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School of Medicine and Psychology · ANU College of Science and Medicine
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.
Essay (2000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Presentation
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6
Lab participation
Learning outcomes 1, 6
Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
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 across the semester), 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. 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, 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.
Kalat, J. W. (2015). Biological psychology (12th Ed.)