Introductory description

This module will introduce the biological and methodological basis of current approaches to sensing, responding, and learning.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Section 1 will focus on the biological basis of behaviour. Topics will include, for example, the overall structure of the nervous system, the forebrain and neurons (structure and intracellular signal transmission), chemical synapses (signal transmission, neurotransmitters, pathways and neuro-plasticity), brain development (learning and memory), and injury and rehabilitation.
Section 2 will focus on perception, action and learning. Topics will include, for example, sensing and responding (stimulus-elicited behaviour, complexity of reflex action) and behaviour change and learning (habituation and sensitization, pavlovian learning and conditioning, process and mechanism in pavlovian learning).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe in general terms the anatomical and functional organisation of the nervous system.
• Describe in general terms how neurochemical processes provide the basis of nervous system function.
• Understand in general terms the brain as a continually adapting system at the macro- (developmental) and the micro-level (learning, memory, rehabilitation).
• Understand in general terms how learning, memory, language, emotion, and goal-directed action are rooted in the structure and function of the brain.
• Understand how memory can be lost and learning can be undone.
• Understand how organisms detect and respond to stimulation, how their responses are changed by experience, and the neural processes and circuits that underly these capacities.
• Understand in general terms the links between reflexive, conditioned, habitual, and voluntary (goal-directed) behaviour.

Indicative reading list

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., and Paradiso, M. A. (2016). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Tresilian, J. (2012). Sensorimotor control and learning: an introduction to the behavioral neuroscience of action. Palgrave Macmillan

Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, J. C., & Neale, J. M. (2017). Abnormal psychology: the science and treatment of psychological disorders. John Wiley

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Describe in general terms the anatomical and functional organisation of the nervous system.
Describe in general terms how neurochemical processes provide the basis of nervous system function.
Understand in general terms the brain as a continually adapting system at the macro- (developmental) and the micro-level (learning, memory, rehabilitation).
Understand in general terms how learning, memory, language, emotion, and goal-directed action are rooted in the structure and function of the brain.
Understand how organisms detect and respond to stimulation, how their responses are changed by experience, and the neural processes and circuits that underlie these capacities.
Understand in general terms the links between reflexive, conditioned, habitual, and voluntary (goal-directed) behaviour.

Transferable skills

Apply a biologically informed perspective to theory and research in psychology.
Apply a biologically informed perspective to study skills.