PSYC215-25S2 (C) Semester Two 2025

Introductory Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 14 July 2025
End Date: Sunday, 9 November 2025
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 27 July 2025
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 28 September 2025

Description

This course will introduce the disciplines of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience in addition to covering relevant aspects of developmental neuroscience and neuropharmacology. We will cover how the brain develops and changes with sensory inputs and experiences as we learn and update information, navigate the environment, make decisions, and produce actions. Different neuroscience techniques will be introduced, and we will reflect on how changes in perceptual processing, as well as our genetics and environment influence our brain development. This course will also cover the regulations associated with the ethical treatment and welfare of animal models and humans involved in neuroscience research.

Learning Outcomes

  • The objectives of the course are to:

  • Describe and distinguish brain anatomy, neuronal function, and neural systems.
  • Summarize and reflect upon the regulations that govern the ethical treatment and welfare of humans and animals participating in neuroscience research
  • Distinguish between neural systems that support sensory processing, learning and memory, motor function, spatial navigation, executive functions, and emotional processing.
  • Identify how genetics and environmental influences impact on neural systems
  • Compare neuroscience techniques used in animal models and humans, including micro-stimulation, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, and manipulations of neuronal activity.

Prerequisites

P: PSYC105 and PSYC106
RP: PSYC107 or ARTS102

Restrictions

PSYC333

Recommended Preparation

Timetable 2025

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 09:00 - 10:00 C3 Lecture Theatre
14 Jul - 24 Aug
8 Sep - 19 Oct
Lecture B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 14:00 - 15:00 C3 Lecture Theatre
14 Jul - 24 Aug
8 Sep - 19 Oct
Lab A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Tuesday 10:00 - 12:00 Ernest Rutherford 464 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
02 Monday 15:00 - 17:00 Rehua 008 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
03 Friday 09:00 - 11:00 Jack Erskine 248 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
04 Thursday 09:00 - 11:00 Jack Erskine 248 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
05 Tuesday 16:00 - 18:00 Rehua 008 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
06 Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00 Ernest Rutherford 464 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep
07 Wednesday 09:00 - 11:00 Jack Erskine 248 Computer Lab
28 Jul - 17 Aug
8 Sep - 14 Sep

Course Coordinator

Anna Mitchell

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Exam 45%
Mid-semester test 30%
Lab work and reports 15%
Regulations for ethics and welfare report 5%
Weekly quizzes on lecture content 5%

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Reading

Carlson, N. R, & Birkett, M.A; Physiology of Behavior ; 12;

There are no required textbooks for this course. Assigned readings for lectures/labs will be provided online via LEARN. Introductory material can be found in the textbook, Carlson, N. R, & Birkett, M.A. Physiology of Behavior (12th edition) available online via UC (University of Canterbury) Library.
Beyond introductory chapters, a single textbook is not followed; lecture slides / handouts and/or extra material will cover the topics.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,036.00

International fee $5,188.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .

All PSYC215 Occurrences

  • PSYC215-25S2 (C) Semester Two 2025
  • PSYC215-25S2 (D) Semester Two 2025 (Distance)
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