Our ability to perceive the world, think and remember things depends upon the functioning of our brain. In this course we will look at the workings of the brain, with particular focus on understanding aspects of brain function that are of particular importance to psychology. Consequently, this course focus on the link between neuroscience and psychological functioning.
Topics will include: mind-body problem; techniques to determine brain structure and cognitive functioning; functional properties and organisation of neurons in the early stages of the visual system and how that influences our perception; genetic and environmental influences in the development of the tuning properties of cells; colour processing and pathologies; memory encoding and storage; how emotion can affect memories; parallel and hierarchical processing in the brain; and how clinical neuropsychological findings map onto these pathways and processing stages, with particular emphasis on the concept of the cortical localisation of function.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and major themes in how information is processed by the brain.
- Compare and contrast particular approaches to studying brain function with respect to their use to answer a particular research question.
- Apply critical analysis skills to evaluate research studies and conclusions.
- Explain the link between psychological and brain functioning.
- Evaluate the relative utility of a psychological compared to a neuroscience approach, including the role of factors such as culture and group affiliation.
- Communicate effectively to diverse audiences the fundamental concepts and major themes regarding how information is processed by the brain.
- Demonstrate a deep and sophisticated level of understanding of the biological basis of behaviour
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the relative strength and weakness of a neuroscience and psychological approaches to understanding human cognition and behaviour
Other Information
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies:
As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, participation and presentations assess the required demonstration of oral communication skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained.
For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay (2500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Presentation (10) [LO 2,3,4,6,7,8]
- Lab participation (5) [LO 1,6,7]
- Exam (55) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour in-person lectures per week (24 hours), and approximately 10 hours of laboratory classes spread across the semester.
- Approximately 96 hours of self-directed study which will include viewing 1.5 hours of recorded lectures per week in preparation for in-person lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Medicine and Psychology to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Kalat, J. W. (2015). Biological psychology (12th Ed.).
Preliminary Reading
Text book and selected research papers.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7903 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
