BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR WITH RESEARCH METHODS - 2027/8

Module Overview

This module provides a foundational introduction to biological psychology. It examines how neuroscientific research informs understanding of brain function, behaviour, and cognition, while requiring students to engage with empirical evidence and scientific communication.

The module explores the structure and function of the nervous system across the lifespan, including neural communication, brain organisation, development, ageing, and the biological bases of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students will engage critically with empirical research in biological psychology and consider how neuroscientific methods are used to investigate brain-behaviour relationships in both typical and atypical functioning.

Research methods teaching will introduce key approaches used to measure and study brain function, with an emphasis on the interpretation, evaluation, and communication of neuroscientific evidence. Through the assessment strategy, students will also develop advanced scientific communication skills and critical awareness of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the interpretation and presentation of research.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

JONES Daniella Louise (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

N/A

Assessment Strategy

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

Coursework

Individual research poster

• Assesses students knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system (LO1).
• Requires students to critically evaluate how biopsychological research contributes to understanding brain and behaviour (LO2).
• Requires students to evaluate neuroscientific methods used in published research (LO3, LO4).
• Requires students to critically analyse empirical findings and synthesise evidence from scientific literature (LO5).
• Develops advanced scientific communication skills through the presentation of complex research findings (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

This in-person examination will assess breadth and depth of knowledge (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 teaching sessions.
• 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 module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and tutorial activities. Lectures will introduce core concepts, theories, and empirical research in biological psychology, including the structure and function of the nervous system, brain-behaviour relationships, lifespan perspectives, and the biological bases of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Workshops will support students in developing understanding of neuroscientific methods and in applying this knowledge to the interpretation and evaluation of published research. These sessions will also provide guidance on assessment, including the development of the individual research poster and decision/AI reflection log.

Tutorial and interactive teaching activities will provide opportunities for discussion, consolidation of learning, and formative feedback through quizzes, structured tasks, and engagement with research examples. Students will also be expected to undertake independent study, including directed reading, use of digital learning resources, and critical engagement with empirical literature.

Learning will be supported through SurreyLearn and other digital platforms, which will provide access to teaching materials, weekly quizzes, and additional resources. The module will also encourage responsible and reflective use of AI tools, where appropriate, to support learning, revision, and critical engagement with scientific communication.

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: PSYM092

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 develops transferable skills in scientific literacy, critical thinking, evidence-based argument, and scientific communication that are valuable across a range of academic and professional contexts. Engagement with neuroscientific methods and empirical research also provides insight into approaches used in research and applied settings.

Digital Capabilities:
Students will use SurreyLearn and other digital platforms to access learning materials and complete formative activities. They will develop digital research skills through the use of online academic databases and digital tools to identify, evaluate, organise, and present scientific information. The module also develops critical AI literacy through responsible and reflective engagement with AI tools in learning and assessment.

Global and Cultural Capabilities:
Students will engage critically with empirical research and reflect on inclusivity, equality, and diversity in the methods used and populations studied. This supports consideration of how neuroscientific knowledge is shaped by cultural, social, and methodological context.

Sustainability:
The module supports sustainable learning practices through the use of digital resources and online access to scientific literature. It also encourages students to consider the broader societal value of responsible neuroscientific research.

Resourcefulness and Resilience:
The module is designed to encourage active participation, reflective engagement, and independent learning. Formative activities and feedback opportunities support students in developing confidence, responding constructively to challenge, and strengthening their academic resilience.

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 2027/8 academic year.