PSY7055 - Biological Psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and critical intepretation of both historical underpinnings and contemporary research in biological psychology.
Appreciate strengths and weaknesses of the various research methodologies utilised in the field of biological psychology.
Critically appraise biological explanations of behaviour, appreciating the relative merits of complementary and conflicting viewpoints, and their relevance across cultures.
Demonstrate and summarise a critical understanding of the real-world application of physiological and endocrinological research, and communicate this effectively to others.

Content:

This module will consider our understanding of the human brain from a historical and cultural perspective, before considering the development of the human brain in utero. It will consider autonomic (neural) and endocrine (hormone) systems, as well as the physiological underpinnings of behaviour. Indicative module content includes: sexual orientation and gender identity; human emotions; the effects of chronic stress; illness; and sleep disorders. The module will emphasise the contribution of human physiology to understanding human behaviour and will consider real world application and career pathways.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Module delivery will utilise a combination of lecture-based teaching, small-group student-led discussion, video clips and supportive use of the VLE (e.g. podcasts, mock questions and recommended reading). It is assumed that students will not have studied biological psychology previously, so students will be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts, sourcing independent reading, etc.

The module will be delivered on the basis of two-hour ‘lecture’ slots, though these will incorporate planned group activities and discussions, small-group work, and class tests. As such, while two 2-hour ‘lecture’ timetable slots will be required each week, delivery within these sessions will vary considerably, with traditional ‘chalk and talk’ taking up no more than half of a timetabled session.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: Cohort

Independent guided study
Hours: 130

Further details relating to assessment
Discussion with the module co-ordinator will ensure a viable and assessable group presentation. These presentations will be recorded with Panopto.

Assessment:

001 750 word; presentation summary; mid Semester 2 25%
002 Negotiated Presentation, 15 Mins, End of Semester 2 75%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - James Jackson
Level - 7
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS2

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