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PSY40840

Academic Year 2024/2025

BN Labs 1: Behavioural Measures (PSY40840)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
8
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Ciara Greene
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In combination with PSY40850 (Behavioural Neuroscience Labs 2), this module provides practical experience of collecting and analysing data using common Behavioural Neuroscience methods. Across these two modules, students will complete brief rotations in five experimental laboratories in the School of Psychology. Students will develop skills in experimental design, data collection and analysis, using a variety of experimental and statistical approaches.
The methodologies explored in Labs 1 will include eyetracking, neuropsychological assessment and virtual reality.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of experimental design in Behavioural Neuroscience
- Explain the effects of experimental design choices on the validity and reliability of a given experimental paradigm
- Conduct calibration procedures for eyetracking and virtual reality experiments
- Understand the principles underlying neuropsychological testing
- Collect data using a variety of experimental methods in line with best practice guidelines
- Pre-process and analyse data arising from these methods
- Produce clear and succinct laboratory reports of each experimental methods.

Indicative Module Content:

This module will provide practical experience of conducting research using the following methods:
1. Eyetracking
2. Neuropsychological testing
3. Virtual reality

Each topic will be introduced with a 2-hour theoretical lecture and laboratory demonstration. Students will then collect data in the lab in pairs, under the supervision of a demonstrator. Data will be collated and provided to students for analysis and write-up.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

9

Laboratories

9

Autonomous Student Learning

150

Total

168


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; practical demonstrations; laboratory work; practical skill-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
:
-

Additional Information:
Only open to the MSc in Behavioural Neuroscience programme, PSY 40780 is co-requisite


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Lab report: Eyetracking Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

No
Report(s): Lab report: Neuropsychological testing Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

No
Report(s): Lab report: virtual reality Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

No
Reflective Assignment: Reflective journal describing your learning and experience throughout the module Week 15 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10

No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback on each lab report will be provided via Brightspace, using a pre-prepared rubric.

Name Role
Professor Jessica Bramham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Catherine Jordan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer