PSY2007 : Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tom Smulders
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To give a general introduction to the role of physiological mechanisms in psychological phenomena, focussing 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
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Practice questions on Canvas |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Canvas based learning activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Synchronous online. Weekly session to answer questions about the recorded lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 59:00 | 59:00 | Revision and General reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous online: introductory session |
| Total | 100:00 |
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.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | Unseen open book 24hr take home exam. 3 integrative and applied short-answer questions (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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY2007's Timetable