Units
Physiological Psychology
Unit code: PYB304
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit aims to provide a broad introduction to the area of neuropsychology and discusses both the clinical and cognitive approaches in the field. Three broad areas are covered: neuroanatomy, neuropathology, the cognitive analysis of resulting deficits. Students learn about major neuroanatomical structures and their interconnections, with an emphasis on how this information is applied in the clinical setting. They also study a number of neuropsychological disorders in terms of their diagnosis, assessment and treatment, as well as the psychosocial effects such deficits have on the patients.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit focuses on the scientific study of the biology of human behaviour and discusses this both in relation to human and clinical research. Findings from pure and applied research, as well as research on both human and non-human subjects will be covered. We will cover a number of topics, including research methods, neuroanatomy and neural conduction, models of brain damage, sleep, memory and language, as well as the biopsychology of stress and illness. There will be an emphasis on the contributions of biopsychology to the field of neuroscience.
Aims
The unit aims to extend your understanding of the theories, concepts, and methods in biopsychology and the contribution of biopsychology to neuroscience. You will be encouraged to consider and evaluate the practical applications of this type of research in understanding behaviour.
Objectives
- To obtain a thorough understanding of anatomy and the physiology of neural and other systems underlying our behaviour;
- To understand the integrated function of these systems in mental processes, also through the evaluation of the effect of brain damage on cognitive functioning;
- To relate the functions of these systems to social and environmental interactions.
Content
1. Overview and Introduction
2. Neuroanatomy and Neural Conduction Review
3. Neuroplasticity: Development, Learning and Recovery from Brain Damage
4. Research Methods
5. Sleep, Dreaming and Circadian Rhythms
6. The Sensorimotor System
7. Memory and Amnesia
8. Stress and Illness
9. The Physiology of Eating
10. Language
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit is designed around a series of lectures and tutorials. The lectures are intended to provide the theoretical and experimental foundations of this subject area, and give you a full appreciation of the import of physiological psychology in the understanding of behaviour. The tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to:
- review in more detail the structure and working of the brain, both through discussion and interactive sessions;
- to discuss in more detail some of the issues raised in the lectures, through interactions with your peers.
Assessment name:
Mid Semester Exam
Description:
The mid-semester exam will cover the material from the first half of the semester.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
An essay title will be set. You will need to evaluate the issue indicated scientifically, critically and objectively.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Assessment name:
Log/Workbook
Description:
This piece of assessment consists of the completion of Pinel's "A colourful introduction to the anatomy of the human brain". You are advised to complete the chapters in the workbook on a regular basis.
Relates to objectives:
1
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
The final exam will be held during the end of semester examination period. 100 multiple choice questions - covering material from lectures, tutorials and interactive sessions.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
45%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts
Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Pinel, J.P.J., & Edwards, M. (1998). A Colourful Introduction to the Anatomy of the Human Brain: A Brain & Psychology Coloring Book. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Some Useful Journals
Behavioural Medicine, Behavioural Neuroscience, Behavioural Pharmacology, Behavioural & Brain Sciences, Cognitive Neuropsychology, Nature, Nature Neuroscience, Science, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain & Cognition, Brain & Language, Neuron, Brain Research, Psychobiology, Neuroreport
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 17-May-2012
