Module: PSY5106-20 Biological and Social Psychology (BPS)

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Aga Janik McErlean

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.janikmcerlean@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Biological psychology and social psychology encompass two of the core areas of the psychology curriculum required for BPS accreditation.

Biological psychology examines the way the brain and body interact with the environment to create behaviour. This module explores both mind and matter, in an attempt to explore the physiological mechanisms underpinning psychological processes, sensation, perception and behaviour.

Social psychology explores the psychological processes inherent in human social behaviour from the perspective of social psychological theories and research. This module also aims to extend your understanding of social psychology by scrutinising topics such as specific ethical issues associated with socially sensitive research, the validity of obedience explanations to an understanding of real world atrocities, and the effects of the built and natural environment on social behaviour.

This module aims to provide a grounding in the core ideas and issues in biological psychology and social psychology as well as exploring the ways in which these two areas of psychology seek to explain shared topics of interest.

2.Outline syllabus

The module will explore core areas of biological and social psychology. Topics may include:

- The history and development of the areas of biological and social psychology

- Research methods and ethical considerations relevant to these areas

- Basic principles of human brain anatomy, including cortical and subcortical structures, synapses, and neurotransmitters

- Biological mechanisms underlying phenomena such as emotions, motivation, sensory processes, sleep, stress, mental health and addiction.

- Social cognition

- Attitudes and behaviour

- Relationships, including close relationships and those lesser studied such as mediated relationships

- Obedience to authority and obedience in relation to real world atrocities

- Majority and minority influence

- Prejudice and its reduction

- Human altruism and compassion

- Bystander behaviour

- Environmental social psychology

Finally, the ways in which these two areas of psychology seek to explain common processes, behaviours, and abilities will be considered.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module will consist of two 1 hour weekly lectures and a 2 hour weekly seminar or practical class. Lectures will introduce the core topics and provide a framework to the module. These will be supported by seminars which will be a mix of tutor and student led discussions, practical work and presentations. These flexible sessions will allow in-depth exploration of the topics introduced in the lectures, further discussion and the opportunity to gain experience and develop materials for the assessments.

The assessments (see below for further details) will allow you to develop your skills in understanding and evaluating scientific information, and allow you to gain an understanding of critical appraisal of scientific research.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Workbook (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Seen exam

• % Weighting: 50%