PSY4262 - Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the defining characteristics and scope of biological psychology and cognitive psychology.
Describe, compare and contrast major theoretical approaches and explanations in each of the identified areas of psychology.
Demonstrate an understanding of the relative merits and shortcomings of the predominant methods of investigation employed within each area.
Demonstrate knowledge of the link between research and theory across a range of psychological domains. Then use such literature to undertake a suitable design and analysis of an experimental study.

Content:

This module introduces students to the core aspects of two of the main fields of psychology. It provides a background and framework in the defining characteristics, methods and scope of the following areas:

Semester One (Biological Psychology) – Biological Basis of Behaviour: e.g. structure of the nervous system; electro-chemical activity of the neuron; basics of genetic and evolutionary explanations of human behaviour.

Semester Two (Cognitive Psychology) – e.g. key theories of attention and memory; problem solving

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module delivery will be based upon a combination of lecture-based teaching, group work and use of a VLE. A wide range of materials will be provided on the VLE to support students as developing independent learners. It is assumed that students will not have studied any psychology previously. The time allocated for guided self-managed learning activities will allow students to use a variety of library facilities such as book chapters, online resources, or journal articles.
The module will be delivered on the basis of two-hour lecture slots, supported by seminars, podcasts (VLE) and guided reading (VLE). In the second semester, students will also work in groups to design and conduct an experimental study in a relevant area.

16 x 2hr lectures
Hours: 32
Intended Group size: Full cohort

2 x 1hr seminars
Hours: 2
Intended Group size: 1/8th cohort

6 x 2hr sessions (Group Work)
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: 6-8

Guided independent study
Hours: 154
Further details relating to assessment
Question Bank will require students to construct a series of questions and associated answers drawn from Semester One lecture content.

Directed Activities: These consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. This assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be successfully completed. A pass mark will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment:

001 Question bank - construction of 25 mark test semester 1 wk 10 25%
002 Class Test 35 mins semester 1 wk 11 20%
003 Experimental report 1750 words semester 2 wk 11 45%
004 Directed activities semester 1 & 2 10%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Dr James Jackson
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - THIS MODULE IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO STUDENTS ENROLLED ON COURSES ACCREDITED BY THE BPS .
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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