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Introduction to Biological Psychology

Module title Introduction to Biological Psychology

Module code PSY1202

Academic year 2018/9

Credits 15

Module staff Dr Tim Fawcett (Convenor)

Dr Chris Dodds (Convenor)

Dr Ciro Civile (Convenor)

Dr Tobias Stevens (Convenor)

Duration: Term 1 2 3

Duration: Weeks 11

Number students taking module (anticipated) 250

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Description - summary of the module content

Module description
In this module you are introduced to the basic concepts of the physiological and neurobiological
mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behaviour. Topics covered include the
structure and functions of brains, neuronal communication, how genes, hormones and
neurotransmitters in various physiological processes affect behaviour, cognition, emotions,
motivation and development. Although largely focused on the human body and brain, the module
also transmits how research on different animal model systems, as diverse as squids, snails and
rodents, has advanced the understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the human nervous
system, cognition and behaviour.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The primary aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental biological mechanisms
underlying human and animal behaviour with a focus on neurophysiology, functional anatomy of the
human brain, perception, communication, development and evolution of nervous systems. You will
develop a firm foundation of knowledge in neuroscience and physiology of behaviour that links to
cognitive and clinical psychology.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Understand and use subject-specific concepts and terminology

• 2. Examine the biological correlates of behaviour at different levels
• 3. Describe human behaviour in an interdisciplinary fashion
• 4. Give examples of the research methodologies that will be introduced in the practical
sessions
• 5. Relate these methods to the phenomena introduced in the module

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Describe basic and essential facts and concepts in biological psychology

• 7. Review and evaluate published work and identify some of the strengths and weaknesses
of this work at a basic level
• 8. Structure this literature to present logical and coherent arguments at a basic level
• 9. Address well-defined problems systematically, think critically and creatively, and begin to
appreciate the complexities of the issues at a basic level
• 10. Understand and apply essential principles in designing research, evaluate and analyse
empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using defined techniques
at a basic level

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• 11. Describe briefly the ethical issues relating to the subject and its application

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 12. Work effectively with others as a member of a group and meet obligations to others
• 13. Work within an appropriate ethos and access and use a range of learning resources
• 14. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses within set criteria, and seek and make use
of feedback
• 15. Manage information, collect appropriate information from a range of sources and
undertake essential study tasks under guidance
• 16. Take responsibility for your own learning with appropriate support
• 17. Communicate effectively within the format of the discipline
• 18. Apply methods accurately and carefully to a well-defined problem and begin to appreciate
the complexity of the issues
• 19. Manage time effectively to meet deadlines

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan
Taught materials will cover a wide range of topics required to build a solid foundation of knowledge
in neuroscience and physiology of behaviour that is required for further study at stages 2 and 3
(levels 5 and 6) as well as in related modules such as Cognitive and Clinical Psychology.

Topics include the structure, functions and signals of neurons, principles of neuronal
communication, synaptic transmission of information, functional anatomy of the brain, methods for
studying the brain, evolution of neural systems, motor control, sex differences, the role of genes and
environmental cues, chemical messengers in brain and body, senses and perception.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Guided independent Placement / study

Activities study abroad

31 119 0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category Hours of study time Description

Scheduled Learning and Teaching 22 Lectures

Scheduled Learning and Teaching 3 Tutorials

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Scheduled Learning and Teaching 6 Practicals

Guided Independent Study 15 Collating lecture notes

Guided Independent Study 30 Set and supplementary reading

Guided Independent Study 30 Research and preparation of essay

Guided Independent Study 44 Revision and exam preparation

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of Size of the assessment (eg length / ILOs Feedback

assessment duration) assessed method

Tutorials 3 x 1 hour All Oral

Practicals 3 x 2 hours All Oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework Written exams Practical exams

50 50 0

Details of summative assessment

Form of % of Size of the assessment ILOs Feedback method

assessment credit (eg length / duration) assessed

Examination 50 1 hour 1-10 Generic feedback

(comments posted on
ELE)

Essay 50 2000 words 1-11, 13-19 Written

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of Form of re- ILOs re- Timescale for re-

assessment assessment assessed assessment

Examination Examination 1-10 August Ref/Def

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Essay Essay 1-11, 13-19 August Ref/Def

Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the
examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August/September
re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the essay you will be required to
resubmit the essay. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at
40%; deferred marks are not capped.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Rosenzweig et al. Biological Psychology. Sunderland- Massachusetts: Sinauer Ass.
• Pinel, J.P.J. Biopsychology. Allyn and Bacon
• Nettle D. Evolution and Genetics for Psychology. Oxford University Press
• Alcock, J. Animal Behaviour. Sinauer – Palgrave (chapters 3-6)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1582
(http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1582) (revision notes, slides, and other materials
will be available on the course ELE pages)

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Psychology, biological, neuroscience, physiology, behaviour, brain, perception, senses

Credit value 15

Module ECTS 7.5

Module pre-requisites None

Module co-requisites None

NQF level (module) 4

Available as distance learning? No

Origin date 01/11/2011

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Last revision date 16/07/2015

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