Warning! This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.
Undergraduate MAQ-PSYX2236-2023
Biopsychology and Learning
Previously MAQ-PSYX236
Understand the cogs at work behind the learning brain. Cover classical and operant conditioning, social learning and neural mechanisms of learning. Go behind the scenes with studies in areas such as neurophysiology and neurotransmitters.
$1,950 $2,210
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
18 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Prior study
Required
Start dates
- 24 Jul 2023
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14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
10
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Subject details
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles and mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
- Use electronic databases to search for papers on relevant topics
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills, including through participation in class discussions
- Develop self-awareness skills by identifying and setting targets, and applying time management
- Critically analyse the key concepts of biopsychology and learning
- Solve problems by comparing alternative interpretations of neuroscience data and formulating new explanations
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- Introduction to Learning
- Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
- Extinction in Classical and Operant Conditioning
- Aversive Conditioning
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- The Nervous Systems; Brain Cells
- Neurophysiology; Neurochemistry; Communication by Receptors
- Neurotransmitters
- Substance Abuse; Addiction
- Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
- MAQ-PSYX236-Biopsychology and Learning (No longer available)
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
andandOthers
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSY236, PSY236 Pre-requisite (PSYC104 or PSYU1104 or PSYX104 or PSYX1104) and (PSYC105 or PSYU1105 or PSYX105 or PSYX1105) or PSYX1101 and PSYX1102 and STAX1103 NCCW (2020 and onwards) PSYU2236 Biopsychology and Learning
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
This subject is designed to give students a basic knowledge of central neuronal mechanisms underlying fundamental behaviours and how these behaviours are modified through experience (learning). Half of the program describes the cytoarchitecture of central and peripheral neurons; the physiological and ionic bases of axonal and synaptic transmission; the overall anatomical organisation of the mammalian brain, and; sensory processing. These topics are followed by discussion on the central mechanisms underlying mammalian behaviours, such as motivation and psychopathology. The other half of the program provides a basic understanding of diverse phenomena in learning and behaviour, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
- Written research report (40%)
- Invigilated examination (50%)
- Online quizzes (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).