UO Biological and Learning Psychology

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be 100% online
100% online
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PSYC 2019
Course ID icon
Course ID
204593
Campus icon
Campus
Online
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Psychology
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Annabel Marsh
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

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.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe different approaches to the study and analysis of behaviour and learning
  • Identify how behaviour is linked to survival and evolution and the interconnection between genes, environment and behaviour
  • Apply the principles of learning theory to improve welfare and well-being in real-world environments
  • Examine the ethical issues related to research and applications of learning theory to humans and other species

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 24/04/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 17/04/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 08/05/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 22/05/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 2114
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 500
Available
Available 475
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,
Notes:
This course is only for students studying 100% online programs

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 09/10/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 02/10/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 23/10/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 06/11/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 4107
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 500
Available
Available 481
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,
Notes:
This course is only for students studying 100% online programs

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed all of PSYC1019 UO Psychology 1A/PSYC1020 UO Psychology 1B

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed BEHL2017 UO Biological and Learning Psychology at the University of South Australia OR must not have completed BEHL2012 Biological and Learning Psychology at the University of South Australia

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course