course-details-portlet

PSY1503

Introduction to Biological Psychology and Genetics

Choose study year

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam
Special deadlines for course registration
Spring: 2025-12-01

About

About the course

Course content

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. In addition to providing a foundational introduction to the composition and function of the nervous system, the course shall also cover specialist themes, such as the different sensory systems, memory, sleep and motivation. Furthermore, the course shall cover genetics through the lens of molecular biology. This also comprises of an introduction to the core research methods used within the field of biological psychology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student:

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

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student:

  • can analyse and discuss scholarly problems related to biological psychology.
  • can express themselves in writing, in a manner that is 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.
  • has developed a critical and ethical use of AI

Learning methods and activities

Lectures 2 hours per week.

Limited admission to classes.

Exam registration requires that class registration is approved in the same semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • Written assignement

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

To be announced when semester starts.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
PSY1123 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
PSY1013 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
PSYPRO4113 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
PSY1003 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
PSYK4123 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. 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

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Psychology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.