PC5052 - Psychobiology (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Psychobiology | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module is designed to:
1. Allow students to evaluate key biological, genetic and evolutionary theories of behaviour in their historical and cultural contexts.
2. Facilitate students’ critical appraisal of theories in biopsychology in terms of their internal logic and ethical application, and in relation to data from controlled and observational research.
3. Encourage independent learning through the access of background information using appropriate primary and secondary sources.
The module contributes to the practical application of theoretical knowledge to real world problems, thereby providing additional transferable skills (e.g. evidence-based practice, research and synthesis).
Prior learning requirements
PC4056 Biological Bases of Behaviour
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from:
Neurochemistry and neurophysiology of nerve transmission; behavioural genetics; psychoneuroendocrinology; psychopharmacology; cognitive neuroscience; e.g learning, memory, motivation, emotion, and arousal, decision making, and executive function.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Lectures will provide students with the basic framework and knowledge for the topic, and deeper knowledge and critical understanding will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material, seminars, formative testing, and engagement with digital resources provided.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Identify and discuss biological, genetic and evolutionary explanations of behaviour;
2. Evaluate these explanations using research evidence and in relation to ethical principles and standards;
3. Have a broad understanding of biological mechanisms that underpin behaviour
Assessment strategy
A multiple-choice test (MCT) will assess the breadth of knowledge of the material covered in the module and a 10 slide powerpoint presentation with notes will apply psychobiological knowledge to real world scenarios, e.g. within the context of health, policy and education. Formative assessment will be provided throughout the module for self-reflected learning development. Students require a minimum aggregate grade of 40% from both assessments in order to pass the module.