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Unit information: Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology in 2021/22

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology
Unit code PSYC10013
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Professor. Bowers
Open unit status Open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Psychological Science
Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides an introduction to the fundamental approaches of cognitive psychology, biological psychology and the intersection of the two fields. The aims of this unit are to cover concepts relevant to phenomena such as attention, perception, language, memory, vision, emotion and the neurophysiological processes involved in these. The unit will cover concepts relevant to brain functioning from chemistry, biology, cognitive science, and neuroscience, to explore how biological and cognitive explanations are complementary.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

- Identify the major theoretical perspectives taken in cognitive and biological psychology. - Recognise the new insights into how the mind (brain) supports a range of key human behaviours and cognitive capacities. - Define the methodologies and techniques used in cognitive and biological psychology.

Teaching Information

At the start of each week, self-paced asynchronous material will be provided (in bite-sized pieces where appropriate) along with 1) clear guidance on pre-reading (or pre-class activities), 2) lecture content itself, and 3) engagement activities. The teaching for each week will conclude with a live synchronous session where feedback will be provided and questions from students answered.

Assessment Information

Multiple-choice assessments.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PSYC10013).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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