PC5060 - Cognitive and Biological Explanations of Behaviour (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Cognitive and Biological Explanations of Behaviour | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||||
| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
The aim of this module is to explore the cognitive and biological bases of behaviour. You will learn about neuroanatomy and how neurons communicate with each other; the biological bases of behaviour and cognitive functions (e.g., perception, attention, learning and memory, language processing, and thinking and reasoning); how brain development, drugs, disease and brain damage impact behaviour and cognitive functioning and how these aspects can be linked to mental disorders; and what research with animals can tell us about human cognition and behaviour. This module will thus enhance your knowledge and understanding of core topics in cognitive and biological psychology and equip you with transferable skills necessary for further study in psychology and for working in various professional contexts.
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: theories and models of cognitive and biological psychology; neuronal communication; memory; attention; perception; emotion; language and lateralisation; heuristics and biases; expertise and problem-solving; research methods in cognitive and biological psychology; animal research and ethics in cognitive and biological psychology research.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and group work will provide opportunities to receive constructive tutor and peer feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for identifying gaps in your knowledge and skill development.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, you will:
1. Have critical knowledge and understanding of key perspectives in cognitive and biological psychology and the research on which they are based
2. Appreciate how the mind (and brain) supports a range of human behaviours and cognitive capacities (e.g., perception, attention, learning, memory, language, thinking and reasoning).
3. Be able to evaluate the methods used in cognitive and biolo