Program Overview

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Course Overview

Introduction to Biological Psychology and Genetics

The Introduction to Biological Psychology course provides an introduction to the biological foundations for humanity's perceptions, behaviours, and emotions - on the genetic, neuron, and system level.

Course Details

Course Content

The course covers the composition and function of the nervous system, specialist themes such as sensory systems, memory, sleep, and motivation, and genetics through the lens of molecular biology. It also introduces core research methods used within the field of biological psychology.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student will have:

• A foundational understanding of the biological foundations for behaviour, perception, and emotions.
• Knowledge of the general anatomy of the nervous system and its functions, with a main focus on the way the brain works.
• An understanding of basic genetics and epigenetics.
• Knowledge of the core methods used in modern neuroscience research.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze and discuss scholarly problems related to biological psychology.
• Express themselves in writing, in a manner appropriate for communicating the core themes within the discipline.

General Competence

After completing the course, the student will have developed:

• A foundational understanding of scholarly ways of thinking, with the ability to independently reflect on academic and research ethics-related issues.
• A critical and ethical use of AI.

Course Structure

Learning Methods and Activities

• Lectures: 2 hours per week, colloquium.

Compulsory Assignments

• Written group assignment.

Evaluation

Further on Evaluation

Previously approved mandatory assignments are approved for repeat of exam.

Admission and Requirements

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required: Clinical Psychology Programme (CPSYR).

Recommended Previous Knowledge

None.

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Course Materials

To be announced when the semester starts.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with the following courses:

• PSY1123: 7.5 sp, from Autumn 2021.
• PSY1503: 7.5 sp, from Autumn 2021.
• PSY1013: 7.5 sp, from Autumn 2021.
• PSYPRO4113: 7.5 sp, from Autumn 2021.
• PSY1003: 7.5 sp, from Autumn 2021. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Psychology.

Examination

Examination Arrangement

School exam.

Grade

Letter grades.

Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025

• School exam.
• Weighting: 100/100.
• Examination aids: Code E.
• Date and Time: 15:00.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment.

Ordinary Examination - Spring 2026

• School exam.
• Weighting: 100/100.
• Examination aids: Code E.
• Date and Time: 09:00.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment.