Module: Biopsychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biopsychology
Module Code	PSY1115
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Psychology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module explores the biological foundations of human behaviour, focusing on how the nervous system, brain organisation, hormonal activity, and genetic processes shape behaviour across the lifespan. Drawing on key theories and evidence from neuroscience, neuropsychology, behavioural genetics, and psychopharmacology, students examine how neural communication, brain systems, development, and physiological regulation give rise to behaviour and psychological functioning. The module also considers how disruptions to biological systems contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions. By the end of this module, students will be able to explain and evaluate brain-behaviour relationships clearly and accurately using appropriate biological concepts and research findings.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the major theories and core principles of biopsychology, including neural, hormonal, and genetic influences on behaviour.
2. Describe the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems and explain how neural communication underpins psychological functioning.
3. Analyse how key biological mechanisms, such as sensory and motor systems, circadian rhythms, motivation, emotion, and homeostatic regulation, contribute to human behaviour.
4. Apply knowledge of neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and ageing to explain changes in behaviour and psychological functioning across the lifespan.
5. Critically evaluate how disruptions to biological systems contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions, drawing on evidence from neuroscience, neuropsychology, behavioural genetics, and psychopharmacology.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	18	Synchronous online classes
Online activity	60	Student-Staff and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	297	Using self-directed learning resources, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	12101	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Catherine Moran	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Foundations of Biopsychology

Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology

Cortical Organisation and Functional Specialisation

Sensory Systems and Sensorimotor Integration

Sleep, Wakefulness, and Circadian Rhythms

Motivation and Homeostasis: Hunger, Thirst, and Thermoregulation

Hormones, Sexual Behaviour, and Reproductive Biology

Emotion, Stress, and Health

Addiction and Psychopharmacology

Genetics and Behavioural Genetics

Neurodevelopment, Plasticity, and Ageing

Clinical Applications of Biopsychology

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None