PN4096 Mechanisms of Behaviour: Integrating Psychological and Neuroscience Perspectives

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students in the second year of the Honours programme

Planned timetable

Tues 12-2

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof K A Spencer

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof. Karen Spencer

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The aim of this module is to explore some of the many endocrine and neural systems that modulate patterns of behaviour in a range of species, including humans. It will highlight the importance of integrating information from psychology and neuroscience disciplines in order to further our understanding of how and why animals and humans behave the way they do in different situations. The module will deal with examples of mechanisms across different levels of complexity (from genes to physiology). The module will include lectures and student presentations/journal club discussions based around current research articles in the field and a practical sessions with hands on experience of a physiological technique.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS PN2002 OR PASS PS2002 )

Assessment pattern

Coursework (including presentation) = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%. Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour lecture (x 9 weeks) plus office hour and practical sessions held across the semester.

Intended learning outcomes

  • critically evaluate and present research articles
  • analyse data appropriately and produce a lab report
  • present the findings of complex scientific papers to a lay audience
  • identify and characterise several physiological systems that underpin complex behaviours

PN4096 Mechanisms of Behaviour: Integrating Psychological and Neuroscience Perspectives

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students in the second year of the Honours programme

Planned timetable

Tues 12-2

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M M O Elsharkasi

Dr M M O Elsharkasi
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Mohamed Elsharkasi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The aim of this module is to explore some of the many endocrine and neural systems that modulate patterns of behaviour in a range of species, including humans. It will highlight the importance of integrating information from psychology and neuroscience disciplines in order to further our understanding of how and why animals and humans behave the way they do in different situations. The module will deal with examples of mechanisms across different levels of complexity (from genes to physiology). The module will include lectures and student presentations/journal club discussions based around current research articles in the field and a practical sessions with hands on experience of a physiological technique.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS PN2002 OR PASS PS2002 )

Assessment pattern

Coursework (including presentation) = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%. Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour lecture (x 9 weeks) plus office hour and practical sessions held across the semester.

Intended learning outcomes

  • critically evaluate and present research articles
  • analyse data appropriately and produce a lab report
  • present the findings of complex scientific papers to a lay audience
  • identify and characterise several physiological systems that underpin complex behaviours