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Biopsychology and Learning
Undergraduate | MAQ-PSYX236 | 2019
Course information for 2019 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
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
FEE-HELP available
Biopsychology and Learning
About this subject
Students participating in PSYX236 will gain a general understanding of the mechanisms of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and learning.
Students will develop their skills in the following:
- Communication and Information Technology Skills: Computer-based skills will be required to produce the research report. Preparation of the research report will also include using the network and accessing the library to search for information.
- Written communication skills: These skills will be developed through the biopsychology research report (where you will have to clearly describe the rationale and aims of the experiment, interpret what the findings mean and the implications of these).
- Self-awareness and interpersonal skills: In order to manage the work in the course, to be prepared for exams and to submit assignments on time, students will need to identify and set targets and goals. Students will learn to plan their time in the most productive way possible.
- Problem-solving skills: Any piece of assessment is a problem to be solved. Students need to identify the problem and implement the most effective and efficient solution. They are then able to reflect on past assessments to learn how they may be able to improve on their problem-solving skills.
- 1. Introduction to Learning
- 2. Classical Conditioning, Principles and Applications of Classical Conditioning
- 3. Research on Classical Conditioning; Introduction to Operant Conditioning
- 4. Schedules of Reinforcement; Applications of Reinforcement
- 5. Extinction; Punishment
- 6. Behavioural Neuroscience: Genetics
- 7. The Nervous Systems: Brain Cells
- 8. Neurophysiology; Neurochemistry; Communication by Receptors
- 9. Neurotransmitters; Neurotransmitter System Dysfunction
- 10. Substance Abuse; Addiction
- 11. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Topics covered in the first half of the subject provide a basic understanding of the basic principles underlying associative learning, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning, social learning as well as neural mechanisms of learning. The latter half of the unit includes the cytoarchitecture of central and peripheral neurons, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters and methods in behavioural neuroscience.
- Weekly online quiz (self assessment 0%)
- Mid semester test (30%)
- Research report (1000 words) (30%)
- Invigilated examination (40%)
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.
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
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.
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