University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 10

ECTS credits : 5

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available to General Degree students with permission of the Psychology Honours Adviser

Planned timetable: Lectures Tuesdays 9-11am, Weeks 1-5; Practicals Tuesdays 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm (students attend one of these sessions), Weeks 1-5

This module aims to provide an understanding of psychological knowledge in several inter-related domains concerned with the biological bases of behaviour. Emphasis will be laid on basic experimental science from analysis of molecular and synaptic events, single cell studies, brain activity scans, and clinical studies, and the relationship between cognitive, emotional, behavioural, neurological and physiological processes will be examined.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PS2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour lecture per week (weeks 1 - 5) and 3 x 1-hour seminar spread over weeks 1 - 5.

Scheduled learning hours: 13

Guided independent study hours: 87

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 1.5-hour Written Examination = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: 1.5-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr I Jentzsch
Module teaching staff: Dr I Jentzsch
Module coordinator email ij7@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• understand the basic research techniques in neuroscience sufficiently to allow comprehension and appraisal of original research papers
• realise limits in methods and theory through critical evaluation
• realise how brain processing underpins normal and pathological mental symptoms
• understand how individuals can differ in basic behavioural and physiological processes