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Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 2 - PSY00011C

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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 Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aim is to provide a framework for understanding the link between brain and behaviour. The main aim of the first part of the module is to introduce you to what developmental disorders (DD) are, the approaches used to study them along within neuroscience. The Second half of the module’s aim is to familiarize students with the various methods used by cognitive neuroscientists to study the cortical bases of cognitive functions.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand what developmental disorders are and the approaches and neurological methods used to investigate DD.
  • Understand what the nature of developmental dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Understand the theories explaining and the neurobiology underpinning each Developmental Disorder.
  • Describe general methods toolkit available to cognitive neuroscientists.
  • Understand the use of EEG and MEG in cognitive neuroscience
  • Understand the use of fMRI in cognitive neuroscience

Module content

The first part of this course will explore four common Developmental Disorders: Developmental Language Disorder, Developmental Dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Student will leaning what each DD is, how they are diagnosed, the main theories for each DD and then consider some of the potential neurobiological explanations for these disorders. As well as considering each of these DD separately, we will also look at how these disorders often co-occur. The second half of the module is an overview of the available methods used with Cognitive Neuroscience, characterizing their strengths and weaknesses and their usefulness for answering research questions from different angles. It will focus on two widely used methods in greater depth: electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Finally it will further look into the analysis and interpretation of neuroimaging data.

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 2		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Brain & Behaviour 2		 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.