Biopsychology Part 1

Overview

Key facts

This Biopsychology Part 1 course from Warnborough College will further your understanding of human psychology and health with scientific insights into the body-mind relationship. Therefore, it is of particular interest to those who have studied or want to study psychology, as well as to health practitioners.

This is the study of how the anatomical and physiological characteristics of a person affects their psychology. The “state of mind” is affected by physical characteristics. At different stages in a child’s development (adult also), aspects of the bodies physical nature will change, and the nature of a person’s psychology will also change in response to those changes. Injuries, illnesses, or abnormal physical development can all have affects upon a person’s psychology as well.

Course Aims

• Explain what is meant by the mind-body debate and consider various theories.

• Explain how different people can perceive the same stimulus in different ways, due to biological differences between them.

• Explain how the condition and functioning of the nervous system can affect the psychology of an individual.

• Explain the function of sensory and motor neurons.

• Explain the functioning of the cerebellum, the hypothalamus and the thalamus.

• Identify which brain structures are present in the limbic system, and their main functions.

• Explain how dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine act as neurotransmitters.

• Explain how the condition and functioning of the endocrine system can affect the psychology of an individual.

• Describe the relationship between psychological stress and the physical response of the body.

• Discuss the relationship between emotions and the physical nature of the body.

• Discuss the relationship between consciousness and the physical nature of the body.

• Describe the effect of three psychoactive drugs on the Central Nervous System.

• Explain how the autonomic nervous system works in terms of its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.