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
24 credit points which must include PSYC11008
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 - 2021
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 Moodle
The downloadable lecture slides did not incorporate detailed notes, which would have been useful for revision.
Students should be encouraged to make their own notes when viewing lecturers to cement their learning. Time should be allocated in tutorials for discussion of key lecture points to guide student learning.
Feedback from Moodle
The workshops sometimes devolved into a Q&A session as the class worked through the worksheet.
Additional activities, including critical class discussion of the key issues raised in each week's content, should be incorporated into tutorials.
Feedback from Moodle
Most students appreciated the full work week allowed for the take-home test. Other students would have preferred that it spanned the weekend to accommodate work commitments.
Time to complete take-home tests will be reviewed.
- 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: 4th (2019)
Authors: Jamie Ward
Routledge
London London , UK
ISBN: 9781138490543
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Both paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
m.browne@cqu.edu.au
b.williams@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 Week 3 Monday (26/7/21) at 12:05am and will close on the Friday (1/8/21) 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
Critical Essay Due: Week 9 Monday (13 Sep 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Critical Essay Due: Week 9 Monday (13 Sept 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
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 Week 12 Monday (4/10/21) at 12:05am and will close on the Friday (10/10/21) at 11:55pm.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Examination Released: Exam Week Monday (18/10/21) Due: Exam Week Friday (24/10/21)) 11:55 pm AEST
End of term Exam Due: Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Format:
In the first online test in Week 3, there will be 20 multiple-choice questions. Each question will have 4 options. All questions will have equal weight. There will not be any penalties for wrong answers.
The second online test in Week 12, Quiz#2 is split into two parts, part A and part B; so that you do not need to complete all 50 questions at one go. Each part contains 25 multiple-choice questions, and you have 30 minutes for each part. Each question will have 4 options. All questions will have equal weight. There will not be any penalties for wrong answers.
You can complete the two parts on seperate days, but BOTH parts need to be completed by the quiz close time.
Restrictions:
You have 30 minutes to complete the quiz. Only one attempt is allowed.
Examinable Topics:
The first quiz covers topics in weeks 1 & 2. There will be 10 questions from each topic.
The second quiz Part A covers topics from weeks 4 to 7. Part B covers 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: textbook contents not covered in the videos are not examinable)
Weighting:
The first quiz accounts for 5% of your final grade. Please note your grade for this assignment will not be shown immediately after the quiz. The second quiz accounts for 25% of your final grade (part A: 12.5% + part B: 12.5%). Please note your grade for this assignment will not be shown immediately after the quiz.
Tips:
Learn the examinable materials before the quiz. On average, you have just over a minute for each question. Thus, there is limited 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.
It is highly recommended you complete the quiz well before the closing time.
2
Other
Quiz #1 will open on Week 3 Monday (26/7/21) at 12:05am and will close on the Friday (1/8/21) at 11:55pm.Quiz #2 will open on Week 12 Monday (4/10/21) at 12:05am and will close on the Friday (10/10/21) at 11:55pm.
Grades will be made available after the quiz closes
The online tests are graded by awarding full marks for selecting the single correct answer to each question.
- Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
- Compare major research methods in psychophysiology
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Written Assessment
You will write a 2000 word critical essay evaluating a current issue in physiological psychology. You will be provided with 5-10 research articles to draw upon to build your argument and thesis. The specific question will be provided via Moodle.
Objective
The aim of this essay is to critically evaluate the studies provided, in order to assess the degree to which the evidence supports the question proposed. This needs to go beyond merely summarising what is in the provided articles, and to synthesise this information and to build a thesis or a position. You are required to critically evaluate the available evidence for and against the notion and construct a sound argument based on the provided literature.
Word limit
The word limit is 2000+/--- 10% (i.e. between 1800---2200 words). There is NO penalty for having less than 2000 words, but if your essay is much less than 1800 words, be certain that you have addressed the question in enough detail. The final word count should be stated clearly and accurately on your title page. The title page and reference list do not count towards the total. All other words are counted. Assessments exceeding the 2200 word limit will not be read past the 2200th word. Thus, going over the word limit may have implications for marks associated with the later parts of the document e.g. Conclusion.
Submission
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. If you have any problem submitting your assignment to the Moodle site (a) email the Unit coordinator immediately to alert to the problem and attach a copy of your report to the email as evidence of time, and (b) then be in contact with ITD Service Desk for assistance with uploading your assignment as course staff do not have permissions to be able 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 as a matter of urgency 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 upload the correct file to Moodle within 24 hours, or late penalties will be applied. Please note that the Unit coordinator will check the properties of the document to determine when the document was last modified and if modifications have been made after the due date, late penalties will be applied; hence it is recommended that you do not open your original correct document before uploading it if the incorrect version has been submitted. A cover sheet is not required.
Presentation and style
Your referencing style must adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition. Your writing should be in appropriate academic style. Please refer to the APA guidelines (pdf on 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, with the essay beginning from page two. The title page should include: ---student name, ---ID number, ---Unit code and title, (PSYC12012, Physiological Psychology) ---The title of the essay, ---Word Count (excluding reference list and title page). The essay does not require an abstract.
Week 9 Monday (13 Sept 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (4 Oct 2021)
This assignment weighs 40% of the final grade. Your essay will be marked against the criteria specified in the marking and feedback sheet (provided in a separate document) 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), --- Presentation & APA style referencing (4 marks) Please refer to the marking rubric and feedback sheet for more details.
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
The examination is released: at the beginning of Exam Week, Monday (18/10/21) and is due Exam Week Friday (24/10/21) 11:55 pm AEST.
Weighting: 30% of your final grade.
Examinable Topics: Topics from weeks 1 to 10.
Format: The take home exam will include 5 short(ish) format answer questions. Each question will be work 6 marks. Therefor there will be 30 marks in total available for the end of year take home quiz. Questions will be released on Monday of Week 14.
This exam should be taken independently, without consulting with other students. Do not share or discuss anything related to this take-home exam with anyone. Submissions will be processed through Turnitin as per normal assignments. Only one submission is allowed.
Answers for each question will not be longer than 300 words long (double line spacing and size 12 font). Any words written beyond this will not be read. No citations or references are needed.
Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
As an End of Term Exam, marks will be available when grades are released.
The questions will involve knowledge-based questions based on the material covered in the unit. As they are short answer questions, grades will primarily be awarded in terms of accurately addressing the specific questions posed. Students should use the available word limit to make clear and concise answers, including only information relevant to the question posed.
No submission method provided.
- 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?
