PSYC07029 2022 The Biological Basis of Behaviour.

This module is about the relationship between human behaviour and the biological processes which underpin it.  From historical understanding to the insights provided by the latest technology, the module unpicks the complex and fascinating connectivity between brain and behaviour. The learner will be introduced to our understanding of how our biology both shapes our behaviour but also changes as a consequence of our actions.  The impact of drugs and other substances on our functioning will be examined in this module. With an emphasis on psychopathology, we will explore how different psychological ailments have been understood and treated. These will be examined from a neurological, psychological and social viewpoint. Finally, we will draw together the different perspectives to give the learner a holistic understanding of the many factors which contribute to making us human. 

THE NEW YORK TIMESBESTSELLER WINNER OF THE 2017 LA TIMES BOOK PRIZE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 'Awe-inspiringa You will learn more about human nature than in any other book I can think of' Henry Marsh 'One of the best scientist-writers of our time' Oliver Sacks Why do human beings behave as they do? We are capable of savage acts of violence but also spectacular feats of kindness- is one side of our nature destined to win out over the other? Every act of human behaviour has multiple layers of causation, spiralling back seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, even centuries, right back to the dawn of time and the origins of our species. In the epic sweep of history, how does our biology affect the arc of war and peace, justice and persecution? How have our brains evolved alongside our cultures? This is the exhilarating story of human morality and the science underpinning the biggest question of all- what makes us human?

"The first part of the book is concerned with foundations of behavioral neuroscience: the history of the field, the structure and functions of neurons, neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, and research methods. The second part is concerned with inputs and outputs that guide behavior: the sensory systems and the motor system. The third part deals with classes of species-typical behavior: sleep, reproduction, emotional behavior, and ingestion. The chapter on reproductive behavior includes parental behavior as well as courting and mating. The chapter on emotion includes a discussion of fear, anger and aggression, communication of emotions, and feeling emotions. The chapter on ingestive behavior includes the neural and metabolic bases of drinking and eating. The fourth part of the book explores learning, including research on synaptic plasticity, the neural mechanisms that are responsible for perceptual learning and stimulus-response learning (including classical and operant conditioning), human amnesia, and the role of the hippocampal formation in relational learning. The final part of the book examines the neural basis of human communication as well as neurological, mental, and behavioral disorders. Behavioral disorders are addressed in four chapters; the first is a new chapter combining information about development of the nervous system with information about disorders of development, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder; the second discusses schizophrenia and the affective disorders; the third discusses stress and anxiety; and the fourth discusses substance abuse. Each chapter begins with a Case Study, which describes the experience of people whose lives are impacted by an important issue in neuroscience. Other case studies are included within the text of the chapters. Learning Objectives to guide your reading are found at the beginning of each major section of the text. The learning objectives can help you identify and understand the key points from each section and are also summarized at the end of each module. Thought Questions are also located at the end of each module and are designed to stimulate your thinking about what you have learned. Chapter Review Questions conclude each chapter. They provide useful reviews of each chapter and a more comprehensive opportunity to test your understanding. Critical Concepts features have been added to each chapter, with goals of highlighting important topics in neuroscience and providing opportunities to explore them in greater depth"--

Dr. James W. Kalat's BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY is the most widely used text in the course area, and for good reason: a high level of scholarship, clear writing with amusing anecdotes and precise examples. Kalat's main goal is to make Biological Psychology accessible to Psychology students, not just to Biology majors and pre meds. Another goal is to convey the excitement of the search for biological explanations of behavior, and Kalat delivers. Updated with new topics, examples and recent research findings, the thirteenth edition continues this book's tradition of quality. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Davidson, G. (2003): Abnormal psychology. Chichester: Wiley. 

DiClemente, C. (2003): Addiction and change. London: Guilford. 

Flynn, D. et al. (2004): Severe emotional disturbances in children and adolescents. London: Routledge. 

Gardner, F. (2001): Self-harm: a psychotherapeutic approach. London: Routledge. 

Lask, R. and Brynt-Waugh, J. (2004): Eating disorders: a person's guide. London: Brunner-Routledge. 

Livesley, W. (2001): Handbook of personality disorders. London: Guilford. 

Rachman, S. et al. (2004): Anxiety. Psychology Press. 

Swinson. R. et al. (2001): Obsessive compulsive disorder: theory, research and treatment. London: Guilford. 

Biological Psychology - https://www.journals.elsevier.com/biological-psychology

URL Resources 

http://www1.bps.org.uk/ 

http://www.apa.org/ 

As a 5 credit module, the total student effort hours for the module are 125-150 hours. This includes teaching and self-directed study.

Therefore, as 36 of these hours are lecturer-driven through the lecture sessions each week of the Semester, 89-114 hours per semester or 7.5-9.5 hours for each of the 12 weeks of term are for independent student learning.