PS4033: Advances In Biological Psychology

PS4033: ADVANCES IN BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

This course aims to provide students with a good understanding of the biological basis of behaviour and cognition. The course is split into two sections. Section 1 focuses on psychopharmacology, which is the investigation of the effect of medication on normal and abnormal brain function. Section 2 examines brain function and memory, with a specific focus on the application of this knowledge within the criminal justice system.

Specific topics that will be covered include: neurotransmitters; drug effects; Alzheimerâ€™s disease; memory and psychedelic drugs.

This course is intended for students completing joint honours degrees in Behavioural Studies or Psychology.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Chair in Psychology Ben Tatler

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either PS2015 Advanced Psychology a - Concepts and Theory (Passed) or PS2017 Advanced Psychology a - Concepts and Theory (Passed)
Psychology (PS)
Any Undergraduate Programme
Programme Level 4
Either PS2515 Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and Theory (Passed) or PS2517 Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and Theory (Passed)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

PS3014 Biological Psychology (Studied)
PS4030 Senior Honours Psychology A (Studied)
PS4036 Senior Honours Level 4 Psychology A (Studied)
PS4536 Senior Honours Level 4 Psychology B (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Psychopharmacology lectures will examine how the study of psychoactive drugs can inform our understanding of both normal and abnormal brain function. Neuropsychology lectures will focus on the relationship between biological measures of brain function and memory.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

60% Essay

10% Tutorial

30% Multiple Choice Questions

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21

100% Coursework

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Factual	Understand	To further knowledge of the relationship between biological processes affecting the brain and normal and abnormal behaviour and cognition.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Students will learn to critically evaluate topics related to biological psychology and to communicate this in coursework and exam essays.
Procedural	Analyse	Students will acquire skills to understand and evaluate different approaches to research in biological psychology
Conceptual	Apply	Give students a better appreciation of the multiple causes of abnormal behaviour and cognitive processes, as well as developments in the application of biological psychology to real-life circumstances

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