PL1S132 - Biological Psychology 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL1S132
Module Title: Biological Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Shakiela Davies
Module Team: N Michael, Charlotte Reynolds, Leigh Webber, Amy Lewis, Dawn Latham, Jodie Trotman, Gemma Trodd
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

The module aims to provide students with a good understanding of physiological approaches within specific areas of psychology including biological rhythms, sleep and dreaming.

Content Summary

The module will cover specific physiological approaches within psychology. This will include the role of biological rhythms in human functioning including the influence of circadian rhythms, infradian rhythms as well as ultradian rhythms on the body. Students will be introduced to research on how the body is affected when these rhythms are disrupted. Theory and research on patterns of sleep as well as sleep deprivation will be considered. Students will also be introduced to theory and research on dreaming.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Seminar 24
Independent Study 92
Directed Study 55
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe and discuss theory and research in biological psychology.
LO2 Explain the relationship between brain regions and psychological functioning.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Describe the function of a specific area of the brain and associated research into brain damage in this area 5 N/A 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 Analyse a case study with reference to theory and research in biological psychology 0 2500 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Case study 1

Reading List

Barnes, J. (2013) Essential Biological Psychology Sage Publications

Preece E., Upton, D., (2012) Psychology Express: Biological Psychology, Pearson.

Plus Journals relevant to Biological Psychology including:

Aggressive Behaviour

Applied Neuropsychology

Biological Psychology

Psychobiology