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
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 - 2020
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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
The quiz 2 part A could be brought forward in the term. Students would rather do this part of the quiz directly after the content has been covered. This would also help distribute the load of assessment for the students
The opening of the Quizzes will be changed to ensure better alignment between timing of content delivery and assessment. Quiz 2 part A should be opened after the content it assesses has been taught. Quiz 2 part B should remain as is.
- Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
- Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory
- Compare major research methods in psychophysiology
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Take Home Exam - 30% | ||||
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 - 40% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Take Home Exam - 30% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience
Edition: 3rd Ed (2015)
Authors: Jamie Ward
Psychology Press
London London , UK
ISBN: 1848722729
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
If you prefer to study with a paper copy, they are available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code). eBooks are available at the publisher's website.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
- American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
- American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.myers@cqu.edu.au
m.browne@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The Nervous System
Chapter
2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Research Methods
Chapter
3, 4 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
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 Friday at 11:55pm.
Module/Topic
Vision
Chapter
6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Audition
Chapter
10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Movement
Chapter
8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Attention
Chapter
7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Executive Function
Chapter
14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Learning & Memory
Chapter
9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Language
Chapter
11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Social and Emotional Brain
Chapter
15
Events and Submissions/Topic
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 Friday at 11:55pm.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
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: It is strongly recommended that you complete the quiz well before the closing time. Responses after the close time will not be accepted 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.
2
Other
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 (parts A and B) will open on Monday of Week 12, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 12, 11:55pm AEST.
Quiz feedback is provided via Moodle the following week.
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.
No submission method provided.
- Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
- Compare major research methods in psychophysiology
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Written Assessment
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 that provided are required.
Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2020)
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.
A penalty of 5% of the total available marks for the assessment will be deducted for each full or part calendar day the assessment task is overdue.
Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines Policy and Procedures File (on Moodle Page) for further information about the penalties that will be applied for breaches of word limits and for late submissions (if no extension has been granted).
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.
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.
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.
No submission method provided.
- Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
3 Take Home Exam
Format:
There will be a take home exam, comprising a series of questions requiring long-format answers. All questions will have equal weight. There will not be any penalties for wrong answers.
Restrictions:
You have to complete the take home exam within the second standard exams week. Only one attempt is allowed. The assessment is to be done individually and submitted via Moodle using Turnitin.
Dates:
The exam will open on Monday of Week 14, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 14, 11:55pm AEST.
Note: Responses after the close time will not be counted by the system.
Weighting:
The take home exam counts for 30% of your final grade.
Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
The exam will open on Monday of Week 14, 12:05 am AEST, and will close on Friday of Week 14, 11:55pm AEST.
Exam marks will be given by the Friday of Week 17, 11:55pm AEST.
Examinable Topics:
All topics referenced in the videos and tutorials are examinable
Examinable Materials:
Primary: weekly videos/lecture notes & tutorials.
Secondary: textbook. (Note: Chapters of the textbook not covered in each of the weekly modules are not examinable)
- Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
- Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory
- Compare major research methods in psychophysiology
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
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?
