Item 2.2.3
s
Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning
outcomes/objectives
Comments/notes
Psychology, the Body & Individual Differences
SS510
5
20
Normally level 4 credits in Applied Psychology or equivalent
Extensive over two semesters
The aims of the module are:
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To introduce students to theory, research and critical
debate on the relationship between the functioning of the
human body and psychological processes.

To introduce students to key theory, research and critical
debates in the psychology of individual differences.
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To encourage in-depth exploration of selected topic areas
within the core areas of individual differences and
biological psychology.

To appreciate the real-world applications of theory,
research and critical debates in the psychological study of
the individual.

To know and value approaching the psychology of the
individual from multiple perspectives.
On successful completion of the module the student will be
able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Content
Demonstrate understanding of psychological
explanations of the relationship between the functioning
of the human body and psychological processes.
Evaluate psychological explanations of the relationship
between the functioning of the human body and
psychological processes by drawing on theory, research,
critical debates and real-life applications in psychology.
Demonstrate knowledge of key theory, research, critical
debates and real-life applications in the psychology of
individual differences.
Utilise multiple perspectives to address the role of social,
cultural, historical, biological and cognitive processes in
explanations of individual differences.
The module provides students with knowledge and
understanding of biological psychology, the psychology of
individual differences and related social, cultural, conceptual
and historical issues.
Indicative guide to topics covered:
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Item 2.2.3
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Teaching and learning
strategies
Learning support
the biological bases of behaviour (e.g. hormones and
behaviour, genes and behaviour, neuropsychology)
socio-biology & evolutionary psychology
somatic psychology
political and ethical issues in biological psychology
exploring alternative psychological approaches to the
body and behaviour (e.g. phenomenology,
psychoanalysis, social constructionism, social theory)
body, sex and gender
body & stigma
the social and cultural construction of biopsychology
the biological bases of individual differences
evolutionary approaches to individual differences
comparison and critique of social, cognitive and biological
approaches to individual differences
psychometric testing and measurement techniques
accounting for personality
intelligence (including emotional and ecological)
topics in individual differences (e.g. sex & gender,
ethnicity, cognitive style, mental health)
200 hours study time delivered through a minimum of 48
hours direct teaching, 24 hours directed timetabled workshop
activities and 128 hours of directed private study outlined in
the module handbook.
Students have additional material to support their learning
available via the module handbook and studentcentral.
Indicative reading:
Archer, J and Lloyd, B. 2004. Sex and gender. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Badcock, C.R. 2000 Evolutionary psychology: a critical
introduction. Cambridge: Polity.
Barratt, B. B. 2009 The Emergence of Somatic Psychology
and Bodymind Therapy. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Breedlove, S.M., Watson, N.V. and Rosenzweig, M.R. 2010
(6th ed.). Biological Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral,
Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience. New York: Sinauer
Associates
Brysbaert, M. and Rastle, K. 2009 Historical and Conceptual
Issues in Psychology. London: Prentice Hall
Burr, V. 2003 Social Constructionism, (2nd Ed.) London:
Routledge.
Buss, D.M. 2005. The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology,
Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Glassman, W.E. and Hadad, M. 2006 (4th ed.) Approaches to
Psychology, Open University Press.
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Item 2.2.3
Hill, C.A. 2008. Human sexuality: personality and social
psychological perspectives. London: Sage
Mahoney, B. 2011. Personality and Individual Differences
(Critical Thinking in Psychology). London: Learning Matters.
Maltby, J., Day, L., and Macaskill, A. 2009 (2 nd ed.).
Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence. London:
Prentice Hall.
Susan Nolen-Hoeksema 2010 (3rd ed.) Abnormal Psychology.
London: McGraw-Hill.
Pervin, L.A. and Cervone, D. 2010 (11th ed.). Personality:
Theory and research. New York: Wiley.
Porter, R. 2002. Madness: A Brief History. Oxford: OUP.
Sanders, R. 2012. Biological Psychology (Critical Thinking in
Psychology). London: Learning Matters.
Larsen, R.J and Buss, D. (2005) Personality psychology:
domains of knowledge about human nature. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Stainton Rogers, W. 2011. Social Psychology. Maidenhead:
Open University Press.
Stainton-Rogers, W. and Stainton-Rogers, R. 2001. The
Psychology Of Gender And Sexuality: An Introduction. Milton
Keynes: Open University Press.
Assessment tasks
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Brief description of
module content and/or
aims (maximum 80 words)
The module provides students with knowledge and
understanding of two core areas of psychology: biological
psychology and the psychology of individual differences. It
covers classic and contemporary theory, research, debate
and real-world applications in these areas, and addresses
related social, cultural, conceptual and historical issues. The
module meets the British Psychological Society accreditation
requirements for coverage and assessment of biological
psychology and the psychology of individual differences.
SASS Undergraduate
Area examination board to
which module relates
Module
team/authors/coordinator
Semester offered, where
appropriate
Site where delivered
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Individual poster presentation (LO 1, 2) (50%)
2 hour exam (LO 3, 4) (50%)
Orly Klein
1&2
Falmer
December 2011
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Item 2.2.3
Version number
Replacement for previous
module
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable and
status in that course
School home
External examiner
1
Compulsory:
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology and Criminology
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology
Optional:
BA (Hons) Social Science
School of Applied Social Science
Dr Ian Tucker from October 2012
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