96834 Brain and Behaviour
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 96832 Introduction to Psychology Foundations AND 96833 Introduction to Psychological Science
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
The mind is a complex system of biological and social influences on learning and behaviour. Through investigation of neuroanatomy and neurobiology, students learn about the structure and function of the nervous system and how the brain works at a molecular and cellular level. Students develop an understanding of the principles of learning through investigation of associative learning and non-associative learning. Students also investigate the neuroscientific bases of learning, addiction and memory. The material is applied through a series of clinical case studies, and behaviour modification experimentation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 003. | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology |
|---|---|
| 004. | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of learning |
| 007. | Interpret behavioural phenomena at an appropriate level of complexity |
| 022. | Propose appropriate psychology-based solutions in applied settings |
| 030. | Design or replicate a research study to confirm or disconfirm a testable hypothesis |
| 067. | Craft a research report in adherence to the current American Psychological Association (APA) Style guide and formatting requirements |
| 074. | Offer constructive feedback on a communication project |
| 083. | Use technology to create engaging, effective, and professional documents and presentations |
| 106. | Develop a behaviour modification plan including evaluation of readiness for change, an operational definition, and goal setting |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:
- Psychological Literacy: Apply psychological science to meet personal, professional, and societal goals. (2.1)
- Research and Communication: Analyse, critique, and communicate theory and research in psychology. (2.2)
- Interpersonal and Teamwork: Practice effective intrapersonal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. (2.3)
- Lifelong Learning: Assemble knowledge, skills and attributes required for self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology and for ongoing personal and professional development. (3.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute:
2. Psychologically and technologically literate
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology understand psychology and behaviour from an evidence-based perspective, can apply psychological science to real-world problems, and are competent in the analysis and critique research.
3. Lifelong learner
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology appreciate the importance of lifelong learning and are equipped to undertake ongoing learning for personal and professional development.
Teaching and learning strategies
Orientation activities
Preparation for the session - You are expected to undertake activities during orientation week. These activities are designed to introduce you to the subject and your peers and will assist you to prepare for the subject's assessment tasks.
Independent learning activities
Relevant readings, videos and activities will be made available online relevant to the topic of the week. This will support your ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete assessment items effectively. The online material aims to enhance your understanding of the topic or delve deeper into a more specific area, compare experiences and ideas with others and gain feedback. Information and links to all these learning activities can be accessed via Canvas as well as the subject outline.
Zoom meetings
You are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled Zoom meetings as they will prepare you for the subject’s assessment tasks. Additionally, they provide opportunities for group activities, discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject coordinator and your teaching team. The schedule for this subject’s zoom meetings is provided on Canvas.
Feedback
Feedback in this subject takes several forms including self-assessment, peer review, automatic feedback from interactive activities and from the teaching team. Formative feedback throughout the subject aims to increase your performance in summative assessments.
Feedback and changes from previous subject offering
We will be collecting feedback from you in several forms to evaluate the design, relevance and depth of the content and its delivery. We appreciate you taking part in this process to ensure we are delivering subjects that are contemporary and meet your needs. Based on previous student feedback, we have made changes to the assessment tasks and due dates, as well as the timing of the final Zoom session.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Research report
| Intent: | The intention of this assessment is for students to gain experience applying knowledge of psychology and human learning to the modification of a problem behaviour, and specifically a problem of self-control. The assessment will enhance students’ understanding of the scientific method and written communication skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 004, 022, 030, 067 and 106 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | PART A: 250 words PART B: 1,250 words |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: Mini-lecture video presentation
| Intent: | An effective way to learn about a topic is to teach others about the topic. The intention of this assessment is for students to develop their communication and teamwork skills and to enhance their learning by teaching their peers about a learning principle. A further intention is to enhance knowledge required for completion of the behaviour modification assessment. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 007, 074 and 083 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 5 minute presentation + 200 word written feedback |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Quiz
| Intent: | This assessment will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of neuroanatomy and neurobiology of the nervous system. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 003 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 30 questions |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Recommended texts
Breedlove, S. M., & Watson, N.V. (2020). Behavioral Neuroscience (9th?ed.). Oxford University Press.
Domjan, M., & Matray, T. (2013). The principles of learning and behavior (7th ed). Cengage Learning.
Mazur. J. E. (2017). Learning & behavior (8th ed.). Routledge.
Miltenberger, R. G. (2016). Behavior modification?: Principles and procedures (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
References
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). (2020). Assessment of coursework subjects policy and procedures, UTS.
A comprehensive list of references and other resources are available in this subject in Canvas.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
For other resources/information refer to the Faculty of Health website and Canvas.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: +61 2 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.