Students
PSYX2236 – Biopsychology and Learning
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Julia Irwin
Richard Ramsey
Senior Tutor
Tamara Paulin
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(PSYC104 or PSYU1104 or PSYX104 or PSYX1104) and (PSYC105 or PSYU1105 or PSYX105 or PSYX1105)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is designed to give students a basic knowledge of central neuronal mechanisms underlying fundamental behaviours and how these behaviours are modified through experience (learning). Half of the program describes the cytoarchitecture of central and peripheral neurons; the physiological and ionic bases of axonal and synaptic transmission; the overall anatomical organisation of the mammalian brain, and; sensory processing. These topics are followed by discussion on the central mechanisms underlying mammalian behaviours, such as motivation and psychopathology. The other half of the program provides a basic understanding of diverse phenomena in learning and behaviour, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles and mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
- ULO2: Use electronic databases to search for papers on relevant topics.
- ULO3: Demonstrate written and oral communication skills, including through participation in class discussions
- ULO4: Develop self-awareness skills by identifying and setting targets, and applying time management
- ULO5: Critically analyse the key concepts of biopsychology and learning
- ULO6: Solve problems by comparing alternative interpretations of neuroscience data and formulating new explanations
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online quiz | 10% | No | Weekly |
| Final Examination | 50% | No | Examination Period |
| Research Report | 40% | No | Friday 11th September by 5.00pm |
Online quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Regular online quizzes testing unit content
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles and mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
- Use electronic databases to search for papers on relevant topics.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills, including through participation in class discussions
- Develop self-awareness skills by identifying and setting targets, and applying time management
- Critically analyse the key concepts of biopsychology and learning
- Solve problems by comparing alternative interpretations of neuroscience data and formulating new explanations
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 49 hours
Due: Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
Final examination held within the University’s formal exam period, in accordance with relevant requirements
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles and mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
- Use electronic databases to search for papers on relevant topics.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills, including through participation in class discussions
- Develop self-awareness skills by identifying and setting targets, and applying time management
- Critically analyse the key concepts of biopsychology and learning
- Solve problems by comparing alternative interpretations of neuroscience data and formulating new explanations
Research Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Friday 11th September by 5.00pm
Weighting: 40%
Students complete a 1500 word research report on a behavioural experiment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles and mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
- Use electronic databases to search for papers on relevant topics.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills, including through participation in class discussions
- Develop self-awareness skills by identifying and setting targets, and applying time management
- Critically analyse the key concepts of biopsychology and learning
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lectures: The unit will be taught weekly through on-line audio and video recordings of several topics. These topics will be reviewed in a 1 hr session in a lecture theatre which is recorded and available as online lectures, or via Zooom that will also be recorded. The review sessions are designed to give all students a review of the lecture topic material.
Tutorial exercises: Students will complete online tutorial exercises once a fortnight. These tutorials extend lecture material by examining research and practical applications of the more theoretical material covered in lectures.
There will be online quizzes for students to assess their understanding of the lecture content. These quizzes contribute 10% to the assessment marks of the students.
The textbooks used in this unit are:
Mazur, J.E. (2017). Learning and Behavior (8th Ed. International Ed.). Engelwood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Library has electronic copy available through ebookcentral-proquest
Kalat, J.W. (2019, 2015, 2013, 2009, 2007). Biological Psychology (13th, 12th, 11th, 10th or 9th ed).
In addition, optionally, students may purchase the following software (used in tutorial exercises): Alloway, T. Wilson, G. & Graham, J. (2012). Sniffy the Virtual Rat Lite, Version 3.0.
Unit Schedule
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Class Program |
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Week starting |
Topic |
LECTURER |
TEXT |
TUTORIAL |
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1 |
27 July |
Introduction to Learning. Non-associative learning. Classical Conditioning 1 — Introduction, terms and forms of CC |
Irwin |
Mazur Ch. 1-3 |
NO PRACTICAL |
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2 |
3 Aug |
Classical Conditioning 2 — Variations of CC and limitations in CC Classical Conditioning 3 —Temporal parameters of CC — Inhibition and extinction of CR |
Irwin |
Mazur Ch. 3-4 |
Practical One Learning I Motor skill (Stream A) |
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3 |
10 Aug |
Classical Conditioning 4 — Contingency — Rescorla Wagner |
Irwin |
Mazur Ch. 4 |
Practical One Learning I Motor Skill (Stream B) |
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4 |
17 Aug |
Operant conditioning |
Irwin |
Mazur Ch. 5 & 6 |
Practical Two Learning II Behaviour Change (Stream A) |
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5 |
24 Aug |
Extinction |
Irwin |
Pp 64-66, 126 |
Practical Two Learning II) (Stream B) |
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6 |
31 Aug |
Punishment Escape and Avoidance learning |
Irwin |
Mazur 7 |
Practical Three Learning III Behaviour Change (Stream A) |
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Biopsychology |
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7 |
7 Sept |
Behavioural Neuroscience: Genetics, Animal models of addiction |
Ramsey |
Kalat Ch. 4 & 12 |
Practical Three Learning III (Stream B) |
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SESSION BREAK |
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8 |
28 Sept |
The Nervous Systems. Brain Cells. |
Ramsey |
Kalat Ch. 1 & 3 |
NO PRACTICAL |
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9 |
5 Oct |
Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry, Communication by Receptors. |
Ramsey |
Kalat Ch. 1 & 2 |
Practical Four Neuroanatomy I Kalat Ch. 2 & 3 (Stream A) |
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10 |
12 Oct |
Neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitter System Dysfunction. |
Ramsey |
Kalat Ch. 2, 14 & App. A |
Practical Four Neuroanatomy I Kalat Ch. 2 & 3 (Stream B) |
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11 |
19 Oct |
Substance Use, Substance Use Disorder,
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Cornish |
Kalat Ch. 14 |
Practical Five Neuroanatomy II Kalat Ch. 3 & 4 (Stream A) |
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12 |
26 Oct |
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. |
Ramsey |
Kalat Ch. 12 |
Practical Five Neuroanatomy II Kalat Ch. 3 & 4 (Stream B) |
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13 |
2 Nov |
Revision Quiz covering Learning and Biopsychology |
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NO PRACTICAL |
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Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
A more specific date was provided for the submission of the report
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 05/08/2020 | A specific date was provided for the report, and an error in the lecture schedule was amended |