Undergraduate Course: Biological Psychology (PSYL10002)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Psychology |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None |
|
|
| Course description |
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 |
Students MUST have passed:
Psychology 2 (PSYL08002)
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
Visiting students should have at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| Prospectus website |
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/visiting-exchange/courses |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | | 14:00 - 15:50 |
| First Class |
Week 1, Friday, 14:00 - 15:50, Zone: Central. Room to be advised |
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. |
Assessment Information
Degree examination (75%)
Brain Quiz (25%) |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Thomas Bak
Tel: (0131 6)50 9861
Email: thomas.bak@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Ms Fiona Graham
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: F.Graham@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:36 am
|
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