Brain and Behaviour unit (PSY112)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Brain and Behaviour provides an introduction to key topics in psychology with an emphasis on their biological basis. Topics include biological psychology, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, emotion, human development, language, and states of consciousness. Key theories and related research findings are introduced through online lecture modules. Practical activities, demonstrations and experiments will deepen understanding of these topics, and research skills will be developed through collecting, interpreting, and communicating research data. This introductory unit is a suitable elective for students from a range of degree pathways.

Summary

Unit name	Brain and Behaviour
Unit code	PSY112
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Doctor Rebecca St George
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain key theories and concepts in biological psychology, sensation and perception, learning, motivation and emotion, human development, language, and states of consciousness.
• Describe how scientific research is used to examine psychological phenomena and underlying biological processes.
• Implement practical skills in research by sourcing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010999	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,862.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 hour Online lecture module weekly 1 x 2 hour practical class weekly 2 hours independent learning weekly
Assessment	Weekly Quizzes (20%)|Final Exam (35%)|Written assignment - Essay (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

It is important that you have ongoing access to these required readings, so they will be available for a limited loan period from the University of Tasmania Library collection. You are, however, encouraged to buy these texts as they will be useful resources throughout your study. These texts can be ordered from Cengage Learning https://au.cengage.com/  by searching ISBN and Title. These texts may also be available from the UTAS Co-op bookstore if you are near a university campus. • D.A. Bernstein, J. A. Pooley, L. Cohen, S. Provost, J. Cranney, and N. Drew (2023). Psychology: Australian and New Zealand Edition. (4th Ed). Australia: Cengage Learning • American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Recommended

Lecturers may recommend articles and chapters relevant to specific content. These recommended readings may be provided for you on MyLO, or you may have to employ your research skills to find the materials through the library.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.