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Biopsychology and Learning
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX22362026
Previously MAQ-PSYX236
Understand the cogs at work behind the learning brain. Cover classical and operant conditioning, social learning and neural mechanisms of learning. Go behind the scenes with studies in areas such as neurophysiology and neurotransmitters.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $2,245
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Biopsychology and Learning
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in biopsychology and learning.
- Analyse, critique, and discuss academic writing in topics relating to biopsychology and learning.
- Communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in biopsychology and learning, including to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information.
- Demonstrate effective application of biopsychology and learning knowledge for positive impact at the foundational level of competency.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit is designed to give you a basic knowledge of central neuronal mechanisms underlying fundamental behaviours and how these behaviours are modified through experience (learning). The unit will include the structure and function of neurons; the physiological and ionic bases of transmission; the overall anatomical organisation of the mammalian brain, and the central mechanisms underlying mammalian behaviours, such as motivation and psychopathology. The remainder of the unit provides a basic understanding of diverse phenomena in learning and behaviour, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
- Plan for media presentation (20%)
- Group Media Presentation (30%)
- Online invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 9
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PSYX236 (Not currently available)
Others
Admission to BPsy by OUA AND 60cp at the 1000 level including (PSYU1101 or PSYX1101 or PSYU1104 or PSYX1104) AND (PSYU1102 or PSYX1102 or PSYU1105 or PSYX1105)
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSY236, PSY236
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PSYU2236 Biopsychology and Learning.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.