Introduction to Biological Psychology and Genetics

The Introduction to Biological Psychology course provides an introduction to the biological foundations for humanity’s perceptions, behaviours and emotions - on the genetic, neuron and system level. In addition to providing a foundational introduction to the composition and function of the nervous system, the course shall also cover specialist themes, such as the different sensory systems, memory, sleep and motivation. Furthermore, the course shall cover genetics through the lens of molecular biology. This also comprises an introduction to the core research methods used within the field of biological psychology, and the distinction between biological and artificial neural networks.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student:

• has a foundational understanding of the biological foundations for behaviour, perception, and learning.
• has a knowledge of the general anatomy of the nervous system and its functions, with a main focus on the way in which the brain works.
• has an understanding of basic genetics and epigenetics
• has a knowledge of the core methods used in modern neuroscience research.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student:

• can analyse and discuss scholarly problems related to biological psychology.
• can express themselves in writing, in a manner that is appropriate for communicating the core themes within the discipline.
• The student has developed a critical and ethical use of AI.

General competence

After completing the course, the student will have developed a foundational understanding of scholarly ways of thinking, with the ability to independently reflect on academic and research ethics related issues.

Lectures 2 hours per week, colloquium.