Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
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.
Biopsychology and Learning
Undergraduate | MAQ-PSYX2236 | 2020
Previously MAQ-PSYX236
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 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
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Biopsychology and Learning
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Understand the key principles and processes of learning, mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology
- Effectively use electronic databases to search for papers in 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
- 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
This unit 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 (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 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:
one of
MAQ-PSYX104-Introduction to Psychology I (no longer available)
- MAQ-PSYX1104-Introduction to Psychology I
and one of
MAQ-PSYX105-Introduction to Psychology II (no longer available)
- MAQ-PSYX1105-Introduction to Psychology II
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)
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.