Brain Behaviour and Human Development

This module has two components: Biological Psychology and Developmental Psychology.

The Biological component aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the relationship between brain functioning and behaviour. You will examine the biological bases of a range of behaviours and will consider how research in biological psychology can contribute to the understanding of psychological function. This module component is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops/online materials and activities, and discussion. It is assessed by a two hour exam / timed online assessment.

The Developmental component aims to further develop your understanding of psychological concepts, theories and methods relevant to the study of lifespan developmental psychology. During this, you will explore a range of research relating to cognitive and social development throughout the lifespan and develop the skills needed to evaluate existing research. This component is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops/online materials and activities, and discussion. The assessment is coursework based.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of selected psychological phenomena and associated underlying physiological processes
Demonstrate an understanding of, and evaluate, key issues, concepts and theories in lifespan developmental psychology.

Biological Psychology Component

This component will cover core concepts in biological psychology, as well as biological explanations of key behaviours. The kinds of topics you may cover will include:

Conceptual & Historical Issues in Biopsychology
Research Methods in Biological Psychology
Genes, Evolution & Behaviour
Psychopharmacology
Stress & Emotion
Learning & Memory
Sleep
New developments in Neuroscience.

Developmental Psychology Component

This component will cover concepts, theories, issues and methods in relation to social and cognitive development across the lifespan. The kinds of topics you may cover will include: