Course Description
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Course Name
Introductory Cognitive and Biological Psychology
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Host University
Griffith University
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Location
Gold Coast, Australia
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Area of Study
Psychology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Course Level Recommendations
Lower
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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Credit Points
10 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3 - 4
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4 - 6
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Course DescriptionThis course provides a foundation for understanding the cognitive and biological bases of human behaviour, including the role of the brain and neural processes in behaviour, perception (how the senses allow you to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the world around you), conditioning and learning (how humans and other animals learn about their environment), cognition and memory (how people think, solve problems and remember). Drawing on various research traditions in experimental psychology, this course demonstrates how cognitive and biological psychology contributes to our knowledge of human well-being and performance. Students apply this knowledge through a series of practical in-class exercises.Course IntroductionThe focus of this course, Introductory Cognitive and Biological Psychology (1001PSY) as one of the key introductory psychology courses, is on providing an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of psychology as a science, and of the important foundational knowledge and skills required for the study of psychology. The content of the course comes from studies of basic mental processes such as perception, learning, memory, and of the physiological processes that underpin them. In particular, it aims to provide (1) a basic grounding in topics in Cognitive and Biological Psychology, (2) first-hand experience in applying the methods of scientific observation of human behaviour. The first objective is the focus of the lecture program, and the second objective is the focus of the tutorial/laboratory program.Course AimsThe focus of this course, Introductory Cognitive and Biological Psychology (1001PSY) as one of the key introductory psychology courses, is on providing an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of psychology as a science, and of the important foundational knowledge and skills required for the study of psychology. The content of the course comes from studies of basic mental processes such as perception, learning, memory, and of the physiological processes that underpin them. In particular, it aims to provide (1) a basic grounding in topics in Cognitive and Biological Psychology, (2) first-hand experience in applying the method of scientific observation of human behaviour. The first objective is the main focus of the lecture program, and the second objective is the main focus of the tutorial program.Note: 1001PSY is a first-level core course in psychology programs. It prepares students for the second level core courses such as Cognition, Memory and Learning and Biological Psychology, and for advanced study in specialized courses such as Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Cognitive Neuroscience.Learning OutcomesAfter successfully completing this course you should be able to:1 demonstrate information literacy skills (i.e., written communication, literature search and review skills) required to examine and communicate psychological research.2 critically evaluate the evidence upon which the theories of cognitive and biological psychology are based;3 understand the key themes, theory and research in cognitive and biological psychology;4 understand how psychological knowledge can be applied to the understanding and scientific investigation of human behaviour;Assessment Task
Weighting
Assignment - Planning Document
Tutorial (Pre-lab) exercises5%
Exam - selected response
Basic concepts test20%
Assignment - Laboratory/Laboratory Report
Laboratory Report25%
Log of Learning Activities
Research Participation (or Alternate Assessment)5%
Exam - selected and constructed responses
Final Exam45%
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.
Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.