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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Biological Psychology |
| Unit code |
PSYC20004 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Ludwig |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PSYC10004
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Psychological Science |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Life Sciences |
Description including Unit Aims
This central theme of the unit is the biological basis of behaviour. It is structured around a number of key themes (e.g. attention, executive function), with an emphasis on the neural mechanisms that shape cognition and behaviour in those domains. The unit covers a range of techniques used in the study of the link between brain, mind and behaviour (e.g. electrophysiology, neuroimaging, neuropsychology).
Aims:
- Develop student's interest, scientific knowledge and understanding of the study of the interaction between the central nervous system and behaviour.
- Introduce students to the methodological approaches to the study of the central nervous system and the application of these to particular cognitive domains.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the role and importance of converging empirical evidence in the formation of theory.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the way in which theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data.
- Help students to make conceptual links to other areas of psychological science.
- Help students to acquire a wide range of transferable skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, the student will:
- Have a comprehensive understanding and scientific knowledge of the topic and methodological approaches to the study of the central nervous system and its links to behaviour.
- Have a comprehensive understanding of the application of these approaches to the study of specific areas of psychological science.
- Be able to integrate this understanding of these methodologies with other areas of psychological science.
- Be able to plan and contribute to seminar-based presentations of topics covered in this unit and have further improved their scientific writing skills.
Teaching Information
This unit comprises 16 x 2 hour lectures (second hour is for Q&A purposes), two revision tutorials and 8 x 1 hour seminars (presenting at one of these).
Assessment Information
Summative assessment with one 1600-word written essay (20%); one oral presentation in seminar (20%) and one 2-hour written exam (60%).
Reading and References
The reading list with ‘Essential’, ‘Recommended’ and ‘Further’ reading will be posted on Blackboard.
