To generate and understanding of concepts and principles associated with individual differences and biological psychology. This module will develop the students’ knowledge and critical understanding of well-established principle, psychological and biological theories of individual differences, and the neural and genetic basis of individual differences in behaviour and cognition.

To evaluate theories of the well-established principles of differences in intellect, personality and cognition and how they relate to biological substrates of behaviour; to evaluate the utility of these theories and to understand how personality and intelligence may be influenced by the combined actions of biological and environmental/social factors throughout life. To develop critical understanding and knowledge of the objectives, methods and current limitations of the biological approach to understanding cognition and individual differences. To develop critical understanding of how adult plasticity affects cortical map structure, and how these changes can underlie individual differences at the neurobiological level. To develop current knowledge and critical understanding of the relationship between brain function, genes, behaviour, individual differences and cognitive disorders.

This module will develop the students’ understanding and critical appreciation of current ideas concerning the relationship between brain function, genes, individual differences and behaviour. The module will develop critical understanding of psychological principles of cognition, personality and intelligence and brain function - at both the level of single neurons, neuronal systems, genes and functional anatomical circuits in both health and disease.

1. Describe the basics of brain function

2. Describe the role of synaptic events in normal and abnormal behaviour

3. Describe the approaches to the study of individual differences, personality and intelligence.

4. Describe the core biological substrates of individual differences, personality and intelligence

5. Describe the cortical mechanisms of cognition and relationship to personality intelligence and individual differences.

6. Cortical and subcortical mechanisms supporting cognition in animals and humans.

7. Neural and systems levels analysis of brain systems supporting cognition.

8. Understanding the relationship between genes, environment, individual differences, brain and behaviour.

The module will be delivered via lectures, practical activities, and small group instruction and discussion.

1) Students will use a range of techniques to illustrate and undertake critical analysis of well-established phenomena in biological psychology and individual differences, together with their strengths and weaknesses.

2) Students will learn to communicate information in a concise fashion, develop arguments and adopt appropriate analysis tools and use them effectively.

3) Students will develop a sound understanding of biological psychology and individual differences and learn to apply these principles more widely.

4) Students will learn the value of different approaches and methods to solving problems.

To realise these outcomes, students should read relevant books and papers and examine in detail important research papers from contemporary journals discussed in the lecture.

Transferable skills
Student will also gain knowledge and expertise in the use of word processing, data management and statistical software, listen effectively, manage and assume significant responsibility for their own independent learning.

Assessments will take the form of coursework and an examination. The examination will consist of 50 Multiple Choice Questions and one essay question.

The potential for reassessment in this module
Reassessment will take the same form as the original assessment.

Historical/Conceptual Issues

Organisation of CNS

Nerve, Synapse

Cortex and Cognition

Approaches to individual differences

Cortical Map Plasticity and Individual Differences

Conceptual and biological approaches to personality

Conceptual and biological approaches to intelligence

Brain and Memory Processes 

Genetics of behaviour, personality and intelligence