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).

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2007	14:00	15:50	Room 1.21, 7 George Square	Central

All of the following classes

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- To understand the role of the evidence from animal behaviour in current debates about human nature and its genetic and environmental determinants.
- To recognise the main stages in the evolution of the nervous system in animals.
- 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 and social structure in different species.
- 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.