PSY3102

Advanced psychobiology: brain and behaviour

(MED)

Professor Dexter Irvine, Dr Jenny Redman, Professor Kim T Ng and Professor Grahame Coleman

6 points + Two 1-hour lectures and 2 hours laboratory-related activity per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: PSY2011 and PSY2022 or PSY2051 + Corequisite: PSY2031 or PSY2042 + Prohibition: BNS2022, BNS3041 and BNS3052

Synopsis: General principles of sensory processing and of sensory plasticity in development and in the mature organism, especially auditory processing mechanisms and hearing impairment. Neural and neurochemical mechanisms of circadian systems, performance rhythms, circadian issues in shift-work/jetlag, disorders of the circadian system, sleep and arousal, sleep deprivation and sleep disorders. Basic concepts in psychopharmacology and drug abuse. Brain mechanisms in the formation and retrieval of memories, and their role in memory disorders.

Assessment: Examination (1.5 hours): 40% + Theoretical essay (2000 words): 25% + Laboratory report: 25% + Seminar presentations: 10%