Psychology BA (B), Biological Psychology and Psychophysiology , 7,5 credits

Aim

The main aim of the course is to provide a biological perspective on perception, cognition, emotion, and learning. The physiological and biological basis is described, with respect to the psychological processes mentioned above. Furthermore, the course aims to provide an overview of the biological processes of everyday life, as well as working life. The starting point is the mutual relationship present when the brain interacts with its environment. The course also provides an introduction to psychophysiology and psychophysiological methods for measuring human psychological aspects.

Course objectives

On completion of this course students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- describe the functional interacting physiological systems forming the base of perception, cognition, emotion and learning.
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge in at least one biopsychological area, and the ability to identify reciprocal brain-environment relationships in everyday life, as well as working life.
- assimilate research within the field on a basic level.

Competence and skills
- recognize and describe some measurement methods utilized in psychophysiological research and apply these in practice, in the laboratory.

Judgement and approach
- discuss the relationship between learning, nature and nurture, with emphasis on the plasticity of the brain.

Content

The structure and organisation of the central nervous system and the brain; the interaction between different systems in the central nervous system and the rest of the body, for example, during stress; the interplay between genes and the environment with emphasis on brain plasticity. The course includes practical work in the psychology laboratory in order to give students first-hand experience of practicing psychophysiological measurements. In one course module the students are expected to search for current research and utilize and summarize a study in the field.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and proven proficiency in English, equal to the English course 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School

Selection rules and procedures

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

Teaching form

Teaching forms include lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions.

Examination form

2101: Fundamentals of Biological Psychology, Exam, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

2102: Psychophysiology, Laboration Work, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

2103: Recess, Report, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Written and oral examination, and active participation in the compulsory modules.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Other information

Attendance at course seminars, groups work and practicals is compulsory. Students not meeting the requirement of compulsory attendance will be given opportunity make up the work missed during the following year or the next time the course is offered.