| Unit name | Social Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PSYC30022 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Quadflieg |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Psychological Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to the newly emerging field of social neuroscience. It presents an overview of the field’s historical roots, pivotal methods, key topics, and ongoing issues of debate with the aim of raising students’ appreciation for, and critical reception of, inherently interdisciplinary psychological research. It covers major theories and findings in social neuroscience by relating them to pressing social challenges (such as overcoming prejudice, solving moral dilemmas, and enhancing self-regulation), highlighting the field’s impact and relevance. A key theme of the unit lies in contrasting the modern idea of the ‘social brain’ with the traditional notion of the ‘non-social’ brain. The unit focuses further on discovering common scientific and ethical problems that can arise from mapping fuzzy social constructs onto biological structures. By completing this unit students will develop a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between people’s mind, brain, and behaviour in the context of a complex social world.
The unit will cover concepts, history, methods and challenges in social neuroscience research, as well as key social neuroscience research topics like person perception, impression formation, relationship science and social reasoning.
Learning outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Self-paced online learning materials are supported by weekly live sessions.
Teaching on the unit blends problem-based lectures and practical assignments in order to facilitate student learning. Fundamental concepts are introduced in a lecture-style manner, but their in-depth understanding and application is facilitated through hands-on exercises (ranging from problem-based worksheets and reflective diaries to collaborative problem-solving tasks). In addition, essential readings provide access to diverse voices that have shaped the field’s rapid development. Guided reflection on all essential exercises and readings is provided in the form of interactive seminars and inquiry-based drop-in sessions. In addition, to ensure that the unit succeeds at offering engaging learning opportunities for all, students will be invited to raise questions via a unit-related online discussion board at any time throughout the unit’s delivery.
This unit is assessed by:
1 x 1600-word Coursework (50%)
1 x Timed assessment (50%)
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. PSYC30022).
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.
