Mechanisms of Learning and Psychopathology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY3018 | Psychology | 3 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- PSGY3018
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials, this module aims to provide students with an understanding of the mechanisms of learning and memory in human and non-human animals, and an analysis of pathological conditions involving these systems. Students will study topics that include perceptual learning, the contextual and attentional modulation of learning and behaviour as well as more neuroscientifically focused topics such as the role of the hippocampus in memory. Clinical topics include the acquisition of phobias, memory discords, the psychological side effects of cancer treatment, and depression. Assessment is split 50/50 between an examination and coursework (dissertation).
Target Students
Year 3 Psychology and Psychology and Cognitive neuroscience students. Also available for Psychology (Conversion) and Natural Science students(depending on pathway).
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1 Spring: 3000 word essay - Spring
- 50% Exam 1 Autumn (2-hour): ExamSys Exam - Open book - Autumn
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
To provide students with an understanding of the findings of, and theories derived from, experimental studies of learning in humans and animals and the application of this research to instances of psychopathology in people. To provide knowledge about: the principles and properties of associative learning; instances in which learning produces undesirable behaviour; attentional processes and biases in animals and humans; the representation of conditional knowledge; the effects of neural manipulations on these processes. To encourage critical appraisal of models and experimental evidence. To encourage high-quality written communication skills.Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and Understanding
a. Generic Knowledge Benchmarks:
i. Demonstrate understanding of the scope of psychological study as a biological science.
ii. Demonstrate an understanding of the broad application of learning theories to accommodate other psychological processes.
iii. Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and paradigms that are used in study of learning and its applications to psychopathology.
b. Module-Specific Knowledge Benchmarks:
i. Demonstrate knowledge of historical origin of study of animal psychology and its development.
ii. Demonstrate understanding of associative theories of learning and memory in animals.
iii. Demonstrate knowledge of behavioural and neuroscientific techniques that have been used for the study of learning in animals.
iv. Demonstrate understanding of the application of learning theories to accommodate more general psychological processes.
v. Demonstrate knowledge of applications of learning phenomena and theories to examples of clinical psychopathology.
2. Intellectual Skills
a. Generic Skills Benchmarks:
i. Supply evidence-based reasoning to establish merit of competing psychological theories in animal learning and psychopathology.
ii. Handle primary source material critically.
iii. Evidence responsibility for own skill development though independent reading.
iv. Produce written work showing clear communication of ideas and research findings
v. Locate library resources by electronic and conventional means.
b. Module-Specific Skills Benchmarks:
i. Appropriately interpret findings of specific behavioural assays in the study of animal learning and its application to psychopathology;
ii. Appropriately interpret the findings of specific neuroscientific techniques in the study of animal learning.
3. Professional Practice Skills
i. Evidence of academic skills (essay writing; library research).
4. Transferable (key) Skills
i. Demonstrate evidence-based decision making.
ii. Supply formal presentation and analysis.