Biology and Psychology

With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. Core and complimentary elements of both Biology and Psychology will be studied.

The biological component of the degree curriculum links academic theory with practical experience, taught by subject specialists, whilst the elements of Psychology studied are designed to give you an understanding of the mind and behaviour. This will be linked so that you can see the biological mechanisms that underlie people’s behaviour.

In Year 1 you will study the fundamental aspects of biology and psychology that are the basics for understanding these scientific fields. Biology will include fundamental aspects of biology including genetics and physiology, whilst in psychology lectures will cover either cognitive and biological or social and developmental topics. You will also develop research methods and statistical analysis skills.

Year 2 consolidates core understanding and concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning. Topics covered in psychology will include cognitive, biological, social and developmental psychology, and you will develop and advance your research methods and statistics. Biology sees you deepen your knowledge of molecular biology and physiology.

The final year strengthens the link between learning and research, with taught content directly linked to the research being carried out in the departments. Complete your academic journey with a choice between undertaking an in-depth review and examining how it is applied to real-world issues problem, or our distinctive interdisciplinary enterprise module where you can delve into an area that resonates with your passions and leverages the skills honed throughout the course.

Students pick optional modules around those that interest them to give a theme/ flavour to their studies.

Year 1

Year 1 Compulsory modules

Genetics: introduces the development of genetics and the processes linking genotype to phenotype in living organisms. It provides an overview of modern technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation.

Introduction to Physiology: covers mammalian physiology as a model for processes in other organisms, describing a range of tissues and processes and connecting them at a molecular and cellular level.

Introduction to Psychological Research: introduces key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology.

Either

Introduction to Psychology 1: Cognitive and Biological Psychology: introduces the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology.

Or

Introduction to Psychology 2: Developmental and Social Psychology: introduces the core areas of developmental psychology, social psychology and individual differences.

Level 1 Optional Modules

Have included a further module from either Biology or Psychology, a module from elsewhere in the University, subject to timetable availability, or a Modern Language.

Year 2

Year 2 Compulsory modules

Molecular Biology: shows the central role of molecular biology in modern biosciences, including developing  understanding of methods of gene analysis and manipulation.

Integrated Physiological Systems: introduces the homeostasis of human physiological control systems and considers non-pathological “altered states“ of human physiology.

Cognitive and Biological Psychology: develops an understanding of theoretical, methodological and empirical approaches in cognitive and biological psychology, exploring topics such as memory, decision making, learning, and perception

Advanced Psychological Research for Non-single Honours: provides experience of the practical application of a wide range of research methods used in psychological research.

Social and Developmental Psychology: develops an understanding of research and theory in some of the key areas of developmental psychology. It also examines the contribution that social psychology has made to an understanding of the relations between people and social structures involving people.

Level 2 Optional Modules

Have included:

• Evolution

• Cell Signalling

• Development

• Biomolecules

• Microbiology

• Immune Systems

Level 3 Compulsory modules

Ageing: describes ageing at a fundamental level in terms of effects on overall lifespan, and the fitness of the individual, and studies the effects of ageing on different organs and processes.

Psychology Project and Statistics: provides the experience of identifying an issue in psychology that is amenable to empirical investigation, from formulating the research question, with associated ethics, investigating the problem, and then analysing and interpreting the results.

Differential and Clinical Psychology: develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology.

Year 3

Level 3 Compulsory modules

Ageing: describes ageing at a fundamental level in terms of effects on overall lifespan, and the fitness of the individual, and studies the effects of ageing on different organs and processes.

Psychology Project and Statistics: provides the experience of identifying an issue in psychology that is amenable to empirical investigation, from formulating the research question, with associated ethics, investigating the problem, and then analysing and interpreting the results.

Differential and Clinical Psychology: develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology.

Level 3 Optional Modules

Project: Critical Review Article, Dissertation or Enterprise module: Perform an in-depth critical review article in a topic associated with biology using the full resources of the scientific literature or take our enterprise module where groups of students develop a business plan to bid for research funding for an applicable innovation. This requirement develops an ability to plan and manage your own learning and an opportunity to research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions.

A choice of topics from either Biological or Psychology depending upon interests

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations as well as coursework including essays, laboratory reports, case studies, oral presentations and posters.

Literature reviews (dissertation), project reports and laboratory workshop/fieldwork reports are an important part of this degree.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/