Biology and Behaviour in Psychology
Gain a good understanding of biology and human behaviour
Description
This learning course introduces the learner to the basic principles of Psychology from both a behavioural and biological perspective. The topics include classical and operant conditioning, the brain and the nervous system, stress and states of consciousness. All Alison graduates are entitled to certification. This free Psychology course is an excellent complement to face-to-face classes and as a study guide or for those who would like to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of Psychology.
Start Course NowModules
States of consciousness
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Altered States of Consciousness: Measurement of Physiological Responses
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Altered States of Consciousness: Measurement of Heart Rate
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The ways to study sleep
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As sleep progresses
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Characteristics and patterns of stages of sleep
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Stages of sleep one to four
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Effects of sleep deprivation
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Sleep disorders
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Types of dreams
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States of consciousness
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Definition of consciousness
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Streams of consciousness
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Characteristics of normal waking consciousness
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High level and lower level awareness
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Controlled Processes
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Automatic Processes
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Daydreaming
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Common characteristics of altered states of consciousness
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Disturbed time sense
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Description of pain
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Purpose of sleep
Stress
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Physiological and psychological effects of prolonged or intense arousal
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The relationship between stress and disease
The biological basis for behaviour
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Biological bases of behaviour
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The structure of the cerebral cortex
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Cerebral hemispheres: corpus callosum
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Cerebral hemispheres: the functions of the four lobes
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Cerebral hemispheres: parietal lobe
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Cerebral hemispheres: occipital lobe
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Temporal Lobe
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Hemispheric specialisation
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Hemispheric specialisation
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Functions of the spinal cord
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Distinction between sensory and motor neuron activity
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Somatic and automatic nervous system
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Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
Classical conditioning
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Classical (respondent or Pavlovian) conditioning
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Ethical issues in conditioning human behaviour
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Key terms in classical conditioning
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The main elements in classical conditioning
Learning theory
Operant conditioning
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Operant (instrumental) conditioning
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Learning: schedules of reinforcement
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Punishment (including negative effects of punishment) and ways to maximise effectiveness
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Elements in operant conditioning
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Operant conditioning in practice
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Comparison of classical conditioning and operant conditioning
Assessment
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course you will gain a good knowledge of classical and operant conditioning. You will be more familiar with different concepts of learning theory and states of consciousness. You will be able to identify the biological basis of behaviour. This course will help you understand types of stress and the relationship between stress and disease.
Certification
All Alison courses are free to enrol, study and complete. To successfully complete this Certificate course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this Certificate course, you have the option to acquire an official Certificate, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world. Your Alison Certificate is:
Ideal for sharing with potential employers - include it in your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications
An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill and achieve high results
An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning
Alison offers 3 types of Certificates for completed Certificate courses:
Digital Certificate - a downloadable Certificate in PDF format, immediately available to you when you complete your purchase
Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate, posted to you with FREE shipping
Framed Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate in a stylish frame, posted to you with FREE shipping
All Certificates are available to purchase through the Alison Shop. For more information on purchasing Alison Certificates, please visit our FAQs. If you decide not to purchase your Alison Certificate, you can still demonstrate your achievement by sharing your Learner Record or Learner Achievement Verification, both of which are accessible from your Dashboard. For more details on our Certificate pricing, please visit our Pricing Page.
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