Students will produce a 10-minute presentation, with 5 minutes of questioning, on a case study applying biopsychological theory and research evidence to explain the behaviour, performance, or wellbeing of an individual. 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 the relevant tutor.

This module explores the biological foundations of human behaviour, emotion, and performance, focusing on how the brain, nervous, and endocrine systems influence cognition, motivation, stress, and motor control. Students will examine how biological mechanisms underpin the way individuals think, feel, and perform in a range of contexts, including sport, exercise, and everyday functioning.

The module will introduce the structure and function of the nervous system, with particular attention to the brain’s sensory and motor pathways and their role in behaviour. Learners will explore the influence of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neural networks on performance and psychological processes such as motivation, emotion, stress, and learning. Through the study of sleep, injury, and pain mechanisms, students will understand how psychobiological factors affect regulation, recovery, and wellbeing.

In addition, students will develop knowledge and understanding of psychophysiological measurement techniques (e.g., EEG, heart rate, EMG) used in sport and exercise psychology research, alongside developing awareness of ethical issues in biological research. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of research evidence and the application of theory to real-world case examples.

Learners will also build transferable skills in scientific writing, data interpretation, and reflective practice, culminating in the production of a case study report in which they apply biopsychological theory to interpret human behaviour and performance.

1. Evaluate key biological structures, processes, and mechanisms that underpin human behaviour, emotion, and performance.

Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2. Apply biopsychological theory and research to interpret and explain behaviour, performance, or wellbeing in sport or exercise contexts.

Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Communication

Students follow a single-semester study programme. Students will learn through a combination of asynchronous lectures, synchronous lectures, and webinars. 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 webinar activities, which 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 the 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.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities

Carlson, N. & Birkett, M.A. (2017). Physiology of Behaviour (12th edition). Boston,¿Allyn¿and Bacon.

Pinel, J.P.J.¿& Barnes, S. J.¿(2021). Biopsychology. (11th edition). Boston,¿Allyn¿and Bacon.

Brain, Body and Behaviour in Sport and Exercise examines how biological systems shape human behaviour, emotion, and performance. You will explore the structure and function of the brain, nervous system, and endocrine processes, and how these influence cognition, stress, motivation, and learning. The module develops your ability to apply biopsychological theory and research to real-world sport and exercise contexts. As a Level 5 module, it builds critical thinking and applied skills that support progression into advanced psychology and performance-focused study.