| Unit name | Biological Psychology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PSYC10003 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ludwig |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Psychological Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit shows how the study of behaviour emerges from the theory of evolution as a distinct discipline. Conditioning research is discussed as an area which is still developing, and the unit should enable a student to grasp the evolutionary significance of basic learning mechanisms.
On completion of this unit, you will have acquired a good understanding of how the biological and mental explanations of behaviour are complementary and how these have been developed in a comparative context. You will learn how the Central Nervous System (CNS) is organised and how groups of neurons can process information. Also, you will appreciate how specific and general biological processes contribute to the limitation and versatility of behaviour. Such information is vital to understanding how some people become functionally damaged (clinical case studies). You will also gain a broad understanding of classical and instrumental conditioning, and will appreciate the importance of contemporary research investigating phenomena in associative learning.
This unit comprises 16 x 50 minutes lectures, plus an overview session and a revision session for the end of unit examination.
Final Grade: based on 40% coursework and 60% examination
Schacter, D.L Gilbert, D.T., Wegner, D. M. (2009). Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.
