Mind, Body and Brain

Assessment: in-class test (1 hour)
This module covers the core topics of biological and cognitive psychology. Many but not all of these topics are introduced in the module PSY020C151Y taught in the first year. Biological psychology is the study of how the brain, nervous system and other physiological systems affect and are affected by mental functioning and behaviour. Cognitive psychology covers important aspects of our mental process such as the way we perceive, remember, communicate, learn and think. As in the first year module, we will often make links between the workings of the mind, body and brain. The focus of the module will be on contemporary research as many historical contexts will already have been covered in the earlier module. Building on the general and historical background introduced in the first year module, we will discuss topics in greater detail, linking them to contemporary research and discussing interpretations of data from a variety of perspectives. Students will be encouraged to engage critically with the material and make use of their own knowledge of research methods.