200-level

PSYC209
Sensation and Perception
Description
A broad overview of sensation and perception. The goal is to develop both an understanding of the field and an interest in pursuing some aspects of it in the future. The emphasis will be on visual perception but perception in other senses will also be covered briefly. There is a laboratory component that will let you experience some of the classic phenomena in the discipline for yourself.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106, or with the approval of the Head of School, a pass in a professional year of Engineering, or in approved courses in Art, Art History, or Computer Science
PSYC221
Psychology of Language
Description
This course is designed to provide you with a basic knowledge of psycholinguistics. We will look at language from a psychological standpoint, learning about scientific methods that researchers use to study the mental processes involved in language use. We will focus on three sets of processes - language comprehension (how we perceive and understand speech), language production (how we combine words to convey non-linguistic thoughts), and language acquisition (how we acquire language). This course will help you understand how language functions as one component of the general cognitive system. The course readings will be drawn from textbooks and other sources such as news articles.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
LING101, PSYC105, or PSYC107
Restrictions
LING221

300-level

BIOL355
Neurons, Hormones and Behaviour
Description
The physiological basis of behaviour. Building on the introduction to Animal Physiology in BIOL250, this course will concentrate on the endocrine and nervous systems and develop an understanding of how these systems have evolved to fine-tune the behaviour of animals.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL250 RP: BIOL272
PSYC373
Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders
Description
This course will examine neural systems in the brain with a view to understanding the neurobiological, psychiatric and cognitive bases of a selected number of human neurological conditions. The topics may vary from year to year but will include memory and related systems in the brain, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and different dementias including Alzheimer's disease. Neurodevelopmental changes and related issues, for example foetal alcohol effects, may also be considered. Some understanding of neuroscience methods will be included, especially brain imaging and neuropsychopharmacology.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Psyc105, PSYC206 and PSYC215
Restrictions
PSYC333
PSYC381
Applied Neuroscience: Brain Imaging
Description
Brain imaging has revolutionized how we investigate the brain; diverse techniques provide in vivo information about brain structure and function. This course uses brain imaging as a lens to understand normal function, development and aging, cognitive and behavioural processes, and disease. We will focus on the application of and interpretation of brain imaging findings and what they reveal about the brain, primarily in humans, but also in relevant animal models. For example, we will examine how even standard structural brain imaging informs us about preterm and neonatal changes and child development; how diffusion brain imaging provides a window on brain integrity and psychological function associated with normal and abnormal adolescent/early adult brain development; cognitive neuroscience through fMRI; and how PET imaging is revolutionizing our understanding of and potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Practical components will provide an introduction to visualizing, analysing, and interpreting brain imaging data.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Semester Two 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 and PSYC215
PSYC382
Culture and Cognition
Description
Humans speak thousands of different languages, have drastically different systems of grouping and naming features of the natural world, and have a bewildering number of social norms. Underlying this variation in cognition and behaviour is the human capacity for culture. This course overviews the scope and limits of cross-cultural variation in human psychology, highlights the importance of culture in psychological research, and discusses the implications of cultural diversity in modern societies, including Aotearoa.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Semester Two 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206

Not Offered Courses in 2025

300-level

PSYC340
Cognitive Psychology
Description
The objective of this course is to extend basic knowledge of the content, theory, and methods of cognitive psychology gained in PSYC208 Cognition (or other cognitive courses). Designed to prepare students for post-graduate study. Above average achievement in PSYC208 Cognition or an equivalent course is strongly recommended as preparation for this course.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2024
For further information see PSYC340 course details
Points
15 points