1. Critically evaluate a range of theories, empirical research, issues and debates relating to the core areas of both cognitive and biological psychology (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Develop a coherent and structured argument representing debates in cognitive psychology and express it in writing (sga 4, 5) (Analysis, Communication)

3. Apply knowledge of the methods used within cognitive and biological psychology to design rigorous and empirical experiments which explore behaviour. (sga 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12) (Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Problem Solving)

4. Integrate and reflect on knowledge across core areas in cognitive and biological psychology in order to solve everyday problems. (sga 10) (Analysis, Application, Problem Solving)

This module will allow students to develop their knowledge about theories, debates and research findings and to develop research skills in cognitive and biological psychology.

Examples of aspects of cognition that will be covered are: attention, perception, memory, thinking and reasoning, and consciousness. Examples of aspects of the biological underpinnings of behaviour that will be covered are: learning and memory, motivation, emotion, and psychiatric disorders. Historical and conceptual issues in cognitive and biological psychology will also be covered.

1) 1500 word written assignment assessing cognitive psychology knowledge (50%).( LO's 1 & 2)

2) A 2 hour exam, compromising MCQ/short answer and essay components will be used to assess biological and integrated cognitive and biological knowledge (50%) with one section assessing biological psychology knowledge (LO 1) and one section assessing integration of both cognitive and biological psychology (LO's, 1, 3 & 4).

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Workshop activities will require students to express, discuss and evaluate their emerging understanding of the course content with both peers and their tutors. These activities will include preparation for specific tasks such as literature searching and reading and reviewing journal articles, teamwork and development of learning towards other assessment. Formative learning within these workshops will also include demonstrations and hands-on experience with technical equipment.

Students will develop their understanding through a mixture of methods.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (96 hours)
22 x 2 hour lectures will provide a general overview of themes and topics covered in the module
2 x 2 hour assignment preparation/exam preparation lectures
1 x 2 hour module/assessment support sessions
23 x 2 hour workshops will allow students to gain and develop contemporary knowledge, issues and debates in cognitive and biological psychology. This will be done through group discussions, practical experience of a variety of experimental techniques and the development of transferable skills such as literature searching techniques and reading a journal article. In some instances, material may also be delivered through other media such as video clips, blackboard and technical demonstrations.

Guided Independent Study: (204 hours)
68 hours Workshop preparation
68 hours Assessment preparation
68 hours Reading

Laboratories with access to PCs running SuperLab software
Access to HSL
Access to specialist equipment such as eyeblink, biopacs, eye-tracker, driving simulator

Baddeley, A.D., Eysenck, M.W., & Anderson, M.C. (2009). Memory. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.
Carlson, N. & Birkett, M.A. (2017). Physiology of Behaviour (12th edition). Boston, Allyn and Bacon.
Eysenck, M., & Keane, M. (2015). Cognitive Psychology: A student's handbook. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.
Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology. (8th edition). Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

Be registered on a Psychology Award

1) 1500 word written assignment assessing cognitive psychology knowledge (50%).( LO's 1 & 2)

2) Three 40-minute MCQ exams assessed at three time points during the semester. MCQ I: Principles of Biological Psychology (weighted 10% of the overall module) and MCQ II: Biological Psychology (weighted 20% of the overall module) will be used to assess biological psychology knowledge (LOs 1 & 3) and MCQ III: Integrated Cognitive and Biological Psychology (weighted 20% of the overall module) will be used to assess integrated cognitive and biological knowledge (LOs 1, 3 & 4).

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Workshop activities will require students to express, discuss and evaluate their emerging understanding of the course content with both peers and their tutors. These activities will include preparation for specific tasks such as literature searching and reading and reviewing journal articles, teamwork and development of learning towards other assessment. Formative learning within these workshops will also include demonstrations and hands-on experience with technical equipment.

This module will allow you to develop your knowledge about theories, debates and research findings and to develop research skills in cognitive and biological psychology.

Examples of aspects of cognition that will be covered are: attention, perception, memory, thinking and reasoning, and consciousness. Examples of aspects of the biological underpinnings of behaviour that will be covered are: learning and memory, motivation, emotion, and psychiatric disorders. Historical and conceptual issues in cognitive and biological psychology will also be covered.