JCU College of

Healthcare Sciences

Subject Outline
Subject Name Psychological Neuroscience

Subject Code PY2101

Study Period Study Period 53 – 2020

Study Mode Internal

Campus JCU Singapore

Subject Coordinator Dr Peter Chew

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where our University is
located and actively seek to contribute and support the JCU Reconciliation Statement,
which exemplifies respect for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, heritage,
knowledge and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.

© Copyright May 2020

This publication is covered by copyright regulations. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of
private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be
reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory without written permission.

Page 1 of 15
Pre-requisites
For prerequisites, see https://secure.jcu.edu.au/app/studyfinder/?subject=PY2101&year=2020

Subject outline preparation

This subject outline has been prepared by Dr Peter Chew for the College of Healthcare Sciences, Division of
Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University. Updated 27 October 2020.

Q1. This subject is offered across more than one campus and/or mode Yes ☒ No ☐
and/or teaching period within the one calendar year.
Q2. If Yes (Q1), the design of all offerings of this subject ensure the same Yes ☒ No ☐
learning outcomes and assessment types and weightings.
Q3. If no (Q2), the Academic Head has authorised any variations, in terms of equivalence.

Subject outline peer reviewer

Name Dr Adam Wang
Position Lecturer Psychology
Date Reviewed 09/09/2020

College of Healthcare Sciences Disclaimer: The information provided in this subject outline is correct as at the
time of completion and may change in response to changing University resources. Any changes will be approved
by the College Dean or representative and will be communicated to students by the LearnJCU subject site.

Staff contact details

Teaching Consultation
Staff Member Room Phone Email
Team times*

Subject
Friday
Coordinator & Dr Peter Chew N.A. 6709 3747 [email protected]
2pm to 6pm
Lecturer

Learning Learning Support learningsupport- Visit Learning

C1-01 N.A.
Support Advisors [email protected] Support site

*Other consultation times by appointment only.

For further assistance please refer to Student Assistance Directory (Psychology) – Who Do I Contact?

Page 2 of 15
Contents
1 Subject at a glance ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Student participation requirements ................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Key dates ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Subject details ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Subject description ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Subject learning outcomes ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject.................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Student feedback on subject and teaching ......................................................................................... 5
2.5 Subject resources and special requirements....................................................................................... 6
3 Assessment details................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Requirements for successful completion of subject ............................................................................ 8
3.2 Feedback on student learning ............................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Assessment tasks ............................................................................................................................... 9
4 Submission and return of assessment.......................................................................................... 14
4.1 Submission of assessment................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Return of assessment ....................................................................................................................... 14
5 Subject calendar ................................................................................................................................. 15

Page 3 of 15
1 Subject at a glance
1.1 Student participation requirements
The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (4.3) indicates that, “a 3 credit point subject will require a 130
hour work load of study-related participation including class attendance over the duration of the study period,
irrespective of mode of delivery”. This work load comprises timetabled hours and other attendance
requirements, as well as personal study hours, including completion of online learning activities and assessment
requirements. Note that “attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory
completion of some subjects” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.10); and that additional hours may be
required per week for those students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support.

Key subject activities Time / Date / Location

Lectures (26 hours total) Refer to JCU Singapore Timetable 2020

Tutorials (24 hours total) Refer to JCU Singapore Timetable 2020

Other mandatory attendance requirements:

Full time International students are required to be on campus for at least three (3) hours per day, five (5) days a week
(Monday to Friday). International Students are required by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to have an
attendance percentage of 90% monthly. Domestic or Local Students are required to maintain a monthly class attendance
rate of 75% and above. Attendance will be regularly monitored throughout each trimester. Failure to maintain the
required attendance percentage will be subjected to disciplinary action. Students will be liable for associated Academic
Penalty and Financial Penalty.
If you are absent from a compulsory class you will need to complete the CHS Process for Assessment Extension, Missed
Assessment, Missed Class or Late Assignment Submission application no later than two (2) days after the scheduled date
of the class; or as soon as circumstances enable you to submit the request.

For information regarding JCUS class registration, visit https://secure.jcu.edu.sg/StudentFirst/

1.2 Key dates

Key dates Date

Census date See 2020 Study Period and Census Dates

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty See 2020 Study Period and Census Dates

Assessment task 1: Mid-term exam [25%] 21 December 2020, 7.30pm

Assessment task 2: Essay [25%] and Presentation [10%] Essay: 28 December 2020, 6pm
Presentation: Variable as instructed by the tutor

Assessment task 3: Examination [40%] During Exam Period

Page 4 of 15
2 Subject details
2.1 Subject description
This subject provides students with an in-depth introduction to key theories and concepts in the biological bases
of sensation, perception and behaviour. Coverage includes the structure and function of the nervous system, how
information is transmitted in the nervous system, the role of biological factors in cognition and motivated
behaviours and the anatomy and physiology of the sensory systems from periphery to cortex.

2.2 Subject learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the ways in which the nervous system functions
in sensation, perception and processing of information
• identify the way in which humans make sense of the sea of energies they are exposed to
• describe the nature, theory, and methods of the biological bases of behaviour.

These outcomes will contribute to your overall achievement of course learning outcomes. Your course learning
outcomes can be located in the entry for your course in the electronic JCU Course and Subject Handbook 2020
(click on ‘Course Information’ bar/ select ‘Undergraduate Courses’ or ‘Postgraduate Courses’/ select relevant
course/ scroll down to ‘Academic Requirements for Course Completion’, ‘Course learning outcomes’).

2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject

The subject will be run as a series of pre-recorded online lectures and attendance at interactive online tutorials.
Tutorials will involve skills training and exploration of selected topics in relation to topics covered in the lectures
and also skills training for academic research and writing.

LearnJCU is the University’s online subject resource database and network for both staff and students. Login to
LearnJCU and go to the PY2101 subject area to obtain copies of lecture notes, additional readings, this subject
outline, and other resources.

2.4 Student feedback on subject and teaching

As part of our commitment at JCU to improving the quality of our courses and teaching, we regularly seek
feedback on your learning experiences. Student feedback informs evaluation of subject and teaching strengths
and areas that may need refinement or change. YourJCU Subject and Teaching Surveys provide a formal and
confidential method for you to provide feedback about your subjects and the staff members teaching within
them. These surveys are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation when the
survey opens. We value your feedback and ask that you provide constructive feedback about your learning
experiences for each of your subjects, in accordance with responsibilities outlined in the Student Code of
Conduct. Refrain from providing personal feedback on topics that do not affect your learning experiences.
Malicious comments about staff are deemed unacceptable by the University.

In response to previous student feedback and other data, the following enhancements to this subject have been
made:

• Some MCQs have been included in the tutorials to help students assess their understanding of the material.
• More videos have been incorporated into the slides.

SP51 2020 Teaching Feedback

Page 5 of 15
SP51 2020 Subject Feedback

2.5 Subject resources and special requirements

All subject readings and resources, including journal articles, book chapters, websites, videos, print and
eTextbooks, are available to view online from your Readings list via your LearnJCU subject site. Textbooks are
listed in your Readings list, including links to library holdings. The JCU Library has limited print copies of
prescribed textbooks for two-day loan, and options for viewing available eTextbooks online.

Additionally, you can find the most appropriate library subject resources, including dedicated discipline-specific
Library Guides, relevant databases and access to library services and staff through the Your Library tool, in your
LearnJCU subject site.

Prescribed text

Freberg, L.A. (2019). Discovering Behavioral Neuroscience: An Introduction to Biological Psychology (4e). Boston:
Cengage.

Reference Materials

For presentation of assignments you should consult the official APA manual or one of the following texts:

• Perrin, R. (2004). Pocket guide to APA style. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Ellerman, D.A., Wildermuth, N.L. (2000). Writing research reports and essays in psychology: A handbook
for students. Toowoomba: USQ Press.

Page 6 of 15
 • Findlay, B. (2000). How to write psychology laboratory reports and essays. (2 nd Ed.). Sydney: Prentice
Hall.

Use of the Internet for Source Material

While the internet provides a vast and invaluable resource for reference and research, it is a double-edged sword
because there is little control over the quality of material that can be accessed. For this reason, some constraints
need to be placed on the use of the internet for undergraduate researchers.

You are encouraged, on the other hand, to make use of online Psychology journals (provided these are
appropriately cited), because this material comes from the primary source (the researcher him or herself) and has
usually been subjected to a process of peer review. Information from Government websites, recognized health
institutions or other professional societies may also be used provided the appropriate citation is given. If you have
any doubts about material found on the internet, please consult your tutor.

Page 7 of 15
3 Assessment details
3.1 Requirements for successful completion of subject
In order to pass this subject, you must:

• Complete at least 80% of assessment and

• Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more.

Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes (Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Policy, 5.13-5.18). It is important to be aware that assessment “is always subject to final ratification
following the examination period and that no single result represents a final grade in a subject” (Learning,
Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.22.).

Grades will be awarded for all coursework subjects as per the JCU Student Results Policy.

3.1.1 Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to achieve the
learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment
and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have
acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree.

Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their
studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter
the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. Students who believe they will
experience challenges completing their degree or course because of their disability, health condition or other
reason should discuss their concerns with an AccessAbility Services team member or a member of College staff,
such as the Course Coordinator. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met
with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

3.2 Feedback on student learning

You will be assessed throughout the study period through exams, as assignment, and tutorial participation. You
will receive progressive feedback on your progress for each assessment except for the final exam, which is held
after classes have ended, in the formal examinations period.

Page 8 of 15
3.3 Assessment tasks
ASSESSMENT TASK 1: MID-TERM EXAM

• demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the ways in which the
nervous system functions in sensation, perception and processing of information
Aligned subject learning
• identify the way in which humans make sense of the sea of energies they are exposed
outcomes
to
• describe the nature, theory, and methods of the biological bases of behaviour

Aligned professional
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards
standards / competencies

Group or individual Individual

Weighting 25%

Due date 21 December 2020, 7.30pm

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION

The mid-term exam is a 60 item multiple‐choice test that you will complete at home online via learnJCU. The mid-
term exam will cover primarily material that has been presented in the subject during Weeks 1 to 4.

Test duration: 1 hour

Reading time + extra time for potential technical difficulties: 10 minutes
Total duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Note: Supplementary (‘make‐up’) mid‐term tests will only be considered upon presentation of a valid medical or
counsellor’s certificate following the College process for requesting an on-course assessment extension,
notification of inability to attend an on-course exam or presentation, notification of missed compulsory class, or
notification of late assessment submission.

To prepare for this assessment, students should attend lectures and tutorials and complete the required reading
and activities.

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: CRITERIA

A minimum of 50% is required to pass this assessment item.

Page 9 of 15
ASSESSMENT TASK 2: ESSAY AND PRESENTATION

• demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the ways in which the
nervous system functions in sensation, perception and processing of information
Aligned subject learning
• identify the way in which humans make sense of the sea of energies they are exposed
outcomes
to
• describe the nature, theory, and methods of the biological bases of behaviour

Aligned professional
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards
standards / competencies

Group or individual Individual

Weighting 35%

Essay: 28 December 2020, 6pm

Due date
Presentation: Variable as instructed by the tutor

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION

The second assessment item involves writing an essay (25%) that conforms to the standards and format of the
American Psychological Association (APA) and a 15 minute presentation (10%) during tutorials based on the
essay. The topic of the essay is of your own choosing as long as it relates to some aspect of the biological bases of
behaviour. The essay has a word limit of 2000 words. More information will be provided in tutorials.

An electronic copy of the essay must be lodged through the SafeAssignment dropbox on the LearnJCU site by the
due date/time. Full details of the assignment and lodging procedures will be presented in the tutorial classes early
in the term.

A minimum of 50% is required to pass this assessment item.

Page 10 of 15
ASSESSMENT TASK 2 MARKING CRITERIA

Satisfactory
Very Good
Excellent
Structure & Organisation (30%) Comments

Good

Poor
Introduction; clear statements of
objectives, problems and boundaries of the
topic

Body of information that develops the

arguments

Logical summary & conclusions following

from the body of the paper

Content (60%)

Demonstrates an understanding of the

topic

Evidence of careful literature search &

review

Accurately addresses the topic

Evaluative comment made

Comparison is made between studies (if

appropriate)

Academic Presentation (10%)

Appropriate acknowledgment of source

material

Correct referencing

Neatness, layout, spelling, & general

appearance

Page 11 of 15
ASSESSMENT TASK 2: PRESENTATION MARKING CRITERIA

Student’s Name:
Topic:
Date

Presentation, Structure & Organization

• Introduction containing clear statement of objectives, problems and boundaries of the topic
• Demonstrates the ability to lead the seminar
• Maintains interest and group involvement
• Presents material clearly and with a logical flow
• Uses effective and appropriate teaching aids
• Logical summary & conclusions following from the presentation
• Keeps to the time allocated

/50

Content

• Demonstrates an understanding of the topic

• Accurately addressed the topic
• Evidence of careful literature search & review
• Adequate critique of literature
• Appropriate acknowledgement of information sources
• Summary reflects content of the presentation

/50

Comments:

Total Marks /100

All work will be graded as follows:

HD – 85%+ Outstanding work showing sophisticated understanding, critical synthesis, originality, and/or insight with regard
to the field of knowledge, and taking into consideration the level of the subject.
D – 75 – 84% Substantial work of high quality. Sophisticated understanding, but without the spark of originality, synthesising
powers or insight of the HD grade.
C – 65 – 74% Sound, competent work, demonstrating a reasonable grasp of knowledge in the area, taking into account
subject and level.
P – 50 – 64% Adequate engagement with the field at a general level to justify proceeding to further coursework study in the
area.
N - <50% Work which fails to demonstrate a satisfactory grasp of the field either through poor research, incoherence or lack
of literacy.

Page 12 of 15
ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EXAMINATION

• demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the ways in which the
nervous system functions in sensation, perception and processing of information
Aligned subject learning
• identify the way in which humans make sense of the sea of energies they are exposed
outcomes
to
• describe the nature, theory, and methods of the biological bases of behaviour

Aligned professional
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards
standards / competencies

Weighting 40%

Date ONLINE During Exam Period

Duration 2 hours and 10 minutes

See Special Consideration, Supplementary, Deferred and Special Examinations Policy

ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of 50 item multiple‐choice items and 2 of 6 short answer questions that you will complete at
home online via learnJCU. The exam will cover primarily material that has been presented in the subject during
Weeks 5 to 10.

Test duration: 2 hours

Reading time + extra time for potential technical difficulties: 10 minutes
Total duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes

To prepare for this assessment, students should attend lectures and tutorials and complete the required reading
and activities.

ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EXAMINATION CRITERIA

To pass the exam, the minimum mark to be achieved is 50%.

Page 13 of 15
4 Submission and return of assessment
4.1 Submission of assessment
Submit your essay and exam in a ‘Word’ or PDF document format to the Safe Assignment portal in LearnJCU.

4.1.1 Late submissions

Note that the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (5.22.3) outlines a uniform formula of penalties that will
be imposed for submission of an assessment task after the due date. This formula is 5% of the total possible
marks for the assessment item per day including part-days, weekends and public holidays. After 20 days, the
assessment item thus would be awarded 0 marks (i.e. 5% x 20 = 100% of total possible marks in penalties).

4.1.2 Extensions

Extensions for assessment tasks will only be granted where a serious and unforeseeable event has prevented you
from completing the assessment. This applies to all on-course assessment items, including the delivery of
presentations during scheduled class time. Students are required to follow the College process for requesting an
on-course assessment extension, notification of inability to attend an on-course exam or presentation,
notification of missed compulsory class, or notification of late assessment submission.

4.2 Return of assessment

An assessment’s return date, time and manner will be determined by the Subject Coordinator in line with the JCU
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy. Feedback will be given, and students can discuss their assessment with
the marker if further feedback is needed. Students will be informed of their grade for every component of
assessment in the subject within 21 days from the due date of the assessment item (JCU Learning Teaching and
Assessment Policy 8.7.2).

4.2.1 Review of assessment

Requests for review of assessment need to follow the JCU Review of Assessment and Access to Examination
Scripts and Materials Procedure.

Please see the Current Students webpage for links to all student resources and support services to optimise your
academic and personal success.

Please see the Notification of Extenuating Circumstances webpage – this has a self-declaration form which can
been submitted if you are experiencing a negative impact on your studies, and it is in place of a medical
certificate. It can be used if you have missed compulsory classes, need an extension on assessment, need to defer
an examination, withdraw from a subject without financial/academic penalty, or apply for other Special
Consideration.

Please see the Learning Online website for information to support you while learning in a virtual environment.

Please see the Learn Student Guide webpage for general advice on plagiarism, referencing and examinations.
Here, you can also access individual and group assessment task cover sheets. Note that cover sheets are only
required for hard copy submissions.

Page 14 of 15
5 Subject calendar
Please note, the sequence of some topics may change due to staff availability, resourcing, or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Week/Date Lecture Tutorial Readings / Preparation Relationship to assessment

1 9-Nov-20 Introduction & Nervous System No Tutorial Chapters 1 & 2 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

Nervous System & Neural

2 16-Nov-20 Neural Communication Chapter 3 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.
Communication

3 23-Nov-20 Psychopharmacology Psychopharmacology Chapter 4 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

4 30-Nov-20 Vision Vision Chapter 6 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

5 7-Dec-20 Sexual Behavior Sexual Behavior Chapter 10 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

6 14-Dec-20 Sleep and Waking Presentations Chapter 11 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

Assessment Task 1: Mid-Term Exam

21-Dec-20 No Lecture No Tutorial
21 December 2020, 7.30pm

Assessment Task 2: Essay due

7 28-Dec-20 Learning and Memory Presentations Chapter 12 28 December 2020, 6pm
This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

8 4-Jan-21 Language and Lateralization Presentations Chapter 13 This session targets subject learning outcome 1 & 2.

9 11-Jan-21 Psychopathology Presentations / Revision Chapter 16 This session targets subject learning outcome 1, 2, & 3.

10 18-Jan-21 No Lecture No Tutorial

25-Jan-21 EXAM PREP / EXAMINATIONS

1-Feb-21 EXAMINATIONS

Page 15 of 15