BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module introduces biological psychology and provides a foundation for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying psychological processes across the lifespan, as well as the biological basis of psychological and neurological disorders.

The module examines the organisation and function of the human nervous system, from the cellular basis of brain function and neural communication to the systems underlying sensation and movement. Topics include the history and ethics of neuroscience, neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, neurodevelopment, ageing, sensory and motor systems, and the biological basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Research methods workshops provide an introduction to tools used to measure and modulate brain function, alongside opportunities for hands-on engagement with key neuroscientific approaches.

Students will develop teamwork and scientific communication skills through the production of a group scientific poster. Tutorial sessions support understanding of core concepts and help consolidate learning through quizzes, discussion, and structured activities. The module also develops students' ability to engage critically and responsibly with AI tools in the interpretation, evaluation, and communication of neuroscientific research.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

JONES Daniella Louise (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

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

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Introduction to biological psychology: history and ethics
• Neuroanatomy and organisation of the nervous system
• Brain cells and neural signalling
• Synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and psychopharmacology
• Research methods in biopsychology
• Sensory systems
• Motor control
• Brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases
• Biological bases of neurological disorders
• Biological bases of psychiatric disorders

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Individual Research Poster and AI Reflection

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy aligns with the intended learning outcomes of the module as follows: 

Coursework

Group research poster

• Assesses students' knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system (LO1). 

• Requires students to explain how biopsychological research contributes to understanding brain and behaviour (LO2). 

• Requires students to describe, interpret, and critique neuroscientific methods used in published research (LO3, LO4, LO5). 

• Develops teamwork and scientific communication skills through collaborative analysis of a research study (LO6). 

Individual decision log / process reflection

• Students will use AI tools to generate a summary of their selected research article, including the AI-generated summary, and critically assess its validity and completeness in representing the research study. They will explain how their poster provides a more accurate and critical interpretation of the research findings (LO3, LO4, LO6, LO7). 

Alternative assessment 

• Established on a case-by-case basis, in line with individual needs. 

Exam

• The examination will assess the breadth and depth of students' knowledge and understanding of the module content (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).

Formative assessment and feedback  

• Students will complete weekly online multiple-choice quizzes on SurreyLearn, which provide automated feedback. 

• In-class formative feedback will be provided through interactive questions and discussions during tutorials. 

• Guidance on the poster assessment, including expectations, structure, and marking criteria, will be provided during workshops. 

• Students will receive written feedback on the poster, focusing on scientific communication, interpretation of research, and use of evidence. 

• Students will also receive written feedback on the decision log/process reflection, focusing on engagement with the research article and the quality of the AI critique. 

Module aims

• To provide a foundational introduction to biological psychology.
• To develop understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system across the lifespan, including typical development and ageing.
• To examine how neuroscientific research contributes to understanding brain function, behaviour, and cognition.
• To introduce key neuroscientific methods used in biological psychology to investigate brain behaviour relationships.
• To develop students' ability to critically evaluate empirical research and the application of neuroscientific methods in published work.
• To strengthen students' scientific communication skills in written and visual formats.
• To support critical and responsible engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the interpretation and communication of neuroscientific research.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to gain and develop knowledge of the neural bases of psychological processes and disorders across the lifespan, including neurodevelopment and ageing.
• Allow students to work collectively to gain an understanding of the research methods used in modern biological psychology and engage with the techniques used in research.
• Enable students to develop digital capabilities, employability skills, and scientific communication skills through the collaborative development of a scientific poster and critical engagement with digital and AI-supported tools

Lectures: this is the main source of content delivery. Students have access to slides and additional learning materials in advance of the weekly lectures. Lectures introduce core topics in biological psychology, including nervous system structure and function, neural communication, brain organisation, sensory and motor systems, neurodevelopment, ageing, and the biological basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Tutorials: students will engage with quizzes and activities designed to enhance and consolidate understanding of the weekly topics covered in the lectures. Students are expected to prepare for tutorials in advance, by engaging with the lecture content, guided learning, and recommended reading. Feedback is provided to allow students to check their understanding.

Research Methods Workshops: students will deepen their critical understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods and how they are employed in research. Workshops include live demonstrations or hands-on interaction with methods used in modern research. Students are expected to prepare for the first workshop ahead of the session to facilitate the flipped learning experience.

Workshops also provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to the interpretation and communication of published research, and to develop key professionalism, teamwork, digital, and communication skills in preparation for future careers.

Students are encouraged to be active participants in tutorial and workshop sessions, and to support one another in the process, developing as informed, confident, collaborative, and independent learners.

Formative and weekly practice tests are available and are designed to provide feedback and promote the resourcefulness and resilience needed for learning beyond the university. Guidance is also provided to support students in using digital tools responsibly and reflectively as part of their academic development.

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: PSY1016

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 support students in developing knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability: The module provides students with core knowledge of biological psychology and foundational understanding of neuroscience across the lifespan. Students develop skills in scientific thinking, critical engagement with empirical research, and the interpretation and communication of scientific evidence, which are transferable across a wide range of graduate careers. Research methods workshops also introduce students to methods and equipment used in contemporary research contexts.

Digital Capabilities: Students are expected to engage with online learning materials and resources via SurreyLearn and other digital platforms. They will develop digital research skills through identifying and evaluating scientific literature using online databases, and will use digital tools to collaborate with peers and present scientific information effectively. The module also supports the development of critical AI literacy, enabling students to engage responsibly and reflectively with AI tools in the interpretation and communication of scientific research.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students will engage critically with empirical research and consider issues of inclusivity, diversity, and equality in the methods employed and the populations studied.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The learning, teaching and assessment strategy is designed to promote active participation, collaboration, and reflective engagement. Through tutorials and workshops, students will develop time-management, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Formative activities and feedback opportunities support students in responding constructively to feedback, reflecting on their learning, and building confidence and independence.

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 2026/7 academic year.