Course Title: Biological Psychology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Biological Psychology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1187

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014

BESC1189

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2016

BESC1190

City Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BESC1190

City Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

BESC1375

City Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015

Course Coordinator: Dr Robin Laycock

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7400

Course Coordinator Email: robin.laycock@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 202.04.035-3


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

System Enforced Pre-requisites (Enforced by SAMS)


Course Description

This course extends Biological Psychology foundation knowledge, skills and their application already studied in BESC1125/1126 Foundations of Psychology. Topics may include: neuronal structure and neurotransmission; the structure and function of the nervous system; sleep and biological rhythms; hormones and behaviour; behaviour and genetics; the biological basis of memory; psychopharmacology; and the biology of abnormal behaviour. Where necessary specific sub topics may be selected to illustrate the major topic areas, for example the biology of abnormal behaviour may be illustrated by discussing biological theories of schizophrenia and autism. .


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP154 Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology):

  • PLO 1:  Understand appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied evidence based knowledge and undertake lifelong learning to improve personal and professional practice 
  • PLO 2: Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
  • PLO 3:  Applies knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in a wide range of diverse situations, with an ability to work independently or with others and incorporate the analysis of evidence based scientific literature to solve psychological problems.
  • PLO 4: Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
  • PLO 5: Maintains tolerance and respect for individuals and  groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating ethical behaviour


On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Describe the basic structure of the nervous system and explain the function of the component and aggregated parts. 
  2. Apply your knowledge of the biological basis of behaviour across a range of topic areas and through completion of a range of assessment types
  3. Demonstrate your ability to learn using multimedia and internet-based educational technologies


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning activities will include a combination of weekly tutorials and lectures, a prescribed online textbook and related online resources. Your empirical knowledge and conceptual understanding will enhanced using various learning mediums.  You will be expected to attend and complete tutorial exercises to develop your practical ability in the application of essential psychological methods, including critical analysis of research. Through application of psychological research, you will develop an understanding of the brain-behaviour relationship and further develop group and individual problem solving skills. Self-guided reading will assist you to develop responsibility and capacity for independent learning.

The assessment associated with this course will comprise formative and summative elements and will incorporate a variety of assessment modes that may include weekly tests, and an oral or visual presentation, along with written assignments.

These assessments may include use of online technology and are designed to require students to demonstrate a critical analysis of the core principles presented in the course. Assessment completed early in the first the semester will provide feedback on your progress. Ongoing feedback on your skills will be provided from peers and staff.


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include lecture and tutorial material, targeted readings taken from a prescribed Biological Psychology text book, published research articles, online material and a range of other sources. Where possible the material chosen will be digitally available to you. Practice learning activities will be provided in a variety of ways, including self-guided multi-media activities.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

Early Assessment Task: Weekly tests (10 x 2%)

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 3

Assessment Task 2:  Poster (1000 words summary of a research paper)

Weighting 30%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2

Assessment Task 3: Visual/oral presentation and written assignment (1500 words)

Weightings:20% and 30%, respectively

This assessment task supports CLO 2