CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC11008 Biological Foundations of Psychology
Biological Foundations of Psychology
All details in this unit profile for PSYC11008 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to the biological bases of human behaviour. The content of the unit examines: the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system; sensory and perceptual processes; learning and memory; states of consciousness; and neurological disorders. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) states that graduates of psychology must be able to comprehend and apply a broad range of knowledge including the neurological elements underpinning human experience and behaviour. The brain and nervous system are significant factors which contribute to the aetiology of psychological disorders and the maintenance of mental health. Consequently, a sound understanding of biological principles is essential to psychology students seeking future careers either as clinicians or as researchers. A further competency required by APAC is the ability to analyse and critique psychological theory and research, and be able communicate these findings in a written format. Psychologists are expected to become "scientist-practitioners" and you will learn how to conduct basic literature searches and communicate your findings in short written assessments using conventional APA style and formatting.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2019

Adelaide
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Rockhampton
Townsville

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 10%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from "Have your say" survey

Feedback

Students stated there were too many sources of help regarding APA formatting.

Recommendation

Consider directing students only to the APA Publication Manual and the CQUniversity guide.

Feedback from "Have your say" survey

Feedback

Occasionally students wanted to discuss points after the 2 hr lecture, but would be cut off due to the ISL time limit

Recommendation

Arrange for 1 hour ISL tutorial time after the 2 hour lecture to allow for discussion and questions.

Feedback from "Have your say" survey

Feedback

Some students found the comments / questions from other students would occasionally take up too much time during lectures.

Recommendation

This type of discussion could be facilitated during the extra half hour after the lecture (see above recommendation).

Feedback from "Have your say" survey

Feedback

Students found the use of case studies and scenarios contributed to learning new concepts

Recommendation

Continue to incorporate the use of case studies and examples.

Feedback from "Have your say" survey

Feedback

Generally students found the level of feedback useful - especially in the first essay. This assisted students in refining the second essay.

Recommendation

Continue to provide detailed feedback to the first essay.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the major theories and principles underpinning biological psychology
  2. Conduct a basic literature search on a topic in biological psychology and compose a brief written submission which summarises current research
  3. Develop the capacity to link principles of biological psychology to perception, cognition, emotion and behaviour.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60%
2 - Written Assessment - 10%
3 - Essay - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60%
2 - Written Assessment - 10%
3 - Essay - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Psychology. Fifth Australian and New Zealand edition

Edition: 5th (2019)
Authors: Burton L, Westen, D, & Kowalski, R.
Wiley
Milton Milton , Queensland , Australia
ISBN: 9780730363262
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

Edition: 6th (2009)
Authors: American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Washington Washington , DC , USA
ISBN: 978-1433805615
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

The eText version of Psychology (Burton, Westen & Kowalski, 2019) is available from WileyDirect for AUD $75.

The eText can be downloaded to four devices. Students have lifetime, offline access. To purchase the eText from WileyDirect, use this url: http://www.wileydirect.com.au/buy/psychology-5th-australian-and-new-zealand-edition/

If you prefer, a hard copy version of the text is also available for AUD $154.95  To purchase the hard copy, use this url: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

The APA Manual will be used throughout your entire degree and can also be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop, see link above.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to Zoom (session log-in details will be provided)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Chris Crawford Unit Coordinator
c.j.crawford@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Introduction and overview of Biological Psychology

Chapter

Chapter 1 (pages 5 - 34)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Neurons: the basic building blocks

Chapter

Chapter 3 (pages 136 - 152)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Brain Bits

Chapter

Chapter 3  (pages 153 - 177)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Making sense of the senses Part A

Chapter

Chapter 4 (pages 205 - 232)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Journal Summary Due: Week 4 Monday (1 Apr 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Making sense of the senses Part B

Chapter

Chapter 4 (pages 233 - 254)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Apr 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Thinking, emotions and behaviour

Chapter

No reading this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1   Opens Thursday 25 April at 1200  / Closes Friday 26 April 2345

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Learning about learning

Chapter

Chapter 6


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 06 May 2019

Module/Topic

Memories are made of this

Chapter

Chapter 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Short Essay - Heredity or environment as the primary determinant for personality Due: Week 8 Monday (6 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 13 May 2019

Module/Topic

Contradictions of consciousness

Chapter

Chapter 5

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 Begin Date: 20 May 2019

Module/Topic

Intelligence

Chapter

Chapter 9

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 11 Begin Date: 27 May 2019

Module/Topic

Neurological disorders

Chapter

Chapter 15

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Review of course content

The future of neurological health

Chapter

No reading this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2  Opens Thursday 6th June at 1200  /  Closes Friday 7th June at 2345


Online Quizzes (2) Due: Week 12 Friday (7 June 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Jun 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information


Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Journal Summary

Task Description

Assessment 1 introduction:

  • It is hypothesised that psychological therapy fundamentally changes networks and activity brain (neural plasticity).
  • Your task is to read and critically review a journal article that discusses the evidence for neural plasticity in the context of mindfulness in the treatment of PTSD.

Assessment 1 instructions:

  • Download the journal article found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.01.005
  • Write a critical summary of 270 - 330 words. This does not include your references. Include a title page.
  • Use appropriate APA formatting in-text. Include a reference page with correct APA formatting.
  • An abstract is not required.
  • Submit the assessment via the Moodle as a Word doc or docx file with your last name and initial i.e. crawfordc.doc
  • It is good practice to upload and check the assessment a couple of days before the due date to allow Turnitin to review your work.
  • Make sure you click the submit button to completely submit the assessment for grading.

Follow the assessment structure below. (The total for this assessment task is 10 marks.)

Introduction/Literature Review (2 marks)

  • In ONE or TWO sentences outline the issue being investigated.
  • In ONE sentence explain why this issue was important enough to research.

Method (2 marks)

  • In ONE or TWO sentences describe how were participants recruited? How many participants were in the final sample?
  • In ONE or TWO sentences describe the dependent variable(s).

Results/Discussion (4 marks)

  • Pick ONE of the main findings discussed in this section and in TWO sentences describe the finding AND what it means.
  • In ONE sentence describe a methodological issue that may have impacted on the findings.
  • In ONE sentence describe the future direction for research noted by the authors.
  • In ONE sentence summarise the overall conclusion of the article.

Correct use of APA formatting (2 marks)


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Monday (1 Apr 2019) 9:00 am AEST

Online via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Vacation Week Monday (15 Apr 2019)


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

Total possible of 10 points.

Introduction and literature review (2 points)

  • 0 Introduction not present or was not relevant to the journal article.
  • 1 Introduction present, literature summarised, only loosely applied to the journal article.
  • 1.5 Introduction present, literature summarised, Related clearly and effectively to the journal article.
  • 2 Introduction and literature concisely summarised, Related clearly and effectively to the journal article using original language and interpretation.

Method (2 points)

  • 0 Discussion on methodology not present or was not relevant to the journal article.
  • 1 Methodology discussed but only loosely applied to the journal article.
  • 1.5 Methodology discussed. Related clearly and effectively to the journal article.
  • 2 Methodology discussed. Related clearly and effectively to the journal article using original language and interpretation.

Results / discussion (4 points)

  • 0 Results / discussion not present or were not relevant to the journal article.
  • 2 Results and discussion have been loosely summarised and relate to the journal article.
  • 3 Results and discussion are summarised and relate well to the journal article.
  • 4 Results and discussion are clearly and effectively summarised Related clearly and effectively to the journal article using original language and interpretation.

APA formating (2 points)

  • 0 APA formatting not present.
  • 1 Attempt made with APA formatting but contained many errors.
  • 1.5 APA formatting contained few errors.
  • 2 Exceptional formatting with very few errors.

Word limit

  • The work limit is 270 - 330 words not including title page or references page.
  • Submissions outside of this limit will be subject to a 5% penalty.

Late submission

  • Late submissions will be subject to a 5% penalty per day.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • have a good, general, knowledge of the major principles and theories of the Biological Foundations of Psychology
  • have a knowledge of the application of these principles to both human and non-human behaviour
  • have developed writing, research and statistical skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Short Essay - Heredity or environment as the primary determinant for personality

Task Description

Short Essay - Introduction

  • Personality is commonly defined as ".. enduring patterns of thought, feeling, motivation and behaviour that are expressed in different circumstances." (Burton, Westen & Kowalski, 2019, p. 707).
  • Historically there have been two perspectives on what contributes to personality.
  • The first is heredity - the organism's inherited genetic code which provides an innate advantage or disadvantage over other organisms.
  • The second is environment - the circumstances in which the organism finds itself including social setting and available learning opportunities.
  • It is currently accepted that these two factors interact and both contribute to personality.
  • However, your task is to use current research and argue that one is more important than the other.

Assessment 2 - Instructions:

  • Write a brief essay which takes a stand on whether personality is determined primarily by heredity or environment.
  • Search the CQU library database or Google Scholar for the terms “heredity,” "environment"and “intelligence”.
  • To widen the search, you may want to include terms such as: nature, nurture, genetics, twin studies, etc.
  • Select and download the full-text version of two articles which both support your stance.
  • The essay to be 900 - 1100 words. This does not include your references or title page.
  • Include a title page.
  • Use appropriate APA style. Use appropriate APA in-text referencing.
  • Include a references list for the two articles in APA formatting.
  • An abstract is not required.
  • Submit the assessment via the Moodle as a Word doc or docx file with your last name and initial i.e: crawfordc.doc
  • It is good practice to upload the assessment a couple of days before the due date to allow Turnitin to review your work.
  • Ensure you click the final Submit button so your submission can be assessed.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (6 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST

Online via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (27 May 2019)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Total possible of 30 points.

Introduction and literature review (4 points)

  • 0 Introduction not present or was not relevant to the journal articles. Student did not take a clear stance on the topic.
  • 2 Introduction present, literature summarised only loosely. Student took a stance, but not well supported by the literature.
  • 3 Introduction present, literature summarised well. Student took a stance which was adequately supported by the literature.
  • 4 Introduction and literature concisely and effectively summarised. Student took a clear stance which was very well supported by the literature using original language and interpretation 4 marks.

Utilisation of journal article one (8 points)

  • 0 The journal article did not relate to the topic, was not summarised effectively or correctly. Summary was not linked to the stance taken by the student.
  • 4 The journal loosely related to the topic and was summarised, but missed key points. The summary was only loosely linked to the stance taken by the student.
  • 6 The journal article related to the topic, was summarised correctly. The summary covered most key points. The summary was linked well to the stance taken by the student.
  • 8 The journal related clearly to the topic and was effectively summarised. The summary was effectively covering all key points. The summary was creatively linked to the stance taken by the student using original language and interpretation.

Utilisation of journal article two (8 points)

  • 0 The journal article did not relate to the topic, was not summarised effectively or correctly. Summary was not linked to the stance taken by the student.
  • 4 The journal loosely related to the topic and was summarised, but missed key points. The summary was only loosely linked to the stance taken by the student.
  • 6 The journal article related to the topic, was summarised correctly. The summary covered most key points. The summary was linked well to the stance taken by the student.
  • 8 The journal related clearly to the topic and was effectively summarised. The summary was effectively covering all key points. The summary was creatively linked to the stance taken by the student using original language and interpretation.

Conclusion (5 points)

  • 0 Conclusion not present or not related to the stance taken by the student and / or not supported by the journal articles.
  • 2.5 Conclusion related loosely to the stance taken by the student. Not well supported by the journal articles.
  • 4 Conclusion related well to the stance taken by the student and is supported by the journal articles.
  • 5 Conclusion related clearly and effectively to the stance taken by the student, very well supported by the journal articles and uses original language and interpretation.

APA formatting (5 points)

  • 0  APA formatting not present.
  • 2.5  Attempt made with APA formatting but contained many errors.
  • 4  APA formatting contained few errors.
  • 5  Exceptional formatting with very few errors.

Word limit

  • The work limit is 900 - 1100 words not including title page or references page.
  • Submissions outside of this limit will be subject to a 5% penalty.

Late submission

  • Late submissions will be subject to a 5% penalty per day.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • have a good, general, knowledge of the major principles and theories of the Biological Foundations of Psychology
  • have a knowledge of the application of these principles to both human and non-human behaviour
  • have developed writing, research and statistical skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes (2)

Task Description

There are two online quizzes

  • The first is in Week 6 (covering weeks 1-5).
  • The second is in Week 12 (covering weeks 7-11).
  • Each quiz contains 60 multiple choice questions.
  • You will have 60 minutes to complete each quiz.
  • At the end of 60 minutes all completed quiz questions will be submitted automatically.
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, it is best to move onto the next question.
  • Feedback will be provided on the Moodle site one week after the quiz closes.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (7 June 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Monday (10 June 2019)

Feedback via Moodle


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

Each of the two quizzes is worth 30 marks each.

Each quiz has 60 multiple choice questions.

Each quiz question is worth half a mark.




Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • have a good, general, knowledge of the major principles and theories of the Biological Foundations of Psychology
  • have a knowledge of the application of these principles to both human and non-human behaviour


Graduate Attributes
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?