PSY4230

Contemporary issues in psychobiology ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate professor Alan Lill

Offered:
Caulfield First semester 2006 (OCL)
Clayton First semester 2006 (OCL)
Singapore First semester 2006 (OCL)
Caulfield Second semester 2006 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)
South Africa Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This elective will examine some selected, topical issues in biological psychology, building on the background in this area of psychology developed in the undergraduate curriculum. The unit will focus on the biological aspects of psychological issues that are controversial and/or for which there are currently competing explanatory hypothesis. The broad scope of biological psychology will be reflected in the choice of topics. The general area from which the specific topics will be chosen are human sexual behaviour, aspects of drug addiction, mood and psychotic disorders, learning and memory mechanisms, and regulation of hunger and thirst.

Objectives: On completing this unit, students will have; 1. become familiar with several topical and controversial issues in psychobiology; 2. acquired skills in reviewing evidence and evaluating contentious theories; 3. gained an appreciation of the value of informed group discussion in evaluating important ideas in psychology; and 4. had practice in the clear and concise summarising and presentations of ideas both spoken and written form.

Assessment: Seminar presentation: 35% + Participation in class discussion: 30% + Essay (1500 words): 35%

Contact Hours: 2 hour workshop per week

Off-campus attendance requirements: 16 hour residential school program

Prohibitions: PSY4200, PSY4240, PSY4250, PSY4507, PSY4508 and PSY4509