Enrolments for 2021 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 | 2021
Previously MAQ-PSYX236
Course information for 2021 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
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
- 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 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).
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.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 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:
and one of
MAQ-PSYX104 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-PSYX1104-Introduction to Psychology I
and one of
MAQ-PSYX105 (Not currently 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 (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 PSYX1104 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.