PE7026 - Biological and Social Psychology

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about two key perspectives within the discipline of psychology and how they provide an understanding of how biological systems and social processes contribute to human behaviour. ‘Biological Psychology’: This component will cover the fundamentals of biological psychology and demonstrate the importance of biological systems in human behaviour. This will include knowledge of the biological systems of the body (the brain and nervous and endocrine systems) and communication between these systems via neurons, and hormones; the techniques used to assess brain structure and function; individual differences in their functioning and pharmacological interventions that can affect the functioning of these systems. ‘Social Psychology’: This component will provide you with an understanding of the human as a social being. Topics may include some of the most renowned studies in psychology regarding issues of conformity, aggression, prejudice and interpersonal relationships. Methodological and ethical issues related to the studies that inform social psychology will also be explored.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. This is designed to broach new, and challenging information, and to provide breadth and depth of conceptual knowledge across topics in biological and social psychology. The teaching materials support your learning. Each session delivers flexible, interactive learning materials. . Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction. Each session is supported by directed reading from the core texts accessed through the electronic reading list.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and during live sessions you are able to ask questions directly to the tutors. Outside of live sessions, there are discussion boards for each topic on the module, where you can ask questions and take part in discussions with tutors and peers. The module discussion boards, are monitored 7 days a week. The academic team also hold a weekly ‘coffee morning’, a virtual session open to the whole cohort which you can drop in to and ask questions in a more informal environment. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MKU1: You will be expected to understand complex human behaviours from a biological and social psychology perspective.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIPSA1: You will develop your skills in analysing different theoretical frameworks.
• MIPSA2: You will complete assessments which are applicable to real-world examples of biological and social psychology practice.
Personal Values Attributes:
• MPVA1: You will be able to understand the importance and key considerations when conducting ethical research within social and biological psychology.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
Sample assessment questions will be provided for the biological and social components.

Summative assessment:
Biological Psychology is assessed via a short answer question assignment; multiple questions which require you to answer in a clear, concise manner, typically in 250 words or less (MKU1, MIPSA1).

Social Psychology is assessed by an academic poster (MKU1, MIPSA1 & 2 and MPVA1)

Written individual feedback will be provided on the assignment.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the human mind from both a biological and social psychology perspective. Both approaches are research-rich; utilizing historic, seminal work and up to date studies utilizing modern techniques and methods. Within ‘biological psychology’ you will learn about how the brain functions and interacts with behaviour. In ‘social psychology’ you will consider how psychologists apply social psychological theory and methods to solve real world issues.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
3 other options available

School Psychology

Location Northumberland Building, Newcastle City Campus

City Newcastle

Start January, April, July

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

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Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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