Biological Psychology
| Module title | Biological Psychology |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSYM225 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Chris Dodds (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 80 |
|---|
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 and evolutionary psychology. 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)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 119 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 3 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Collating lecture notes |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Set and supplementary reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Research and preparation of critical review |
| Guided Independent Study | 44 | Revision and exam preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial discussions | 3 x 1 hour | All | Oral |
| Practical exercises | 3 x 2 hours | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 50 | 2 hours | All | Written feedback on script |
| Critical review | 50 | 2000 words | All | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination | All | August Ref/Def |
| Critical review | Critical review | All | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the critical review you will be required to resubmit the critical review. 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
- 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
- Nettle, D. Evolution and Genetics for Psychology. Oxford University Press
- Alcock, J. Animal Behaviour. Sinauer – Palgrave (chapters 3-6)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 05/03/2020 |
| Last revision date | 03/05/2023 |
