Biopsychology and Learning

• • 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:

• MAQ-STAX1103-Introduction to Psychological Design and Statistics

• MAQ-PSYX1101-Introduction to Psychology I

• MAQ-PSYX1102-Introduction to Psychology II

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 Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

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).