This course is an introduction to the brain. It presents the main topics of neuroscience. Biological theories are discussed in the context of psychology, covering basic brain neuroanatomy and linking it to human behaviour and mind functions such as learning, memory, language, consciousness, emotion, motivation, eating, sleeping and sex, as well as psychological dysfunction and disorders such as amnesia, mood and anxiety disorders.
Brain & Behaviour
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Course starts: 21 Jan 2026
Week 1: Introduction to Biological Psychology
Week 2: This is Your Brain
Week 3: The Development of Thought in Infants
Week 4: Learning & Memory
Week 5: Language & Communication
Week 6: Consciousness
Week 7: Emotion
Week 8: Motivation & Stress
Week 9: Eating, Drinking, Sleeping & Sex
Week 10: Brain Damage & Psychological Disorders
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Optional preparatory reading:
- Physiology of Behavior. 10th Edition / Carlson, N.R.,
- An Introduction to Brain and Behavior / Kolb, B & Whishaw, I.Q.,
- Trauma in Sentient Beings: Nature, Nurture and Nim. / Scarnà, A. A. & Ingersoll, R. (2024)
- Biological Psychology, 3rd Edition / Toates, F.,
Certification
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points
Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points
Digital Certificate of Completion
Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee (with no assessment) | £300.00 |
| Take this course for CATS points | £60.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Tutor
Dr Anna Scarna
Dr Anna Scarnà is a psychologist and neuroscientist who works in language, personality traits, and psychological disorders. Her research has been on non-drug treatments for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and autism in females. Anna's most recent work has involved analysis of lexical tags and trauma in chimpanzees who were taught sign language and their carers, and she has written two books about Nim Chimpsky and other chimpanzees from those psychological studies: Primatology, Ethics and Trauma (2023) and Trauma in Sentient Beings: Nature, Nurture, and Nim (2024), both published by Routledge. Her next book will be published in March 2026 and is titled The Psychology of Loss: Insights from Neuroscience.
Course aims
This course is intended to provide an introduction to the field of biological psychology to non-psychologists.
It aims to familiarise students with general principles in biological psychology so that they can apply various approaches in order to better understand themselves and others.
Course Objectives
1. to give students a better understanding of the topic of biological psychology
2. to help students to understand the influence of these theories upon both normal and abnormal behaviour
3. to provide students with the basic tools for appropriate evaluation of biological theories
Teaching methods
Traditional, lecture-style classes with PowerPoint slides, seminar-style discussion, audio-visual aids such as video clips and research papers.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be expected to:
1. learn in both an independent and co-operative manner, using a range of styles and strategies
2. analyse and evaluate theories and evidence, thinking laterally and conceptually
3. communicate fluently and effectively in speech and writing, presenting coherent arguments
Assessment methods
Short essay of 500 words choosing 1 of 3 questions for weeks 5/6, in order to obtain feedback for a second essay of 1500 words, answering 1 of 5 set questions, covering topics from the course to be submitted for deadline after Week 10.
Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.
Application
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).
Level and demands
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points
Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points
Digital Certificate of Completion
Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.