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Biological Psychology

Module description

In this module you are introduced to the basic concepts of the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behaviour. Topics covered include the structure and functions of brains including both typical and atypical development, neuronal communication, how genes, hormones and neurotransmitters in various physiological processes affect behaviour, cognition, emotions, motivation and development, comparative psychology and evolution. Although largely focused on the human body and brain, the module also transmits how research on different animal model systems has advanced the understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the human nervous system, cognition and behaviour. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

The primary aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying human and animal behaviour with a focus on neurophysiology, functional anatomy of the human brain, perception, communication, development and evolution of nervous systems. You will develop a firm foundation of knowledge in neuroscience and physiology of behaviour that links to cognitive and clinical psychology. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Understand and use subject-specific concepts and terminology
• 2. Examine the biological correlates of behaviour at different levels

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Describe basic and essential facts and concepts in biological psychology
• 4. Review and evaluate published work and identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of this work
• 5. Address well-defined problems systematically, think critically and creatively, and appreciate the complexities of the issues
• 6. Understand and apply essential principles in designing research, evaluate and analyse empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using defined techniques

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Work within an appropriate ethos and access and use a range of learning resources
• 8. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses within set criteria, and seek and make use of feedback
• 9. Manage information, collect appropriate information from a range of sources and undertake essential study tasks under guidance
• 10. Take responsibility for your own learning with appropriate support

Syllabus plan

Taught materials will cover a wide range of topics required to build a solid foundation of knowledge in neuroscience and physiology of behaviour.

Indicative topics include the structure, functions and signals of neurons, principles of neuronal communication, synaptic transmission of information, functional anatomy of the brain, methods for studying the brain, evolution of neural systems, motor control, sex differences, the role of genes and environmental cues, chemical messengers in brain and body, senses and perception. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Three assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the assessments you will be required to resubmit them. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%; deferred marks are not capped.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative basic reading list:

• Breedlove, S.M. & Watson, N.J. Biological Psychology. Sunderland- Massachusetts: Sinauer Ass.
• Pinel, J.P.J. Biopsychology. Allyn and Bacon
• Hill, R.W., Wyse, G.A. & Anderson, M. Animal Physiology. Sinauer
• Ward, J. The Student’s Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience. Psychology Press
• Alcock, J. Animal Behaviour. Sinauer – Palgrave (chapters 3-6)

Key words search

Psychology, biological, neuroscience, physiology, behaviour, brain, perception, senses