Biological Psychology – Online Course – FutureLearn
Understand the link between behaviour and human biology and learn how genes and the environment influence our behaviour Explore the intriguing world of biological psychology Improve your scientific skills and explore the fascinating sphere of biological psychology On this course youll look at an intriguing branch of psychology one which explores the links between behaviour and human biological functions paying particular attention to the nervous-system Youll study the role that genes heredity the nervous-system brain and spinal cord all play in determining our physicality and behaviour and gain an understanding of how heritable diseases and neurotransmitters affect our behaviour Discover the fundamentals of genetics the nervous-system and the brain and spinal cord This course covers a wide range of important topics from genetics and the nervous-system through to heredity specific genetic disorders and the influence of the brain and spinal cord Upon completion youll be able to interpret examples of how heritable diseases affect behaviour and explain the role of neurotransmitters in psychology Get a solid grounding in modern biological psychology research Once youve completed the course youll be armed with your own unique insights into some of the worlds most important biological psychology research Youll come away with an understanding of how genes and environment affect behaviour and be able to define by some diseases may influence behaviour Youll also build specific neurological knowledge of cell types functions how synapses communicate across the nervous system and the role of the endocrine system in managing bodily functions Introduction to genetics Heredity and genetic disorders Specific genetic disorders The nervous system The brain and spinal cord Explore the role of genes in normal behaviour Interpret examples of heritable diseases affecting behaviour eg Fragile X syndrome Assess the critical importance of the environment in shaping behaviour Identify the major divisions of the nervous system and major neural systems Identify neural system cell types and describe their functions including how resting potential becomes an action potential Compare the role of synapses in communication within the nervous system Explain the roles of neurotransmitters in behaviour Identify the endocrine system the major glands and the role of hormones in regulating bodily functions
