Cognitive and biological psychology influences can explain human behaviour and mental processes of those who function in sport and exercise settings. This module will develop students conceptual and historical appreciation of both cognitive and biological issues in the context of psychology, sport and exercise. The module will also allow students to develop their understanding of methods, theories, and approaches to study the main topic areas within cognitive and biological psychology. Cognitive psychology explores how information is processed by the brain and concerned with how people perceive, remember, make sense of and make decisions based upon incoming stimuli.
Biological psychology looks at human behaviour and mental processes through a biological perspective. Student’s will explore and examine the mechanisms between genetics, endocrinology, physiology, and hormones on psychology.
The module allows students to better understand biological and cognitive mechanisms that explain the broad spectrum of human behaviours and psychological processes at play for those associated with sporting and/or exercise domains.

1. Written assignment assessing cognitive psychology knowledge in the context of sport or exercise (LO's 1 & 2).

2. A 90 - minute open book online exam to assess biological knowledge and its relevance to sport and exercise settings. The first section assesses biological psychology knowledge (LO 1) and the second section assesses the relevance of biological psychology to human functioning in sport or exercise contexts. (LO 3).

Students follow a two-semester study programme. Students will learn through a mixed of a combination of asynchronous lectures and synchronous lectures, and seminars. Video lectures will be posted on the virtual learning environment (VLE) and students will be required to view these each week prior to completing the seminar activities will then be used to build upon the material presented in the video lectures. In addition, students can access support material via the virtual learning environment (e.g., Blackboard) and Microsoft teams.
Students are required to access additional support material independently. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with discussions to encourage peer-learning in addition to comments from relevant tutor
Students will learn through a combination of video lectures, independent activities, formative feedback tasks, peer to peer discussions, and 1-2-1 tutor support.

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding and critical appraisal of theories, research, and debates relating to cognitive and biological psychology. Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Communication.

2. Express in writing a structured argument representing debates in cognitive psychology to explain human behaviour. Analysis, Communication.

3. Synthesise cognitive and biological psychology knowledge to explain behaviour and mental processes of those who function in sport or exercise settings. Analysis, Application, Problem Solving, Communication.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities

Gross, R. (2015). Psychology: The science of mind and Behaviour 7th edition. Hodder Education.

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.

Cognitive and biological psychology influences can explain human behaviour and mental processes of those who function in sport and exercise settings. Student's will explore and examine the mechanisms between genetics, endocrinology, physiology, and hormones on psychology. The module allows students to better understand biological and cognitive mechanisms that explain the broad spectrum of human behaviours and psychological processes at play for those associated with sporting and/or exercise domains.