Module PSYS3337: THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

PSYS3337: THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied) Level 2 modules; or PSYC2111 Biological Psychology & Perception

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the biological underpinning of psychology pathology

Content

• The biological approach to psychopathology believes that psychological disorders can be traced to organic or physical causes, such as is on genetics, neurotransmitters, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy etc. This class will discuss how the physical structure and function of the brain can lead to pathological psychological states. We will discuss how specific organic brain dysfunction produces specific symptoms of different pathologies and how they may be redressed by specific therapies (medical, surgical and behavioural).

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of abnormal psychology including current theory, evidence and research methods
• In-depth knowledge of some specialist areas of biological psychology

• Students passing this module should be able to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Knowledge and understanding is developed through the weekly 2 hour sessions involving a variety of learning modes including lectures, video based material, and student presentations
• This knowledge will be assessed in the summative writing assignments and formative written examination. These assessments will be examination based.
• All modes of teaching are designed to promote critical evaluation of evidence and arguments, to adopt different theoretical positions, and to interpret empirical work in terms of theory. These abilities are assessed via summative and formative examination. Feedback will be provided for the summative examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2 Question Essay Examination (2 hours)

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University