Stimulate your intellectual curiosity! Biopsychology is a combination of the sciences of biology and psychology and offers insights into the workings of the human brain. It can assist with answering fundamental questions like how we move, think, experience senses and develop language. This course is ideal for those who work in (or would like to work in) the areas of psychology, psychotherapy, teaching, research and counselling, or in the health, biological or health sciences professions.
The Certificate of Biopsychology is an online program that will give you insights into how messages are transmitted inside the body and brain, the role of hormones and chemicals, and how our bodies detect and interpret sensory information.
In this professional development course, you will study the various theories of the mind-body debate, and how the function of the nervous and endocrine systems can affect the psychology of an individual.
You will also explore the relationship between psychological stress, emotions and consciousness in terms of the physical nature and responses of the body.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong understanding of health, human psychology and the body-mind relationship – valuable insights that can enhance or kick-start your psychology career!
Course Structure
Unit: Biopsychology I
Unit 1: Nature and scope of biopsychology
- Research methods
- Neuroanatomical techniques
- Ethical considerations in psychology
- Mind-body effects
- External stimuli responses
- Effects from internal environment
- Metabolic products
- Eating behaviours
- Blood and lymph constituents
- Body and brain chemicals
- Chemical transmitters
- Dysfunction of body systems
- Psychological responses stimuli
Unit 2: The senses
- Organisation of the sensory system
- Hierarchical organisation
- Perception
- Sensory perception
- Sensory organs
- Hearing and human cochlea
- Vison, smell and taste
- Touch and pain
- Theories of perception
Unit 3: The nervous system
- Central nervous systems (CNS)
- The spinal cord
- The peripheral nervous system
- Cranial nerves
- The autonomic nervous system
- Nerve cells (neurones)
- Neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitter disorders
Unit 4: The endocrine system
- Endocrine glands of the body
- Hormones
- Adrenal and pituitary glands
- Sexual behaviour
- Sexual development
- The brain and sexual behaviour
- Sexual orientation
- Unusual sexual conditions
Unit 5: Stress
- Signs of stress
- Psychological stress
- Good stress
- Sources of stress and responses
- Psychological responses
- Covert changes
- Gastrointestinal response
- Cardiovascular response
- Stress and the immune system
- Cell mediated immune responses
- Antibody mediated response
- Stress and infection
- Role of hippocampus
- Personality types and stress
- Physical relaxation
Unit 6: Emotions
- Homeostasis
- Eating disorders
- Non-homeostatic behaviours
- Psychology of emotions
- Theories of emption
- Central neural theories
- Biological factors
- Emotional expression
- Aggression and fear
- Brain mechanisms in emotions
- Aggression theories
Unit 7: Consciousness
- Awareness and attention
- Changes in consciousness
- Function of consciousness
- The brain and consciousness
- Disorders and consciousness
- Sleep deprivation
- Why do we sleep?
- Theories of dreaming
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Psychotherapists
- Teachers
- Health Professionals
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