Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand the techniques by which information about brain chemistry, structure and function is obtained; evaluate the brain-behaviour relationship and current brain-mind theories; describe the workings of the brain and nervous system at both the physiological and biochemical levels.
Synopsis 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. Distance education students are required to attend a one-day weekend or residential school program.
Assessment Laboratory reports: 40% + Examination: 60% + A pass on the examination is a requirement for the successful completion of this subject