Students
PSYU2236 – Biopsychology and Learning
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
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
Unit Convenor
Julia Irwin
Contact via Email
4 First Walk 506
By appointment
Unit Convenor
Richard Ramsey
Contact via Email
Level 3, AHH
By appointment
Senior Tutor
Lorraine Tan
Senior Tutor
Tamara Paulin
Tutor
Lauren Ehrenfeld
Tutor
Aydin Anic
Tutor
Edwina Keen
Tutor
Paul Aldrich
Tutor
Katherine Ko
Tutor
Andrea Dimeco
Tutor
Talia Nardo
Tutor
Kurt Lancaster
Tutor
Hamish Phillips
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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) or ((COGS100 or COGS1000) or (MEDI204 or MEDI2300) or (BIOL204 or BIOL2230) and (STAT170 or STAT1170))
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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 an understanding of the key principles and processes of learning, mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology
- ULO2: Effectively use electronic databases to search for papers in 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 | Throughout the session |
| Research Report | 40% | No | 11/9/2020 |
| Final Examination | 50% | No | During university examination period |
Online quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Throughout the session
Weighting: 10%
Regular online quizzes testing unit content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles and processes of learning, mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology
- Effectively use electronic databases to search for papers in 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: 11/9/2020
Weighting: 40%
Students complete a 1500 word research report on a behavioural experiment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles and processes of learning, mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology
- Effectively use electronic databases to search for papers in 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: During university 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 an understanding of the key principles and processes of learning, mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology
- Effectively use electronic databases to search for papers in 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.
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 weekly 1 hr session in an online lecture. The review sessions are designed to give students an opportunity to review the lecture topic material, and to ask questions about them.
Practical Classes: Students will attend a practical class once a fortnight. These classes extend lecture material by examining research and practical applications of the more theoretical material covered in lectures. Attending may either be in a classroom or online via Zoom.
There will be online quizzes for students to assess their understanding of the lecture content. These quizzes will 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).
Unit Schedule
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Week starting |
Topic |
LECTURER |
TEXT |
TUTORIAL |
|||
|
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 (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 (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
There may be changes on the delivery of face-to-face teaching in terms of the practicals and revision lecture due to the COVID19 pandemic.
All references to Sniffy, both the textbook and the practical schedule have been removed. We have developed a replacement practical that will not involve using the computers
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 27/07/2020 | The due date for the report had to be updated from 13/9/2020 to 11/9/2020 |
| 21/07/2020 | Unit Convenor status changed to senior tutor for two staff members |
| 17/07/2020 | Under the assessment section it incorrectly stated that online quizzes were due in week 13 - it now reads that they are held throughout the session |