PSY-10034 - Module Specification
School of Psychology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module will allow you to explore a range of topics in biological and cognitive psychology, and to apply these perspectives to understanding how individuals differ. You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought, from expert staff with experience of working in these areas. Typical topics could include the the structure and function of the brain, neuronal impulses, how we make sense of sensory stimuli, memory, higher level cognitive processes such as problem solving, and the ways in which genes and hormones influence our behaviour. Module content and sessions will introduce you to the central theoretical concepts and research evidence, and equip you with the study skills you need to succeed within the module and throughout the rest of your studies at Keele. You will also engage with weekly structured activities provided to support your learning independently (asynchronous learning activities).

Students will be introduced to the core psychology curriculum relating to biological psychology, cognitive psychology, and individual differences. The module will cover the breadth of the BPS curriculum expectations for accreditation. In addition to gaining foundational knowledge of these core topics, students will be encouraged to make links between different curricular areas and subdisciplines, and to reflect on how biological psychology, cognitive psychology, and the psychology of individual differences interact with social psychology, developmental psychology, and other perspectives. The historical development of the core topics will also be covered, with an emphasis on decolonisation. Alongside core theoretical and empirical knowledge, students will gain practice key study skills that are essential to success in an undergraduate degree.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2
1,2
1
reflect on the ways in which different perspectives in psychology can be integrated to give a holistic view of human brain and behaviour: 2

Study hours

Taught class time - 24 hours - seminar/workshop sessions 12 x 2 hours
Asynchronous structured activities to prepare for and extend upon learning in classes - 36 hours
Independent study, comprising:
Portfolio preparation (20 hours)
Coursework preparation (46 hours)
Reading related to taught sessions (24 hours)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment