Biological Psychology of Mental Health (C8504)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

This module examines the biological underpinnings of selected mental health conditions.

Topics covered may include:

  • addictions
  • anxiety disorders
  • attentional disorders
  • autism
  • dementias
  • eating disorders
  • mood disorders
  • psychosis
  • sleep disorders.

Clinical observations, human experiments, genomic investigations, and studies using animal models may be used to illustrate the relationships between altered cognitive-behavioural states, biochemical processes, and functional neuroanatomy. The biological implications of therapies for mental health conditions will also be discussed.

Teaching

100%: Lecture

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Computer-based examination)
70%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.