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 - 2021

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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 60%
3. Essay
Weighting: 30%

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 Student feedback

Feedback

The Moodle site (particularly the assessments page) is not mobile friendly.

Recommendation

Improvements to the Moodle platform commencing Term 3 2020 will enable better access to content via mobile devices. Students will be encouraged to download and read text files detailing assessment instructions (rather than viewing the Moodle site).

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Referencing should be taught within the unit given it is required for the assessment tasks.

Recommendation

Students will be encouraged to contact the Academic Learning Centre for guidance and tutoring support.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Several students expressed that the case studies were useful in understanding the relevance of biological psychology to future practice.

Recommendation

Continue to use case studies in lectures and tutorials and expand on the current repertoire.

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, 5th Australian and New Zealand Edition

5th Australian and New Zealand Edition (2018)
Authors: Lorelle J. Burton, Drew Westen, Robin M Kowalski
Wiley
Milton Milton , Queensland , Australia
ISBN: 978-0-730-35539-7
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (2020)

7th Edition (2020)
Authors: American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Washington Washington , DC , USA
ISBN: 9781433832178
Binding: Spiral

Additional Textbook Information

You can purchase both of the above books in one place at the CQUni Bookshop here; http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au

Wiley also offer a hard copy version of Psychology.

There are several bindings for the Publication Manual:

  • The spiral ring binding is reportedly the most durable.
  • However, there are also eText and other bindings: undefinedhttps://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition
  • Finally, there are several excellent and free internet sources, including APA Style: undefinedhttps://apastyle.apa.org/undefined

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Chris Crawford Unit Coordinator
c.j.crawford@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction and overview Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction and overview

  • Perspectives in psychology
  • Axons to actions
  • Assessments (and passing this unit)

Chapter

Chapter 1 (pages 5 - 34)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Neurons: the basic building blocks Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Neurons: the basic building blocks

  • Components of the axon
  • Action potential
  • Synapses
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Hormones

Chapter

Chapter 3 (pages 136 - 152)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Brain bits Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Brain bits

  • Central and peripheral systems
  • Hindbrain
  • Midbrain
  • Forebrain


Chapter

Chapter 3 (pages 153 - 177)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 - Making sense of the senses Part A Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Making sense of the senses Part A

  • Common factors for the senses

Vision - Aye for an eye

  • Physics of light
  • Mechanics of the eye
  • Visual cortex

Chapter

Chapter 4 (pages 202 - 232)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Journal Summary Due: Week 4 Monday (29 Mar 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Week 5 - Making sense of the senses Part B Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Making sense of the senses Part B

Hearing - here ear

  • Physics of sound
  • Mechanics of the ear
  • Neural pathways

Other senses

  • Taste
  • Smell
  • Touch
  • Pain


Chapter

Chapter 4 (pages 232 - 281)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Thinking, emotion and behaviour Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Thinking, emotion and behaviour

  • Neuroscience of psychotherapy
  • CBT model and CBT practice
  • Neuroplasticity, your brain and you

Chapter

No reading this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quizzes Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 - Learning about learning Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Learning about learning

  • The association machine
  • Classical conditioning
  • Operant conditioning
  • Latent learning
  • Social-cognitive theory


Chapter

Chapter 6 (pages 356 - 399)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 - Memories are made of this Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Memories are made of this

  • Working memory
  • Long term memory
  • Memory strategies
  • Retrospective memory
  • Prospective memory

Chapter

Chapter 7 (pages 414 - 468)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Short essay - nature vs. nurture Due: Week 8 Monday (3 May 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Week 9 - Consciousness Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Consciousness

  • Functions of consciousness
  • Attention and multi-tasking
  • Sleep
  • Altered states

Chapter

Chapter 5 (pages 292 - 342)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 - Intelligence Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Intelligence

  • Definitions
  • Development
  • Deterioration
  • Testing and ethical considerations

Chapter

Chapter 9 (pages 558 - 600)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 - Neurological disorders Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Neurological disorders

  • Mental v. neurological disorders
  • Diagnostic systems
  • Treatment strategies

Chapter

Chapter 15 (pages 1030 - 1097)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 - Summary and future Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Summary and future

  • Beginnings
  • Endings
  • Trends

Chapter

No reading this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz Due: Week 12 Friday (4th June 2021) 1145pm AEST

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Journal Summary

Task Description

Introduction:

It is hypothesised that life events, such as trauma, have the capacity to modify neural networks and result in changes to an individual's perception and behaviour.

Your task is to read and critically review a journal article that discusses evidence for this type of change.

Instructions:

Download the article entitled: Threatening faces induce fear circuitry hypersynchrony in soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (Dunkley et al., 2016).

  • Go the CQUniversity Library webpage, cut and paste the title above into the Library search bar and click Search.
  • At some point you will be prompted to log into your CQUniversity library account.
  • LibKey will take you to the download page - click on download button (usually found on the top RHS of browsers) and save it to you computer.

Write a critical summary of between 270 - 330 words.

  • This does not include your reference page or the title page.
  • 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 (1.5 marks)

  • Remain within word limit of 270-330 words (0.5 marks)

Weighting - 10%


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Monday (29 Mar 2021) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Monday (19 Apr 2021)


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

Total possible of 10 marks

Introduction and literature review (2 marks)

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 marks)

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 marks)

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 (1.5 marks)

0 APA formatting not present.

1 Attempt made with APA formatting but contained many errors.

1.5 APA formatting contained few errors.

Word limit 270 - 330 words (0.5 marks)

0 Assessment is not within the word limit

0.5 Assessment is within the word limit

Late submission

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


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Conduct a basic literature search on a topic in biological psychology and compose a brief written submission which summarises current research


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

There are two quizzes

  • Quiz 1 is in week 6 and will open at 12 noon Thursday and close at 1145 pm Friday
  • Quiz 2 is in week 12 and will open at 12 noon Thursday and close at 1145 pm Friday

Conditions of each quiz:

  • You must take the two quizzes in the time slots detailed above
  • You will have 60 minutes to complete quiz
  • The quiz contains 60 multiple choice questions
  • At the end of 60 minutes all completed questions will be submitted automatically
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, it is best to move onto the next question


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021)


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

There are 60 multiple choice questions in each quiz.

You will have 60 minutes to complete each quiz.

Each quiz is worth 30 marks each.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via the PSYC11008 Moodle site

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the major theories and principles underpinning biological psychology
  • Develop the capacity to link principles of biological psychology to perception, cognition, emotion and behaviour.


Graduate Attributes
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Essay

Assessment Title
Short essay - nature vs. nurture

Task Description

Introduction

Historically, there are two main factors that appear to contribute to the development of mental health.

  • The first is heredity - the organism's inherited genetic code which provides an innate advantage or disadvantage over other organisms.
  • The second is the environment - the circumstances in which the organism finds itself including availability of resources, social support networks, trauma, etc.
  • It is currently accepted that these two factors interact and both contribute to the development of mental health.
  • However, your task is to use current research and argue that one is more important than the other (even if this is 51% to 49%).

Short essay Instructions

  • Write a brief essay which takes a stand on whether mental health is determined primarily by genetics or the environment.
  • Search the CQU library database or Google Scholar for the terms “genetics” "environment" and “mental health”.
  • To widen the search, you may want to include terms such as: nature, nurture, genetics, twin studies, resilience, depression, anxiety etc.
  • Select and download the full-text version of two journal articles which both support your stance.
  • The essay is 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.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (3 May 2021) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (14 June 2021)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Total possible of 30 marks

Introduction and literature review (4 marks)

0 Introduction not present or was not relevant to the journal articles. The student did not take a clear stance on the topic.

2 Introduction present, literature summarised only loosely. The student took a stance, but not well supported by the literature.

3 Introduction present, literature summarised well. The student took a stance which was adequately supported by the literature.

4 Introduction and literature concisely and effectively summarised. The student took a clear stance which was very well supported by the literature using original language and interpretation.

Utilisation of journal article one (8 marks)

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 marks)

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 marks)

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 (4 marks)

0 APA formatting not present.

2.5 Attempt made with APA formatting but contained many errors.

4 APA formatting contained few errors.

Word limit of 900 - 1100 words (1 mark)

0 Assessment is not within word limit

1 Assessment is within word limit

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


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the major theories and principles underpinning biological psychology
  • Conduct a basic literature search on a topic in biological psychology and compose a brief written submission which summarises current research
  • Develop the capacity to link principles of biological psychology to perception, cognition, emotion and behaviour.


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

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?