Physiological Psychology (7120.4)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Physiological Psychology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Health
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Discipline Of Psychology Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces the physiological bases of human behaviour and explores the dominant research methodologies that are used in the field of neuropsychology. The unit also covers the major topics of neuronal structure and function, neuroanatomy, stages of neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, sensory processing, and the physiological mechanisms of learning, memory and emotions.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify the structures and functions of neurons;
2. Describe the processes involved in the generation and propagation of a neural impulse;
3. Recognise the major anatomical divisions of the human brain;
4. Apply knowledge of the physiological bases of behaviour to real-world issues; and
5. Explain the physiological processes underpinning various psychological phenomena.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas


Prerequisites

4309 Psychology 101 OR 11399 Understanding People and Behaviour
AND
4310 Psychology 102 OR 10444 Foundations of Psychology
OR
Permission of the unit convener.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Dr Andrew Flood
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Andrew Flood
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Required

None

Recommended

APA. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington,
DC: American Psychological Association.

Burton, L. J. (2020). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton, QLD: Wiley.

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

Requirements

  1. Final marks and grades
    1. A final overall mark of 50% or higher is required to pass the unit.
    2. The UC grading schema (HD = 85+, DI = 75 to 84, CR = 65 to 74, P = 50 to 64) will be used.

Marking and feedback

  1. Assessment items will be marked and feedback provided within three weeks of submission.
  2. Availability of marks and feedback will be notified via Canvas Announcements.
  3. Assessments submitted after the due date and time, regardless of whether an extension was granted, may be returned at a later date than those submitted on time.
  4. Late submission may result in reduced feedback being provided.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Participation requirements

Students are expected to attend lectures and/or view the lecture recordings. Although not compulsory, workshop attendance is strongly recommended for successful completion of the unit. 

Required IT skills

Completion of the multimedia presentation will require an understanding of presentation software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint). Instructions on the use of presentation software for the purposes of the unit will be given in workshops.

In-unit costs

An audio headset (approx. $30) is recommended (but not essental) for the recording of the multimedia presentation.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

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