BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 - 2023/4

Module Overview

Building on the learning in Biological Psychology with Research Methods 1, this module aims to advance students’ fundamental knowledge about biological psychology and the biological basis of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour, such as sleep¿ and dreaming, and atypical brain development.

In this module, we will focus on consolidating learning from Biological Psychology with Research Methods 1 on the structure and function of the central nervous system, and using that consolidated learning to interrogate in greater depth and breadth the biological basis of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour. There will be particular focus on how methods in biological psychology have advanced historically to the present day and the specific limitations and advantages of these methods.

Specialised research methods lectures will enable you to develop in-depth, critical and practical understanding of a range of core methods within the field of biological psychology. 

Students will develop skills in developing balanced and informed critical evaluation of research methods in biological psychology through the coursework assessment.  The course will encourage students to focus not just on WHAT a method can tell us about the brain and central nervous system, but HOW the method works to give us this information.

 

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Students must pass each unit of assessment at 40%.

This module will be taught in two parts.
1) Content Lectures will build on the learning in Biological Psychology with Research Methods 1. This module will provide an understanding about the biological basis of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour, such as sleep¿ and dreaming, and atypical brain development.


2) Research Methods Lectures will enable in-depth, critical and practical understanding of a range of core methods within the field of biological psychology.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

RONALD Angelica (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Biological Bases of Psychology 1. Co-requisite: All other level 5 Psychology modules.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Content Lectures 

After an introduction to the module, the lectures will be dedicated to looking at the biological bases of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour. Indicative content of lectures includes:  sleep¿ and dreaming and atypical brain development.

Research Method Lectures

Research method lectures will provide in-depth, critical and practical understanding of a range of core methods within the field of biological psychology. Indicative content includes brain imaging and behaviour genetic methodology (including interpretation of twin data).

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to allow students to demonstrate that they have successfully met the learning outcomes of the module
 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
 

• Coursework essay involving an evaluation of biological psychology research method(s) demonstrating in-depth learning, critical evaluation and practical understanding


• Exam with questions (90 minutes)

 

Formative assessment and Feedback

Regular MCQ are provided to accompany lectures to consolidate and enhance student learning

 

Practice essay titles for both coursework and exam provided to allow students to familiarise with the themes and types of essay titles.

 

Feedback

 

• Prior to the assessments, time will be spent discussing the assignment and feedback process. The marking scheme will be specified, expectations discussed and templates or examples provided. This facilitates self-efficacy.

 

• Verbal feedback will be given in or after the lectures through interactive quizzes and discussions

 

• Verbal feedback during lectures by the lecturer
   


• Written feedback on research methods coursework

Module aims

• Building on the learning in Biological Psychology with Research Methods 1, to advance students¿ fundamental knowledge about biological psychology and the biological basis of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour, such as sleep¿ and dreaming and atypical brain development;
• Consolidate learning about the structure and function of the nervous system and discover how this learning applies to modern day methods in biological psychology
• Establish in-depth, critical and practical understanding of a range of core methods within the field of biological psychology in order to be able to describe a range of core methods in detail
• Deliver breadth of understanding regarding the history of the field of biological psychology, for example, how research methods have changed over time
• Develop scientific communication skills by critically evaluating and providing a balanced, informed evaluation of the research methods used in contemporary biological psychology

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

The content lecture element of the module gives students the breadth of advanced knowledge on biological processes and mechanisms relevant to the understanding of the biological basis of the human brain and behaviour. The  research methods element gives students in-depth, critical and practical understanding of methods used in modern biological psychology to enhance their ability to critically assess research and to gain a better understanding of the application of theory and statistics in a range of research methods. Critically, the research methods element  is a preparation for the final year project using quantitative data because it exposes the student to a selection of relevant methodologies which they will learn about in depth.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• standard content lecture format with interactive elements (11 x 2h)


• online material to consolidate learning (11 x 1h) 


• guided learning elements to foster a deep understanding of the material , including captured content (22 x 1h)


• research methods lectures with interactive elements (4 x 2h)


• self-directed learning (87h)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSY2013

Other information

The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability: This module provides students with advanced knowledge in biological psychology and key research methods of neuroscience. An understanding of scientific knowledge, critical thinking and engagement with empirical research can be applied across many fields and careers. During practical sessions students will be introduced to various equipment utilised in research and clinical settings. Both assessments develop students' written communication skills. 

Digital Capabilities: As with all modules, students are expected to engage with online material and resources via SurreyLearn, and other digital platforms. Students are encouraged to communicate with one another and work together in groups, utilising digital collaborative tools. Students will be encouraged to search for scientific articles in online databases to complete both assessments.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students will engage critically with exemplars of empirical research and reflect on inclusivity of the methods employed and considerations of diversity and equality in the populations studied.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The learning, teaching and assessment strategy for this module has been designed to encourage active participation, peer support and reflective engagement. Students will be asked to share ideas, appreciate potential barriers and challenges faced by others, and provide support and show empathy towards each other in working towards achieving successful outcomes. Formative assessments and feedback practices provide an opportunity for students to fail and learn from the experience, building confidence and self-efficacy

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.