Biological Psychology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards of Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website: http://wwww.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject studies the relationship between brain mechanisms and behaviour. Its major aim is to develp an appreciation of the neurobiological basis of psychological function and dysfunction via two approaches. The first emphasizes a bottom-up approach including the topics of brain development, neurons and neural circuits, neurotransmission and neurotransmitter substances, and the structurofunctional properties of selected brain regions. Neurobiological principles are illustrated using conditions with abnormal neuronal function such as dementia, epilepsy, memory, and language disorders. The second approach emphasises a top-down approach that links psychological functions to their biological substrates. Neuroscientific research techniques and what they can reveal about psychological function are emphasized. These tequniques are presented within an historical context, beginning with ventricular models (e.g., Descartes) and finishing with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Specific areas of research, such as brain lateralisation, individual differences in brain structure, and clinical brain disorders, are used to gain insight into neuropsychological research and its findings.

A quantitative methods component will be integrated into the lecture, tutorial and assessment structure of this subject. The aim is to provide an understanding of, and practical experience with, the appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis techniques used to evaluate hypothesis in Biological Psychology.

• To provide students with an integrated understanding of the way in which the brain regulates complex forms of human behaviour, as a basis for future studies in the behavioural neurosciences.

• To provide students with an appreciation of the various methodologies for investigating brain and behaviour relationships.

• To provide students with the opportunity for engaging in critical evaluation of competing theories with the field.

Two written laboratory/tutorial reports of 1,000 words each (20% each = 40%) to be submitted during semester.

An examination of no more than two hours (60%) to be completed at the end of semester during the specified University examination period.

Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes is a hurdle a requirement. In the case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.

Calson, NR. Physiology of Behaviour. 9th Edition.Pearson International.

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to:

• develop skills related to the ability to research an area
• analyze the information critically
• arrange it in a report that is clearly expressed and lucid