Unit name | Biological Psychology (Conversion) |
---|---|
Unit code | PSYCM0058 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Ludwig |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
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.
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.
This unit comprises weekly lectures, Q&A, revision tutorials, and seminars (presenting at one of the seminars). In addition, support sessions will be available to aid student’s acquisition of more foundational material.
Readings are posted on blackboard and in lecture slides.