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PS20106: Biological psychology

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: ES 33%, EX 67%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Essay (ES 33%)
  • Examination (EX 67%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take PS10086
Description: Aims:
The aims of the unit are as follows
* To critically evaluate the role of historical issues and the methods employed to establish biological models of human behaviour.
* To develop a biopsychological level description of human behaviour.
* To develop an understanding of the theoretical issues surrounding the study of biopsychology.
* To critically evaluate the role of historical issues and the methods employed to establish biological models of human behaviour.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit students should be able to
* Understand the relationship between mind, brain and behaviour.

Skills:

* Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F)
* Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology. In addition to these core areas it is expected that students will gain knowledge of conceptual and historical perspectives in psychology. (T/F A)
* Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A)
* Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A)
* Can detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience and evaluate their significance. (T/F A) To reflect upon new technology and innovation within psychology and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness. (T/F A)
* Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A)

Content:
The content of the unit is as follows
* Nervous system structure and function
* Methods in modern biopsychology
* Biopsychological assessment; Structure and functions of the brain
* Recovery and rehabilitation
* Endocrine System;
* Immune System.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PS20106 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.