Program Overview

Introduction to PSYC 201

The course PSYC 201, Brain, Behaviour and Cognition, explores the complex relationships between human thought, behaviour, and the brain. Students will gain insights into the various methods used to study brain-behaviour relationships and how brain measures can inform our understanding of human mental processes.

Course Details

• Course Code: PSYC 201
• Duration: 17 weeks
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week
• Points: 15

Course Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Evaluate and integrate multiple sources of scientific information to analyse relationships between neural mechanisms and psychological processes.
2. Apply critical thinking skills to assess research methodologies in neuroscience.
3. Demonstrate autonomous learning skills through self-directed research and documentation of scientific findings.
4. Explain core principles of neural communication and plasticity.
5. Analyse how evolutionary principles, environmental factors, and brain structures interact to influence behaviour, cognition, and mental health.
6. Communicate complex neuroscientific concepts through various formats.
7. Apply neuroscientific knowledge to real-world problems.

How the Course is Taught

• The course consists of three weekly 1-hour in-person lectures, which are recorded and made available to students.
• Several online info sessions are scheduled to help with preparing for assessments.
• In-person labs are designed to deepen understanding of the course material and prepare students for upcoming assessments.

Assessment

• In-person Test 1: 30%
• In-person Test 2: 20%
• Lab Tasks (In-person): 10%
• Proposal Pitch: 10%
• Oral Assessment: 30%

Mandatory Requirements

To pass the course, students must:

1. Achieve an overall pass mark of at least 50%.
2. Submit the proposal pitch and achieve a minimum of 30% of the available marks.
3. Complete the oral assessment and achieve a minimum of 30% of the available marks.

Required Texts

• Title: Biological Psychology (14th Edition)
• Author: James W. Kalat
• Year: 2023
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Fees

• Domestic Students: NZ$1,083.45
• International Students: NZ$5,058.00

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: PSYC 122; STAT 193 (or MATH 177 or QUAN 102)
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: PSYC 231, PSYC 233

Taught By

The course is taught by the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.