Psychology

Biological Psychology of Mental Health

Module code: C8504
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Computer based exam, Coursework

The module examines the biological underpinnings of selected mental health conditions. Topics covered may include addictions, anxiety disorders, attentional disorders, autism, dementias, eating disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, and sleep disorders. Clinical observations, human experiments, genomic investigations, and studies using animal models may be used to illustrate the relationships between altered cognitive-behavioural states, biochemical processes, and functional neuroanatomy. The biological implications of therapies for mental health conditions will also be discussed.

This module builds on knowledge gained in the core psychology modules C8003: Psychobiology and C8518: Brain and Behaviour. Students who are not enrolled on the BSc Psychology course at Sussex are expected to be familiar with the material covered in these modules.

Module learning outcomes

• Appreciate the potential biological bases of various mental health conditions, along with possible biomedical interventions
• Critically evaluate scientific research investigating the biological underpinnings of mental health conditions