| Module Identifier |
PS30120 |
| Module Title |
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR |
| Academic Year |
2007/2008 |
| Co-ordinator |
Dr Kathryn Bullen |
| Semester |
Semester 1 |
Aims
Psychology seeks to understand and explain human behaviour from various perspectives; the structure and function of the brain and associated nervous and endocrine systems is central to any examination of human psychology. Knowledge of brain structure and function is necessary to appreciate complex phenomena such as mental illness, drug addiction and motivation. Reductionist biological approaches are complemented by different learning theories which examine how behaviours are acquired and maintained.
Brief description
The aim of this module is to explore the relationship between brain function and behaviour and the factors controlling the acquisition and expression of behaviour. The module covers the organization and structure of the brain and the association between learning and reward mechanisms. Both normal functioning and abnormal functioning are considered and the biological and learning components of a range of physical and mental health disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and drug addiction are examined.
Content
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Brain structure (gross and minute)
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Electrical and chemical processes control neuronal communication in the brain
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Role of frontal lobe structures and the limbic system in emotional expression
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Brain damage and behaviour
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Depression and underlying abnormalities in brain systems
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Drug treatment for depression
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Chronic stress and brain function
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Animal models of drug addiction
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Dopamine and schizophrenia
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Classical and instrumental conditioning
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Elements and conditions of learning
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Complex contingency control and stimulus control
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Rule governed behaviour.
Module Skills
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6