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Biological Psychology
Course leaders:
Dr Philip Fine
& Dr Katherine Finlay
philip.fine@buckingham.ac.uk
/ katherine.finlay@buckingham.ac.uk
One term (15 units)
This course is taken at the start of the second year of study. Its aim is to explain how much of our behaviour has its root in biology - how the brain and genetics determine and control the way animals and humans behave.
On completion of the course the student will have an understanding of biological methods and techniques and what they have told us about the role of genetics, the nervous system and the brain in controlling many aspects of behaviour.
It contains the following topic areas:
- Genetics and evolution - nature vs. nurture.
- Nerves and synapses; neurotransmitters and drugs; the CNS and its investigation.
- Movement - Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease.
- Biological clocks and sleep.
- Drugs, addiction and reward.
- Temperature regulations, thirst, hunger, obesity.
- Emotion and sexual behaviour.
- Learning and memory; Alzheimer's Disease; language.
- Schizophrenia and depressive disorders.
This course is assessed by both course work (40%) and written examination (60%).
Main texts:
- Pinel, J.J.P. Biopsychology (7th ed., Harlow: Pearson, 2008). ISBN: 978-0-205-60750-1.
- Kalat, J.W. Biological psychology (9th ed., Belmont: Wadsworth, 2006). ISBN: 978-0-495-09360-2.
- Carter, R. Mapping the mind (London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1998). ISBN: 0-297-82330-2.