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Biopsychology and Learning
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX22362026
Previously MAQ-PSYX236
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $2,245
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Biopsychology and Learning
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in biopsychology and learning.
- Analyse, critique, and discuss academic writing in topics relating to biopsychology and learning.
- Communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in biopsychology and learning, including to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information.
- Demonstrate effective application of biopsychology and learning knowledge for positive impact at the foundational level of competency.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit is designed to give you a basic knowledge of central neuronal mechanisms underlying fundamental behaviours and how these behaviours are modified through experience (learning). Half of the unit 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 unit provides a basic understanding of diverse phenomena in learning and behaviour, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
- Plan for media presentation (25%)
- Group Media Presentation (25%)
- Online invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
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 (Not currently available)
Others
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.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.