Module Information

Module Identifier
PS11220
Module Title
Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
Academic Year
2018/2019
Co-ordinator
Dr Alexander Taylor
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 21 x 1 Hour Lectures
Seminar 5 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x essay 1500 words  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  50%
Supplementary Assessment 1 x essay 1500 words  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written examination  If students fail the module overall, any failed component must be re-sat or determined as the Examination Board sees fit.  50%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Confidently describe, understand, and evaluate key research findings in biopsychology and cognitive psychology.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of methodological approaches (and their limitations) in biopsychology and cognitive psychology.

3. Understand what comparative psychology can tell us about human behaviour, cognition and experience.

4. Identify various elements of the central nervous system and relate them to psychological phenomenon.

5. Outline a range of key processes in cognition: e.e. perception, attention, learning and memory.

6. Consider research in terms of the context which produced it and its applications, implications and ramifications.

Aims

This module provides an introduction to biological and cognitive psychology for the non-specialist and assumes no prior knowledge of psychology. The module introduces students to key concepts and classic research in biological psychology and cognitive psychology. The module both stands alone as an introduction to the subjects and provides students with a knowledge base for future study.

Brief description

The module examines key findings in biological and cognitive psychology charted against subsequent theoretical, empirical and socio-cultural developments. Biological and cognitive approaches to psychology are introduced through focus on key research studies as part of a broader context. In biological psychology students will become familiar with biological systems and how they relate to human behaviour and experience. In cognitive psychology students will cover a range of primary aspects such as perception, attention, learning, and memory.

Content

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Perception
  • Attention
  • Inhibition
  • Learning
  • Memory
  • Biological Psychology Methods
  • Comparative Psychology
  • Psychopharmacology
  • EEG, PET
  • Psychophysics
  • Behavioural Topics
  • Synaesthesia
  • Emotion
  • Consciousness
  • Psychopathy
  • Psychopathology

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not directly applicable although students will be introduced to the key concepts of statistical analysis through the examination of research designs.
Communication Students will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic and to focus on the objectives of their argument or discussion. Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management but within a context of assistance from both the facilitator and the fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative, including searching for sources, compiling reading lists, and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their learning. The need to meet deadlines will focus students' attention on the need to manage their time and opportunity resources well.
Information Technology Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychLit, PsychInfo).
Personal Development and Career planning Seminar discussions in particular will help to develop students' verbal and presentation skills. Learning about the process of planning coursework and exam preparation, framing the parameters of the projects, honing and developing the projects and seeing through to completion will contribute towards their portfolio of transferable skills.
Problem solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of coursework will require that the student develops independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The need to research and prepare for seminars will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; reason logically; apply theoretical models; consider similar cases; look for patterns; divide issues into smaller problems.
Research skills The submission of coursework will reflect the independent research skills of the student. Research preparation for a seminars will also enable the student to develop independent project skills.
Subject Specific Skills Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of subject specific skills that will help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and research publications presented on the module. These subject specific skills include: * Assessment of scientific methods in psychology. * Differentiation between research methodologies * Demonstration of a familiarity with the techniques required for literature searches. * Appreciation of the nature of ethical research.
Team work Seminars will consist in part of small-group activities where students will be obliged to engage with the core issues related to seminar topics.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4