UO Biological and Learning Psychology

The aim of this course is to further develop students' understanding of those aspects of the biological sciences which underpin the study of psychology, and to introduce students to principles of learning theory, and applications of these principles to improve welfare and well-being in an ethical manner.

Assessments in this course provide evidence that students have demonstrated achievement of Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Foundational Competency:
1.1: Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach
1.3: Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats
1.4: Demonstrate and understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology
(Accreditation Standards for Psychology Programs Effective 1 January 2019, Version 2). In this course students will further develop their knowledge of the psychology of learning and research design and ethical applications of principles of learning. This course will introduce students to the evolutionary origins of hominids, ethical and legal implications of classification of Great Apes as hominids, and comparative cognition and behaviour. Students will further explore the biological bases of behaviour and how physiological, psychological, and sociocultural or environmental factors are interconnected.