PYB304 Behavioural Neuroscience

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Psychology is a broad-ranging and multifaceted discipline which encompasses the scientific study of human behaviours and causes and the systematic application of knowledge gained from psychological research to a broad range of real-world issues. The goal of this advanced unit is to build on your knowledge gained in introductory and developing units in the scientific study of the biology of behaviour by providing the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the areas of neurological psychology.   You will develop your understanding of the methods used to critically evaluate, ethically conduct, and effectively communicate psychological research, by employing written communication and digital capabilities to conduct your research.  

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe and detail the functional anatomy and the physiology of neural and other systems underlying our behaviour.
2. Synthesise the interplay of functional anatomy and neural systems in terms of how they shape our mental processes and behaviour;
3. Critically examine the effects of brain impairment on behavioural functioning and how these effects are evaluated;
4. Evaluate the functions of neural systems to social and environmental factors in terms of their effects on behaviour.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit comprises a series of learning modules, including lectures, tutorials and self-paced online learning that are designed to support your learning as you develop your mastery of the theories, concepts, and research methods, in the areas of neurological psychology. We take a blended and flexible approach to delivering the modules, offering both in person and online engagement with the learning activities.  As part of these modules, there will be exercises and collaborative activities designed to clarify and deepen your understanding of important concepts, as well as covering essential information to help you to understand how to effectively communicate psychological research through completing your research report. You can revisit the online modules at any time during semester to support your learning.  During semester, you will be able to assess your early understanding through a summative online quiz. Additionally, participation in workshops and campaigns delivered by the Student Success group to optimize student learning will be encouraged.  

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback in this unit from formative and summative assessment pieces. General formative feedback will also be provided in the lectures and tutorial activities. Summative feedback will be provided through the assessment tasks detailed below.

Assessment

Overview

Two assessment pieces will be used to calculate your final grade.  Firstly, in a 2000 word research paper worth 40%, you will demonstrate your ability to use digital technology to research and write a paper for a scientific audience.  Lastly, a final exam worth 60%, will examine your mastery of content in the unit.

You are required to submit your research paper electronically for content matching checks.

As this is an internally offered unit, you will be required to attend your final exam in-person on QUT Brisbane campus. 

Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that criteria and standards have been applied consistently and fairly. Actively reading the feedback provided will enhance your learning success. 

Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Research Paper

You are tasked to write a critical research paper as a scientist writing a paper for publication.  You will be  researching and writing an objective, critical, and scientific evaluation of the current knowledge on a relevant area of neuropsychology using the available psychological literature.  You will use digital technology to research and write a paper which synthesises the biological/structural mechanisms of neural processes and behaviour.  

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Examination

The final exam will consist of multiple choice and case-based questions and assess your understanding of the unit content.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Pinel, J.P.J. (2021). Biopsychology. Pearson new international edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 

Risk Assessment Statement

You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions and, if appropriate, advise teaching staff if you do not wish to participate. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students.

Course Learning Outcomes

PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

1. Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
   Relates to: Research Paper, Final Examination
2. Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
   Relates to: Research Paper, Final Examination
3. Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
   Relates to: Research Paper