PSY4131 · Developmental and biological psychology

Overview

This unit provides an overview of the two fascinating areas of the human experience: our biology and our development. In Biological Psychology, you will explore the relationship between structures and functions of the brain and human behaviour. You will be introduced to neural mechanisms that underlie states of consciousness, mental disorders, addiction, typical and atypical learning and memory, and the regulation of emotional and motivated states. From your understanding of the topic of biological psychology, you will formulate elements of a scientific report exploring a question of real world significance. In Developmental Psychology, you will learn about the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes that occur across the lifespan and how these are shaped by culture, community, family, and peers. Your knowledge of Biological Psychology will be used in understanding physical changes across the lifespan, such as neurodevelopmental disorders where brain development is disrupted. You will engage in a group discussion with your peers and use authentic psychological assessment tools to complete a developmental report.

Areas of study: Psychology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse critically the complexity of neurobiology and its relationship to a broad spectrum of cognition and behaviour.
2. Evaluate the biopsychosocial-cultural factors that impact the individual's development across the lifespan.
3. Differentiate real world issues pertaining to neurobiology and development across the lifespan.
4. Analyse and evaluate research-based evidence associated with complex neurobiology and development across the lifespan.
5. Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, their management, and the impact on an individual’s life.

Workload

You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes. This time will cover: a) video lecture materials; b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion; c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities; d) weekly readings; e) weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment. Each week there will be a one hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a 1 hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.