Introductory description

The module aims to extend the basic psychobiological knowledge acquired in the first year

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.

Basics I: The neuron
Basics II: The nervous system - ONLINE TEST (wk 3)
Sexual development I: Genes and hormones
Sexual development II: Hormones and learning
Sexual behaviour
Laterality: Male and female brains
Homeostasis: Eating
Bodily rhythms: Sleep
Evolution
Drop-in & Feedback Session
Drop-in & Feedback Session

Learning outcomes

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

• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the functional architecture of the brain at the macroscopic and the microscopic level
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the principles of signal processing in the brain and their relevance for understanding complex behaviour.
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the psychobiological underpinnings of genetics and neurochemistry
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the psychobiological underpinnings of sex differences and laterality
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the psychobiology of learning and memory
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the psychobiology of homeostatic processes
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying the psychobiology of bodily rhythms
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying basic concepts of evolutionary psychology

Indicative reading list

Purves, D., et al. (2012). Neuroscience. Sinauer (978-0878939671)
Carlson, N.R. (2013). Physiology of Behavior. Pearson (978-1292023205)
Breedlove, S.M., & Watson, N.V. (2013). Biological Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience. Sinauer (978-0-87893-927-5)
LeVay, S. (1994).The Sexual Brain. MIT Press

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

understanding of the basic principles of the functional architecture of the brain, mechanisms of signal processing in the brain, psychobiological underpinnings of genetics and neurochemistry, psychobiological underpinnings of sex differences and laterality, psychobiology of learning and memory, psychobiology of homeostatic processes and psychobiology of bodily rhythms.

Transferable skills

critical review of evidence supporting theories.
familiarity with collecting and organising stored information found in library book and journal collections, and online, critically evaluating primary and secondary sources;