Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSY2007 : Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues

PSY2007 : Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Tom Smulders
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

A basic understanding of the structure of the nervous system and of genetics is preferable. These can be acquired by extra reading.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To give a general introduction to the role of physiological mechanisms in psychological phenomena, focusing especially (but not exclusively) on neurochemicals and hormones.

Original Summary:
All our behaviour has a biological basis. The body and the brain form a vast interconnected system, in which everything affects everything else: stress and drugs can affect sleep patterns; hormones affect behaviour; sleep affects hormones and stress levels, etc. In this module, you will learn the basic mechanisms that underlie sleep and biological rhythms, sex, drug abuse, the effects of many drugs (from coffee to cocaine) on our bodies, stress, emotion and depression. You will also find out how these factors interact with each other in our bodies, and as such influence the way we behave.

Outline Of Syllabus

Sex Hormones and their actions
Drug actions and Drug abuse
Sleep and Biological Rhythms
Stress and Mood Disorders

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:
Discuss the interaction between physiological mechanisms and psychological phenomena;
Describe basic biological concepts in psychology (such as hormone action, neurotransmitter systems, biological rhythms, etc) and be able to apply them to human behaviour.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:
Integrate information from different topics;
Describe and apply theoretical concepts;
Discuss relevant critical issues:
Work independently;
Take responsibility for one’s own learning and intellectual development.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion31:003:00Practice questions on Canvas
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00Present in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching12:002:00Seminar
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study173:0073:00Revision and General reading
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This is a core module in biopsychology, aiming to familiarise the students with a body of factual knowledge, which is best brought across using lecture material sessions, which include clarification and discussion of the lecture material. Private study is essential for better integration and in-depth review of the lecture material.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination902A100PIP Inspera invigilated. 45 MCQ + 3 SAQ unseen (max 400 words per question).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will test independent learning and understanding of the material relevant to the module, as well as the ability to apply the material to everyday problems and to integrate across the material covered. The short answer questions allow me to assess the students’ in-depth understanding of mechanisms and their applications.

If the module is failed students will resit failed assessments in the same format during the August resit period.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.