psychology
ISBN: 9780357798126
Kalat, J.W., Cengage 14th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
ISBN: 9781433832161
American Psychological Assocation, APA 7th ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
