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Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 1 - PSY00010C

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Tom Hartley
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Everything that goes on in the mind, the way we see, feel, remember and act, is constrained by the way the brain works. The aim of this module is to provide a framework for understanding the link between brain and behaviour. The module will begin by outlining the principles of neuroscience and their importance in studying cognitive functions. This will lead to an introduction to neuropsychology and study of dementia.

Module learning outcomes

  • Give an account of the organization of the nervous system
  • Give a historical account of the relationship between mind and brain
  • Compare and contrast the evidence for and against the localisation of function in the brain
  • Outline the different techniques used in cognitive neuroscience
  • Give an account of resting membrane potential, action potential and synapse
  • To understand some of the basic facts about the main forms of dementia.
  • To understand something of the basic neuroscience, genetics, treatment, and environmental and lifestyle factors connected with Alzheimer's disease.
  • To understand the distinction between mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and how the two may be related.
  • To understand how different cognitive and behavioural problems experienced by people with dementia relate to damage in different parts of the brain.

Module content

The course will initially provide a historical perspective on the relationship between the mind and brain. It will then explore the ways that the neurons in the brain communicate with each other and how this can sometimes go wrong. The course will also delve into the mysteries of how the brain is organized and what a human brain is actually like. The second half of the course uses dementia to introduce some basic facts about the brain. The lectures will also hopefully convince you that neuroscience (the study of the brain and the nervous system) brings an important perspective to bear on understanding all aspects of the mind and behaviour, from development and language to thinking, memory, emotion and social interaction.

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 1		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 1		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Marks will be released via e:vision.

Indicative reading

Purves, Dale. (2013). Principles of cognitive neuroscience. Sinauer Associates. Second Edition.

Ward, Jamie (2010). The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience. Hove: Psychology Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.