CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC12012 Physiological Psychology
Physiological Psychology
All details in this unit profile for PSYC12012 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 learn how the brain is linked to various psychological processes and behaviour. Specifically, you will study a) the structure and function of the central nervous system; b) the neural bases of a range of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory; and c) major research methods used to study these neural bases.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

PSYC11008 OR PSYC11010; PSYC11009

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 2 - 2019

Adelaide
Bundaberg
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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Examination
Weighting: 40%

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 - Self Reflection - Unit Evaluations - Student feedback

Feedback

The written assessment task was too difficult with the topic (impact of sleep deprivation on the brain) deviating too far from what was covered in the lecture materials (and text book)

Recommendation

It is recommended that the format of the written assessment - an essay that weighs up 2-3 hypothesis on a particular theory - remains the same as this is a valuable way to tests students' application of knowledge, writing and critical thinking skills. It is recommended that the topic of the essay assessment reflects more explicitly, a concept covered in the lecture materials.

Feedback from - Unit Evaluations - Student feedback - Self Reflection

Feedback

Weekly Tutorials and Exercises. Weekly discussion of key aspects of the lecture content and also where the weekly worksheet and questions from Moodle or via email are discussed.

Recommendation

Recommended that the interactive tutorial format (where the key points of the lecture are reiterated with new examples and the weekly worksheet exercises are discussed) remain as it is, because it is a pivotal way for students to interact with the lecturer and to re-visit the lecture content from a different perspective and using different examples. Students found the worksheets (available prior to the tutorial) helpful as revision tools also at the end of the semester because they were of similar format to the final exam (fill in the blanks and a short answer).

Feedback from - Unit Evaluations

Feedback

The weekly lecture topics, divided into 2-3 mini lectures, made the content more manageable - and the format was well received by the students

Recommendation

It is recommended that this format of mini lectures remains, and applied to the remaining 1-2 topics that comprised only one, longer lecture.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
  2. Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory
  3. Compare major research methods in psychophysiology
  4. Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
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 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Examination - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
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) - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Examination - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience

Edition: 3rd (2015)
Authors: Jamie Ward
Psychology Press (Taylor & Francis)
New York New York , NY , Uited States
ISBN: 978-1-84872-272-9
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

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 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Larry Myers Unit Coordinator
l.myers@cqu.edu.au
Matthew Browne Unit Coordinator
m.browne@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

The Nervous System

Chapter

2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Research Methods

Chapter

3, 4 & 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Revision for Quiz #1 (No lecture)

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz #1 will open on Mon at 12:05am and will close on the following Sunday at 11:55pm.

Week 4 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Vision

Chapter

6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Audition

Chapter

10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 19 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Movement

Chapter

8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Attention

Chapter

7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Executive Function

Chapter

14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Learning & Memory

Chapter

9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment 30% - 2000 word essay. Due Monday 11:55 PM AEST. 


Critical Essay Due: Week 9 Monday (16 Sept 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Language

Chapter

11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

The Social and Emotional Brain

Chapter

15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 07 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Revision (Quiz #2)

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz #2 will open on Monday at 12:05am and will close on the following Sunday at 11:55pm.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 21 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
In-term Quizzes

Task Description

There will be two in-class Moodle quizzes. The second will be broken into two parts. The following applies to each part.

Format:

There will be 20 multiple-choice questions in the first quiz, and 25 questions in each part of the second quiz. Each question will have 4 options. All questions will have equal weight. There will not be any penalties for wrong answers.

Restrictions:

You have 30 minutes to complete (each part of) the quiz. Only one attempt is allowed.

Dates:

Quiz #1 will open on Monday of Week 3, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 3, 11:55pm AEST.

Quiz #2 will open on Monday of Week 12, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 12, 11:55pm AEST.

Note: for those who plan to do the quiz at the very last minute (not recommended), please start at least 30 minutes before the close time. Responses after the close time will not be counted by the system. Aim to finish the quiz before 5pm on the due date, to ensure technical support is available if necessary.

Weighting:

The first quiz counts for 5% of your final grade. Each part of the second quiz counts for 12.5% (total 25%).

Please note your grade for this assignment will not be shown immediately after the quiz.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz #1 will open on Monday of Week 3, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 3, 11:55pm AEST. Quiz #2 will open on Monday of Week 12, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 12, 11:55pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Quiz feedback is provided via Moodle the following week.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Examinable Topics:

Quiz #1: Topics in weeks 1 & 2.

Quiz #2: Part A Topics from weeks 4 to 7. Part B Topics from weeks 7 to 10. Note: Since the quiz is split right at the week 7 topic (i.e., attention), both parts A and B contain some questions of this topic.

Examinable Materials:

Primary: weekly videos/lecture notes & tutorials.

Secondary: textbook. (Note: Sections of the textbook not referenced in the videos/tutorials are not examinable)

Tips:

Learn the examinable materials before the quiz. On average, you have just over a minute for each question. Thus, there is little or no spare time to go through notes or the textbook during the quiz.

Complete the quiz on a computer (not on a smart phone or an iPad) in a place free of distraction.

Ensure a reliable internet connection and power supply to your computer.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
  • Compare major research methods in psychophysiology


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Critical Essay

Task Description

Background and Task:

Your task is to write an essay on a topic (specified as hypotheses) that will be given to you at the beginning of term. Your essay should include both relevant theories and empirical evidence. Your discussion needs to include descriptions of both evidence and theory, as well as a critical synthesis and evaluation for/against these hypotheses, using evidence from relevant peer-reviewed research in biological psychology (e.g., to what extent are they supported by empirical evidence?) Essential papers are provided on the Unit Moodle site. ALL these papers should be cited and discussed BUT no further papers beyond the provided are required.

Word Limit:

The length of the essay, excluding the reference list, is 2000 words. Thus, your essay should not exceed 2200 words (i.e., 2000 + 10% x 2000). However, there is NO penalty for having less than 2000 words. The final word count should be stated clear and accurately on your title page.

Please refer to the Psychology Assessment Guidelines (on Moodle Page) for further information about the penalties that will be applied for breaches of word limits.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (16 Sept 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Monday (7 Oct 2019)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Marking guidelines:

Each essay will be marked against the criteria specified in the marking and feedback sheet (provided in a separate document on Moodle) and will receive a mark out of 30. The marking criteria include introduction (5 marks), main body (12 marks), conclusion (5 marks), literacy & written communication (4 marks), and presentation & APA style referencing (4 marks). Please refer to the marking and feedback sheet for more details. The essay does not require an abstract.

Submission requirements:

Essays must be submitted in Word format (.doc or .docx) and no other formats are acceptable—essays submitted in other formats will be regarded as late and late penalties will apply until the correct format is uploaded. A submission cover sheet is not required for online submissions. If you have any problem submitting your assignment to the Moodle site (a) email the unit coordinator immediately to alert them to the problem and attach a copy of your report to the email as evidence of time, and (b) contact the ITD Service Desk for assistance with uploading your assignment. Unit staff do not have permission to upload assignments on the behalf of students.

Please ensure you submit the correct version of your assignment—if you realise an incorrect version has been submitted contact the unit coordinator by email before the due date and attach the correct version to the email. The unit coordinator will then inform you when the old file has been deleted and you must then upload the correct file to Moodle. If this occurs after the due date, then late penalties will be applied.

Formatting and presentation:

Your referencing style must adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition. Please refer to the guidelines provided on the Moodle page for information about basic presentation and formatting requirements for the essay (font, margins, & spacing). Your essay should be presented with a title page as the first page, then your essay begins from page two with the title at the top of the page. The title page should include: your student name, ID number, unit code and title, unit coordinator’s name, the title of the essay.

Due date:

Due on Monday of week 9 11:59 PM AEST. Students wishing to request an extension of time for assessment must request this through the University Assessment Extension (AES) request system which can be accessed via My CQU and Moodle. Please refer to the Psychology Assessment Guidelines for further information about the grounds and process for extension

requests.

Feedback:

The assignments submitted on time will be returned by the end of Week 12. Changes to this return date may be made in the event of unforeseen issues during the marking period; the unit coordinator will advise if there are any changes to the return of results and feedback date. Marks (out of 30) and feedback will be provided on the mark and feedback sheet. If you have any questions about your marks or feedback, please direct these to the unit coordinator in the first instance. Please refer to the Psychology Assessment Guidelines for further information about the processes, timelines and outcomes of informal consultation following release of assessment marks and feedback. You will also find in the Psychology Assessment Guidelines information about the formal review of grade processes, timelines and outcomes.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory
  • Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Ethical practice

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
40%

Length
90 minutes

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
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?