Course Description
This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the divisions of the nervous system, central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic), then further extend this with knowledge of the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones. The process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters, excitation and inhibition is included in this unit. Additionally, the endocrine system is studied as it works closely with the nervous system to regulate the physiological processes of the human body. The unit is supported with classic psychological studies to illustrate its application.
Course Objectives
This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the divisions of the nervous system, central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic), then further extend this with knowledge of the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones. The process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters, excitation and inhibition is included in this unit. Additionally, the endocrine system is studied as it works closely with the nervous system to regulate the physiological processes of the human body. The unit is supported with classic psychological studies to illustrate its application.
Key Topics
- LO1: Understand the structure and function of the nervous system and the system’s location in the brain.
- LO2: Understand the function of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission.
- LO3: Understand ways of studying the brain.
- LO4: Understand the processes of defending (fight) or running away to safety (flight).
Course Outline
| Week | Topics |
|---|
| 1 | Divisions of the nervous system: central (spinal cord, brain) and peripheral |
| 2 | The somatic and autonomic nervous systems; sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions |
| 3 | Localisation of function: visual, auditory, motor and somatosensory areas |
| 4 | Lateralisation and split-brain research (Sperry); handedness and language studies |
| 5 | Structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones |
| 6 | Synapses, neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission; excitation and inhibition |
| 7 | Methods of studying the brain: clinical, anatomical, invasive and non-invasive |
| Midterm | Midterm evaluation |
| 9 | fMRI, EEG and event-related potentials: strengths and limitations |
| 10 | The endocrine system: glands and hormones; pituitary and adrenal glands |
| 11 | The fight or flight response to stress |
| 12 | Applying Biopsychology in practice: case studies |
| 13 | Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing |
| 14 | Assignment workshop: drafting, feedback and improvement |
| 15 | Review and coursework completion |
| Final | Final assessment and submission |
Learning Outcomes
- LO1 Understand the structure and function of the nervous system and the system’s location in the brain.
- 1.1 Explain key areas of the human nervous systems and their structure and function.
- 1.2 Explain how we understand localisation and lateralisation of brain function using examples from psychological studies.
- LO2 Understand the function of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission.
- 2.1 Explain the role of sensory, relay and motor neurones.
- 2.2 Explain the nature of synaptic transmission.
- LO3 Understand ways of studying the brain.
- 3.1 Identify methods used by research scientists to study different functions of the brain.
- 3.2 Evaluate the strengths and limitations of methods used by research scientists to study different functions of the brain.
- LO4 Understand the processes of defending (fight) or running away to safety (flight).
- 4.1 Explain the fight or flight responses.
