Psychobiology (C8003)
Psychobiology
Module C8003
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
"Psychobiology" is a first year core module that offers students an overview of the various topics relevant to understanding human and non-human animal behaviour from a biological and/or evolutionary perspective. The module introduces the biopsychological mechanisms that enable us to generate an appropriate behaviour for a situation. Content includes a biology primer to introduce key concepts for those without a biology background. We cover the basic structure and function of the human nervous system and nervous system cells and track how the brain integrates sensory information with previous experiences to generate a motor output/.behaviour. We also take an evolutionary perspective to explore how human behaviour has been shaped by adaptation and selection, relying on field studies into the foundations of animal behaviour.
Full Module Description
"Psychobiology" is a first year core module that offers students an overview of the various topics relevant to understanding human and non-human animal behaviour from a biological and/or evolutionary perspective. The module introduces the biopsychological mechanisms that enable us to generate an appropriate behaviour for a situation. Content includes a biology primer to introduce key concepts for those without a biology background. We cover the basic structure and function of the human nervous system and nervous system cells and track how the brain integrates sensory information with previous experiences to generate a motor output/.behaviour. We also take an evolutionary perspective to explore how human behaviour has been shaped by adaptation and selection, relying on field studies into the foundations of animal behaviour.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cells, structures and functions of the nervous system that are relevant to psychology.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how sensory processes, motivation and memory shape generation of behaviour by the brain.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how the theory of evolution relates to human and animal behaviour.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 45.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Computer Based Exam | T2 Week 11 (30 minutes) | 22.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 78.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 55.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222222222 |
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 10110110101 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Catherine Hall
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/348374
Dr Bryan Singer
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/454349
Dr Kyriaki Nikolaou
Assess convenor
/profiles/247247
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