Biological Psychology (U00464)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-BP-PS

This series of lectures introduces a range of topics which illustrate possible biological approaches to the study of mental processes and the 'evolution of mind'. To give an understanding of the range of biological approaches that can be applied to the study of mental processes and brain function. The topics covered range in specificity and level of analysis, and include communication and intelligence in nonhuman primates, broader aspects of the evolution of animal cognition, and the neurobiology of memory. Through the Brain Quiz and the associated homework with brain models, the course also aims to teach and assess knowledge of the anatomy of the human brain in a context which allows it to be related to analyses of brain function.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Psychology 2 (PS0002). Please note: Visiting students should have the equivalent of Psychology 2, usually 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. In addition, visiting students must meet Maths prior study requirements.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 2 hour(s) per week for 1 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2005	14:00	15:50	Room F21, 7 George Square	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	14:00	15:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : Weeks 1-11

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- To give at least two examples to explain the way in which 'comparative' studies (of the abilities of animals) can contribute to questions about the origins of human abilities;
- to explain the similarities and differences between communication in non-human primates, and in lower animals such as the honey bee, and language-based communication in human beings;
- to explain how modern studies of animal cognition, often tapping natural abilities, differ in aim and interpretation from traditional (learning-theorist) analyses of cognition through animal learning;
- to be able to describe with illustrations the functional and anatomical organisation of the human brain;
- to give at least two examples of different techniques which support the importance of the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory;
- to explain the contribution of model/simple systems to understanding the nature of synaptic plasticity;
- to understand what is meant by 'cognitive mapping' and its importance in models of memory.