Psychology, MA, The Biology of Emotions, 7.5 credits

Aim

The goal of the course is to equip students with an understanding of the biological foundations of emotions, exploring the interplay between central nervous system structures and peripheral activity. Additionally, the course aims to familiarize students with standard psychophysiological techniques and methodologies frequently used in emotion research, with an emphasis on non-invasive central and peripheral measurements.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students will:

Knowledge and understanding
• Have basic knowledge about the structure and function of the nervous system and the way it communicates.
• Have deeper knowledge of biological processes in the brain and the body which correspond to emotional and motivational processes.
• Be able to understand emotions in a biological and functional perspective.

Skills and abilities
• Be able to relate psychological disorder to dysfunction in the nervous system.
• Be able to relate psychophysiological measures of emotional experiences to active biological processes.

Judgement and approach
• Be equipped to assess and weigh the possibilities, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with various psychophysiological measurement techniques.

Content

The course will give you an overview of the structure, function, and communication of the nervous system, with more detailed descriptions of biological processes involved in basic motivational and emotional conditions. Biopsychological knowledge will be related to both central and peripheral measuring. The course will partly focus on function and dysfunction in a biological perspective. Focus will also be on evaluating results from neuroscientific research; to identify methodological strengths and weaknesses in relation to specific research questions and to relate biosignals to biological function and activity related to emotional reactions.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology. English B/English 6 from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc.).

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is taught through online lectures, seminars, and interactions as well as through individual and/or group assignments to be submitted online.

All parts of the course are a basis for the examination, and for scheduled examinations attendance are compulsory. Students are required to actively use the university's learning platform. The platform is the primary communication tool used for students and teachers, and students will find important information needed to complete the course in the course room.

Examination form

1101: Assignment Reports, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

1201: Seminars, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

1301: Written assignment and oral presentation, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

The course will be examined in three ways:
1. Completion of assignment reports (e.g., quizzes, to be submitted essays or other individual or group work tasks),
2. Active participation in online seminars and discussions (e.g., asking questions, contributing to discussions, oral presentations of individual or group assignments),
3. Written (and oral) final assignment (e.g., proposal for a research project, evaluation of design, and/or written report).

All examinations take place in English.

The final grade of the course is obtained when all examinations on the course are passed.
Link to subject-specific criteria for marks www.miun.se/grading

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus have the right to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this syllabus. After that, the latest version of the syllabus applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

Given that this course is being taught by distance, participation requires internet access, as well as access to a computer, headset and webcam.

The course is being taught in English.

The course can not be included in a degree together with the course PS059A.