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PS4033: ADVANCES IN BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


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, each featuring 5 lectures. Section 1 focuses on psychopharmacology, which is the investigation of the effect of medication on normal and abnormal brain function. Section 2 focuses on neuropsychology, examining what can be learnt about psychological processes from studying patients with brain damage.

Specific topics that will be covered include: neurotransmitters; drug effects; psychedelic drugs; impaired object and face recognition; amnesia; and disorders of motor control.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session 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?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

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 insights that have been gained from patient studies, but also the problems and pitfalls with using patient data to understand normal brain function. 


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 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Alternative Assessment

60% Essay

10% Tutorial

30% Multiple Choice Questions 

Alternative Resit Assessment

100% Coursework

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralAnalyseStudents will acquire skills to understand and evaluate different approaches to research in biological psychology
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will learn to critically evaluate topics related to biological psychology and to communicate this in coursework and exam essays.
ConceptualApplyGive 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
FactualUnderstandTo further knowledge of the relationship between biological processes affecting the brain and normal and abnormal behaviour and cognition.

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