An introduction to behavioural and systems neuroscience and the brain mechanisms underlying behaviour. Topics will include: general organisation, evolution and development of the nervous system; sensory systems (vision, hearing, somaesthesis and proprioception; balance; and the chemical senses); control of movement; the autonomic nervous system; the hypothalamus and hormonal control; structure and function of the cerebral cortex; and higher order functions such as learning, memory and cognitive processes. Laboratory classes will cover microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of the nervous system, investigations of higher order processing, and experimental approaches to brain and behaviour. At least one of the laboratory classes will be a Problem Based Learning laboratory, where students will research a given topic, working in a group, and present their findings to the rest of the class. 

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students should be able to:

Appreciate the importance of the scientific method in advancing psychological knowledge; (LO1)

Understand that there exist neural correlates of behavioural and psychological processes; (LO2)

Describe the neural bases of selected psychological processes and disorders; (LO3)

Acquire an idea of the functional organization of the nervous system and of its role in processing sensory information and producing behavioural commands; (LO4)

Understand the research tools that are used for studying brain function relevant to psychology and interpret published research findings from selected research methods; (LO5)

Describe and discuss scientific research orally and in writing at a level appropriate for both academic and general audiences. (LO6)

• Research essay (30%) – LO 1,2,3,4,5,6
• Clinical knowledge summary (14%) – LO 1,2,3,4,5,6
• Class participation (6%) – LO 1,2,3,4,5,6
• In-class quizzes (10%) – LO 1,2,3,4,5
• Exams (40%) – LO 1,2,3,4,5

The face-to-face teaching time for this course consists of two hours of lectures per week and 18 hours of laboratory classes spread across the semester.

PSYC1003 and PSYC1004 (or PSYC1001) or 24 Group A Science units

There is a strong recommendation that you have either completed BIOL1007 or BIOL1008 prior to entry into PSYC2007. This is not yet a pre-requisite but a strong recommendation.

Kalat, J. W. (2013). Biological psychology (11th Ed.). ISBN-13: 9781111831004