Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2

Subject 880-002 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 one hour lectures (three times a week), and 24 hours (12 x 2 hours) of practical classes and tutorials. 3 hours of research participation (hurdle requirement).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 512-121 Introductory Social, Developmental and Clinical Psychology 1 and 512-128 Mind, Brain & Behaviour 2
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Simon James Cropper
Subject Overview:

Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2 focuses on the development of the individual and their interaction with their environment and considers what the consequences are, both when this interaction proceeds smoothly and when it does not proceed smoothly. Questions concerning human development giving attention to cognitive and to social-emotional aspects are explored. An understanding of some basic issues in human development is complemented with an examination of the nature and development of personality and human interaction in social groups and cultural settings.

The course is designed to raise significant questions prompting students to think about behaviour and to explore possible answers. Students will be introduced to the tools used in psychology to find answers to these questions. A common research-centred framework is adopted and the statistical tools that support this framework are introduced and developed as an integral part of the course. Psychology derives its approaches and questions from both science and the arts.

Objectives:
  • To introduce the broad areas and varied approaches that comprise the field of psychology;
  • To develop an understanding of some key psychological concepts and theories from several areas of psychology;
  • To develop skills in the use and evaluation of scientific methodology and enquiry, including research design and data analysis;
  • To develop basic skills in the critical evaluation of psychological literature;
  • To develop skills in report writing as it applies to the study of psychology.
  • Assessment:

    One three hour examination comprising multiple-choice questions to be undertaken in the University examination period. (60%)

    Laboratory assignment(s) of not more than 2000 words to be submitted during the semester. (40%)

    Students must complete all components of the assessment and achieve an aggregate score of 50% in the subject to be eligible for a pass.

    Participation in three hours of research activities and attendance at 80% or more of laboratory classes are hurdle requirements.

    Prescribed Texts: Haslam, N. (2007). Introduction to Personality and Intelligence. London: Sage.
    Recommended Texts:

    Eysenck, M.W. (2004) Psychology: An International Perspective Hove, Sussex, UK: Psychology Press/Palgrave Macmillan

    Smyth, T.R. (2004) The Principles of Writing in Psychology Basingstoke, Hampshie, UK: Palgrave Macmillan

    Gravetter, F.J. & Wallnau L.B. (2004) Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences (6th ed.). Belmont CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning

    Breadth Options:

    This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

    You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:

    On completion of Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2 students should be able to:

    • apply analytical skills to new issues;
    • apply a hypothesis testing approach to new questions, including formulation of a research question, collection of relevant observations, analysis and interpretation of data using basic descriptive statistics to arrive at a conclusion; communicate the findings of empirical studies.
    Related Course(s): Bachelor of Music
    Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: First year psychology
    Psychology
    Psychology Major

    Download PDF version.