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PSYC111 Brain and Behaviour

An introductory study of the biological bases of behaviour and development, neuropsychology, perception, and learning.

Psychology provides answers to questions like "Why do we do the things that we do?" or "Why do we think about the world this way?"

PSYC 111 and PSYC 112 are essential for students intending to pursue a career in psychology, and they also complement studies in wide range of areas (e.g. neuroscience, health sciences, education, law, social work, sociology, anthropology, management, marketing, history).

Paper title Brain and Behaviour
Paper code PSYC111
Subject Psychology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Eligibility
All enrolled students are eligible for PSYC 111.
Contact

psy.psyc100@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-ordinators: Dr Brent Alsop
Associate Professor Jackie Hunter
Dr Ryan Ward
Lecturers: Professor David Bilkey
Professor Mike Colombo
Dr Brent Alsop
Professor Ted Ruffman
Teaching Fellow: Dr Celia Lie

Paper Structure
The paper covers four main themes:
  • Biological basis of behaviour and development
  • Neuropsychology
  • Perception
  • Learning
Assessment:
  • In-class worksheets and experimental participation 7%
  • Two laboratory reports 10% and 13%
  • Test 10%
  • Final examination 60%
Teaching Arrangements

Three 50-minute lectures each week - 36 lectures in total.

A 2-hour laboratory each week for 10 weeks.

Textbooks

Required:

  • Passer, M.W., & Smith, R.E. (2018). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (3e). McGraw-Hill Education (Australia) Pty Ltd.
  • Laboratory Manual for Psychology 111/112 (supplied by department).

Recommended:

  • Findlay, B. and Kaufman, L. (2018). How to write psychology research reports and essays (8th ed.). French Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will demonstrate understanding of the basic biological processes that underpin our behaviour and understanding of how scientific methods and research contribute to the study of psychology.

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Timetable

Semester 1

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

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Monday 10:00-10:50 9-14, 16-22
A2 Monday 12:00-12:50 9-14, 16-22
AND one stream from
B1 Wednesday 10:00-10:50 9-14, 16-22
B2 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 9-14, 16-22
AND one stream from
C1 Friday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 16-22
C2 Friday 12:00-12:50 9-13, 16-22

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Monday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A2 Monday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A3 Monday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A4 Monday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A5 Monday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A6 Monday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A7 Monday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A8 Monday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A9 Tuesday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A10 Tuesday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A11 Tuesday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A12 Tuesday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A13 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A14 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A15 Tuesday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A16 Tuesday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A17 Wednesday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A18 Wednesday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A19 Wednesday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A20 Wednesday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A21 Wednesday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A22 Wednesday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A23 Wednesday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A24 Wednesday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A25 Thursday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A26 Thursday 09:00-10:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A27 Thursday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A28 Thursday 12:00-13:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A29 Thursday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A30 Thursday 15:00-16:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A31 Thursday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A32 Thursday 18:00-19:50 10-14, 16, 18-19, 21
A33 Friday 09:00-10:50 10-13, 16, 18-21