96848 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 2023 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
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 |
| 010. | Evaluate the application of psychology within an interdisciplinary context |
| 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 |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject is core in C10300 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (MAJ06234 Exercise Therapy) and C10360 Bachelor of Health Science (MAJ06249 Human Structure and Function) and contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):
Competently apply knowledge and skills within the sport, exercise and health professions
This subject also contributes to the development of the Course Intended Learning Outcome in C10300 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (MAJ06234 Exercise Therapy) and C10360 Bachelor of Health Science (MAJ06249 Human Structure and Function):
Apply knowledge and skills in key content areas, including neuroanatomy, and psychology.
Teaching and learning strategies
Prep work
Prep work is undertaken prior to workshops. Prep work includes viewing the pre-recorded lectures. It can also include watching other videos, reading a blog entry/website/textbook chapter/journal article/magazine article and/or listening to a podcast/video/interview. Questions often accompany the prep work so students read with intent which encourages deep reading. Content covered in prep work is strongly linked to the content covered in masterclasses and workshops. Please ensure prep work is carried out so that you have spent some time accessing and making sense of ideas. Attending the workshops will allow you to test these ideas and get feedback from your teachers and peers which will further consolidate your learning. Your knowledge and understanding of the pre-recorded lectures and prep work will be tested and applied using quizzes, group discussions and practical activities in workshops.
Workshops
Workshops are conducted in groups of up to 40. Content in classes often includes the practice of practical skills and further consolidation of information gained in the prep work. Activities are varied and require students to work alone, work in pairs or work in groups of 3 or more. Examples of these activities include short quizzes, short student-led presentations, group discussions where students reflect on what they have learnt in class and share this with the class. Group discussions often involve solving a problem or answering a question based on case studies or the content topic. All activities are facilitated by the teacher. Feedback is provided by the teacher where there is discrepancy in the knowledge and understanding of the content or disagreement in opinions between groups. Feedback can also be provided by peers.
Content (topics)
- The nervous system
- Neuroanatomy and function
- Sensation and Perception: Visual and auditory systems
- Nonassociative learning: Habituation and sensitisation
- Associative learning: Classical conditioning
- Associative learning: Operant conditioning
- Neural bases of learning and memory
- Learning, addiction, and behaviour modification
- Clinical case studies
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quiz
| Intent: | This assessment task will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of neuroanatomy and neurobiology of the nervous system. Questions will include structure and function of the nervous system and how the brain works at a molecular and cellular level. This task is aligned with the following course learning outcome: Apply knowledge and skills in key content areas, including neuroanatomy, and psychology. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 003 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 120 minutes |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: Psychological 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. This task is aligned with the following course learning outcome: Apply knowledge and skills in key content areas, including neuroanatomy, and psychology. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 004, 022, 030 and 067 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1500 words |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Mini-lecture Video Presentation
| Intent: | An effective way to learn about a topic is to teach others about that topic. The intention of this assessment is for students to teach their peers about a psychopathology, from the perspective of their own, and different, professions. A further intention is to develop interpersonal and teamwork skills that are critical for health professionals. This task is aligned with the following course learning outcome: Apply knowledge and skills in key content areas, including neuroanatomy, and psychology. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 007, 010, 074 and 083 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 5 minute presentation + 250 word question with feedback + 500 word reflection |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria is available on Canvas. |
Minimum requirements
Attendance
There is an expectation that students will attend 100% of scheduled classes. Poor attendance may result in failure of the subject.
Completion of Assignments
To pass this subject, students must meet the attendance requirements; submit all pieces of work; achieve a minimum mark of 50 after all assessment marks are combined; and gain a satisfactory result for any compulsory assessment that does not attract marks.
Required texts
Coursework Assessments Procedures
Recommended texts
Breedlove, S. M., Watson, & Rosenzweig (2020). Behavioral Neuroscience (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.