BSc Psychology / Course details

Basic principles of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry will be discussed to develop an understanding of how these biological factors underlie human brain function. Topics will include biological basis of emotion, motivation, stress, sleep, autistic, ADHD and substance abuse disorders. Students will become familiar with multidisciplinary methods of investigation through use of behavioural, computational, neuropsychological and neuroimaging tools.

• develop a sound understanding of biological psychology
• gain a working knowledge of basic brain terminology and functioning
• understand  how the brain is able to process complex information and respond accordingly
• have an appreciation of the methods used to study the brain

• evaluate theories developed to explain how the brain works
• consider research and scholarship in selected core topics in biological psychology

• use a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information
• learn to communicate information in a concise fashion, develop arguments and adopt appropriate analysis tools and use them effectively
• review and assimilate empirical evidence from a range of scientific disciplines (e.g. biology, psychology and neuroscience).
• Articulate scientific knowledge in a clear and concise form.

• independently gather and select the most relevant information from a body of work through online and library sources
• present concise and persuasive arguments
• develop skills in critical thinking

Essay exam - 60%

MCQ Exam - 40%

Students will receive a grade. For the Essay they will also receive written feedback.

Carlson, N.R. (2015). Foundations of behavioural neuroscience (9th ed.). East Sussex: Taylor & Francis.

N.B. Students will have access to an electronic version of this textbook through Kortext