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    Overview

    Biopsychology, sensation and perception, and cognitive processes.

    In this paper, we will examine cognitive behaviour and its biological basis. Topics will include sensation and perception, learning and memory, executive function and motor control. We will consider these abilities and their underlying brain mechanisms across the developmental spectrum (from infancy to advanced ageing), as well as in populations with neurological conditions.

    About this paper

    Paper title Brain and Cognition
    Subject Psychology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    PSYC 111 and PSYC 112
    Restriction
    PSYC 201
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Notes
    (i) For Neuroscience students the prerequisite is PSYC111. (ii) With departmental approval, a student who has attempted one only of PSYC111 and PSYC112, but who has achieved a grade of at least B and has passed additional papers worth at least 90 points, may take the other 100-level PSYC paper concurrently with any of PSYC203, PSYC210-PSYC212.
    Contact

    Professor David Bilkey

    Teaching staff

    Lecturers: Professor David Bilkey
    Associate Professor Liana Machado

    Paper Structure

    This paper involves laboratories and lectures. Topics covered include:

    • Sensation and perception
    • Learning and memory
    • Executive function
    • Motor control

    Laboratory Work: Psychology is an empirical subject, and laboratory work is an important part of it. Topics in the laboratory programme are related to those covered in the lectures.

    Assessment:

    • Internal assessment involves two written assignments. Internal assessment contributes 50% to the final grade
    • External assessment involves a two-hour multiple-choice exam at the end of the term
    Teaching Arrangements

    Two 50-minute lectures each week (26 lectures in total) and eight laboratory classes.

    Textbooks

    Recommended Reading:

    • Findlay, B. (2014). How to write psychology research reports and essays (7th ed.). French Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.
    • Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R. B., & Mangun, G. R. (2019). The Cognitive Neurosciences (5th ed.). International Student Edition. ISBN 9780393667813. W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete the paper will develop an understanding of cognitive behaviour, its biological basis and relevant research methods.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    Tuesday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 09:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
    A2 Monday 13:00-14:50 30-35, 37-41
    A3 Monday 17:00-18:50 30-35, 37-41
    A4 Tuesday 09:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
    A5 Tuesday 13:00-14:50 30-35, 37-41
    A6 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 30-35, 37-41
    A7 Tuesday 19:00-20:50 30-35, 37-41
    A8 Wednesday 13:00-14:50 30-35, 37-41
    A9 Wednesday 15:00-16:50 30-35, 37-41
    A10 Wednesday 17:00-18:50 30-35, 37-41
    A11 Thursday 09:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
    A12 Thursday 13:00-14:50 30-35, 37-41
    A13 Thursday 15:00-16:50 30-35, 37-41
    A14 Thursday 17:00-18:50 30-35, 37-41
    A16 Friday 09:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
    A17 Friday 12:00-13:50 30-35, 37-41
    A18 Friday 14:00-15:50 30-35, 37-41
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