Biological psychology
BBS BY BT BW BB BS DT GA PA BC BP BDT
Dr Dianne Wuillemin and Dr Kamal Rahman
Subject value of 1.0 (6 point) * First semester * One 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour laboratory per week per week * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GAS2504 plus two subjects from GAS2501, GAS2502 and GAS2503, or equivalent second-level subjects
The subject focuses on the organisation of the brain and nervous system and its electrical and chemical processes as the fundamental basis of behaviour. It highlights the biological mechanisms of selected aspects of human behaviour including sensory and motor processing, eating and drinking, regulation of body temperature, sexual behaviour, emotions, sleep and arousal, and more complex mental processes such as language, cognition, learning, memory, and disorders of the nervous system. The subject concludes with a discussion of the psychobiology of mind and consciousness. On completion of this subject, students are expected to (i) understand the techniques by which information about brain chemistry, structure, and function is obtained; (ii) be familiar with the workings of the brain and nervous system at both the physiological and biochemical levels; (iii) understand the nature of brain-behaviour relationships; and (iv) be able to evaluate current brain-mind theories. Distance education students are required to attend a two-day weekend or residential school program involving laboratory sessions.
Assessment
Laboratory reports: 40% * Examination: 60% * A pass on the examination is a requirement for the successful completion of this subject
Prescribed texts
To be advised