PY7222 - Biopsychology and Cognition (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Biopsychology and Cognition | ||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module will help you to develop a systematic understanding of the biological and cognitive underpinnings of different aspects of human behaviour. Biological and cognitive processes will be introduced and placed within an evidence-based framework in which you will be encouraged to critically evaluate theory and empirical work. The module will: (a) develop your understanding of the biological and cognitive bases of a range of processes, functions and behaviours (e.g., memory, attention, decision making); (b) provide a critical understanding of and ability to use an evidence-based approach in which research is integrated into the understanding of key topics; (c) develop your analytic skills and ability to critically evaluate key theory and research in biological and cognitive psychology; and (d) understand the relative contributions and inter-related nature of both biological and cognitive processes as explanations of behaviour.
Syllabus
Topics included in the module will be drawn from: Cognitive and biological explanations of attention, executive function, memory, and language; research methods and their application; links between biology and cognition; neuropsychopharmacology and neurophysiology in the context of human cognition and behaviour.
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. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the
module and take responsibility for identifying gaps in your learning. Formative assessments will consist of multiple-choice questions and discussion of the answers in class. In addition, small-group activities will provide the opportunity for peer and instructor feedback.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will:
have a critical understanding of cognitive and biopsychological approaches to understanding human behaviour.
be able to describe and explain the strengths and limitations of research methods used in these branches of psychology.
be able to integrate behavioural measures with biological mechanisms underpinning behaviours.
be able to explain the core biological mechanisms that underpin cognition with reference to empirical evidence.