Overview
In this unit you will learn how the brain provides the foundation for all psychological processes and behaviour. Specifically, you will study the structure and function of the central nervous system, and how structures in the brain contribute to adaptive information processing. You will gain an understanding of the biological basis of a range of human psychological processes and functions, including perception, language, learning and memory. You will also learn how to critically evaluate the empirical literature and key research methods employed in the field in relation to contemporary theories of cognitive function.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
24 credit points including PSYC11010 or PSYC11008 or 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 1 - 2023
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 Student feedback
Students found the tutorials not structured as much as they would like, and the purpose of the discussion-based format was not clear.
Tutorials will continue to be discussion-based, with questions provided as prompts. It will be clarified that the purpose of these is to enhance students' ability to critically engage with the unit material. Written notes providing a summary of good answers to the posed questions will be provided as appropriate.
Feedback from Student feedback
The unit and textbook was described as content heavy, with students struggling to keep up with the weekly material. Students suggested that more real-world examples and simpler explanations of concepts could help with learning.
The content of physiological psychology is content heavy and technical. Students will be provided with greater clarity during tutorial activities that the aim of learning in this unit is not rote memorisation but rather (a) developing a mental 'roadmap' that provides quick direction towards applicable reference material, and (b) applying this knowledge to new situations. The take-home test is aligned to this aim, and this will be communicated more clearly to students during tutorials.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students struggled with the essay assessment, feeling that it was unclear, not well-aligned with unit content, and caused confusion and stress, particularly due to its weighting.
The topic of the essay will be reviewed to ensure it is better aligned with the content covered in the lead-up to the essay being due. To improve clarity in scope and reduce stress associated with additional literature searching and reviewing, the assessment task will be restricted to incorporating material only from the textbook and a limited number of ancillary readings.
- 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.
- Describe the features of key methods in physiological psychology, and how they are applied in empirical research.
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
This unit addresses Foundational Competencies as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The unit specifically aligns to the following APAC graduate competencies:
1.1 Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: ii. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality; v. learning and memory; vi. cognition, language and perception; vii. motivation and emotion; viii. neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour.
1.3 Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.6 Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
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 | ||||
Textbooks
The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience (2019)
4th Edition (2019)
Authors: Jamie Ward
Routledge
London London , UK
ISBN: 9781138490543
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions 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
Module/Topic
The Nervous System
Chapter
2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Vision
Chapter
7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Audition
Chapter
8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz #1 open: Week 3 Monday (20 March 2023) 12:05am AEST, and will close Friday (24 March 2023) 11:55pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Literacy
Chapter
13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Critical Essay Topic Released: Week 4 Monday (27 March 2023) 9:00am AEST.
Module/Topic
Numeracy
Chapter
14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Movement
Chapter
10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Attention
Chapter
9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Executive Function
Chapter
15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Learning & Memory
Chapter
11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Critical Essay Due: Week 9 Monday (8 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Language
Chapter
12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Social and Emotional Brain
Chapter
16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Critical Essay Returned: Week 11 Monday (22 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Revision (Quiz #2)
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz #2 Open: Week 12 Monday (29 May 2023) 12:05am AEST, and will close Friday (2 June 2023) 11:55pm AEST.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Take Home Test Open: Exam Week Monday (5 June 2023) 9:00 am AEST
Take Home Test Due: Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:55pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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 separate 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 3 to 6. Part B covers topics from weeks 7 to 10.
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 open: Week 3 Monday (20 March 2023) 12:05am AEST, and will close Friday (24 March 2023) 11:55pm AEST. Quiz #2 Open: Week 12 Monday (29 May 2023) 12:05am AEST, and will close Friday (2 June 2023) 11:55pm AEST.
Quiz 1 grades will be available Friday week 3, 11:55pm. Quiz 2 grades will be available Friday, week 12, 11:55pm.
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.
2 Written Assessment
You will write a 2000 word critical essay evaluating a current issue in physiological psychology. You will be provided with 3 research articles to begin building your argument and thesis. The specific question will be provided via Moodle.
Objective
The aim of this essay is to critically evaluate the topic provided, in order to assess the degree to which evidence supports the question proposed. This needs to go beyond merely summarising what selected articles indicate. Students should synthesise the information 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. Submissions exceeding the 2200 word limit will be subject to a 10% deduction (as a proportion of the total possible grade), plus an extra 10% for every further 200 words.
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. Refer to the student handbook for standard CQU late submission penalties. 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 submission to the email, 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.
Return of grades
Because of the high number of enrolments in this course, and the time required to properly grade and provide feedback for each submission, marked essays and grades will be returned three (3) weeks from the submission date.
Critical Essay Due: Week 9 Monday (8 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Critical Essay Returned: Week 11 Monday (22 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
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
- Explain the neural bases of psychological processes and human behaviour, such as perception, language, learning and memory.
- Describe the features of key methods in physiological psychology, and how they are applied in empirical research.
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
3 Take Home Exam
Weighting: 30% of your final grade.
Examinable Topics: Topics from weeks 1 to 11.
Format: The take home exam will include 5 short(ish) format answer questions. Each question will be work 6 marks. Therefore there will be 30 marks in total available for the end of year take home test. Questions will be released on the Monday of the Review/Exam Week.
This test should be taken independently, without consulting with other students. Do not share or discuss anything related to this take-home test 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). There is no penalty for writing less than 300 words. Submission exceeding the word count by 10% or more will be penalised by deducting 10% of the total marks for each question, increasing for each further 10% that is exceeded. Accordingly, we strongly encourage students to run a word count check on each response before submitting. No citations or references are needed.
Take Home Test Open: Exam Week Monday (5 June 2023) 9:00 am AEST. Take Home Test Due: Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:55pm AEST
Grades will be released before grade certification. As this functions as final exam for this unit, no individual feedback on this assessment will be provided.
The questions will involve knowledge-based questions designed to test your application of 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 and providing sufficient detail in answers. Students should use the available word limit to make clear and concise answers, including only information relevant to the question posed.
- 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.
- Describe the features of key methods in physiological psychology, and how they are applied in empirical research.
- Critically evaluate empirical studies in psychophysiology.
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?
