This course provides a broad-based understanding of classic and contemporary theory and research in the Physiological Psychology.

None

None

Students will produce one 1,500 words critical review essay (e.g. in the style of Nature's News and Views) weighted at 70% of the overall grade. Three quizzes weighted each 10% (total 30%) will form the rest summative assessment for the course.

This course provides a broad-based understanding of classic and contemporary theory and research in Physiological Psychology including, the development of the nervous system; the biological basis of human and non-human animal behaviour, typical and atypical neuropsychology; evolutionary theories of behaviour; the roles of hormones and genetics in behaviour; critical evaluation of cognitive neuroimaging techniques.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically consider how the structural components of neurones contribute to cellular communication and human and non-human animal behaviour

■ Using evidence from typical and atypical neuropsychology, critically consider how brain regions and networks are specialised and contribute to the biological basis of behaviour.

■ Critically evaluate how biological theories (e.g., natural selection, sexual selection, inclusive fitness) can inform questions about both human and non-human animal behaviour

■ Critically evaluate the evidence for genetic and hormonal influences on behaviour

■ Develop critical thinking about the use of specific techniques to solve a given problem in cognitive neuroscience.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.