Module manager: Dr Richard Harris
Email: R.J.Harris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 1 of BSc Psychology with Education
| PSYC3419 | Joint Honours: Behavioural Neuroscience |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This is an intermediate course on behavioural neuroscience of animal cognition, including illustrative experimental examples,. Specific topic areas will include brain mechanisms of learning and memory, drug addiction, social attachment, appetite, and fear.
This module aims to provide in depth coverage of key concepts in behavioural neuroscience.
The module will be taught by a team of experts in the subject.
Students will continue to develop their knowledge of this discipline with particular emphasis on the research expertise of the module team.
By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. understand the importance of animal models to advances in our knowledge of key areas such as learning and memory, motivation, and social behaviour.
2. critically evaluate the successes, limitations, and problems associated with the use of animal models.
3. evaluate key theories and findings related to learning and memory, motivation and addiction, social attachment, appetite, and fear and anxiety.
4. understand some of the ways in which our biology can interact with our environment to influence the way we behave
Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in the critical analysis of published behavioural neuroscience research and in literature researching.
- Animal models of learning and memory
- Animal models of motivation and addiction.
- Neurobiology of social attachment.
- Neurobiology of appetite
- Neurobiology of fear and anxiety.
In all cases, there will be an emphasis on brain & behaviour, with some reference to human behaviour. The contribution to understanding from other approaches/disciplines will be noted as appropriate including ethology, learning theory, neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, and pharmacology.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Drop-in Session | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 82.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
- 40 hours: 10 x 4 hours preparation for each lecture
- 10 hours: preparation for mid-module MCQ
- 29 hours: preparation for the end of semester exam
- 3.5 hours: preparation for tutorial
The mid-module MCQ test will provide feedback to the student as to whether their preparation and understanding of the topic areas has been sufficient.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course MCQ | . | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
The exam will consist of two parts. Essay questions (70% of module mark) and MCQs (30%)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team