Brain and Behaviour

Everything that goes on in the mind, the way we see, feel, remember and act, is constrained by the way the brain works.

Like the other core topic modules, the Brain & Behaviour modules run through Years 1 and 2 and is in Semester 1 in both years. In each year, the module is split into four teaching blocks covering different topics. These blocks are often taught by different members of staff.

Year 1

In Year 1 the aim is to provide a framework for understanding the link between brain and behaviour.  We will begin by outlining the principles of neuroscience and their importance in studying cognitive functions. This will lead to an overview of how brain and behaviour is shaped by an individual’s emotions, motivation and the social context that necessarily accompanies any human activity.

  • Block 1: Principles of neuroscience and their importance in studying cognitive functions - Prof Tim Andrews
  • Block 2: Dementia and the brain: A practical application of cognitive neuroscience - Prof Beth Jefferies
  • Block 3: Neuroscience of Developmental Disorders- Dr Amanda Hickey
  • Block 4: Cognitive Neuroscience Methods - Prof Tony Morland

Year 2

In Year 2 the aim is to understand how the human brain mediates higher mental functions such as attention, language, memory and action.  We will explore what we can learn about normal psychological processes using different methods in cognitive neuroscience.  

  • Block 1: Brain mechanisms of Action and Decision- Dr Alex Reid
  • Block 2: Clinical Neuroscience - Dr Hannah Hobson
  • Block 3: Brain Mechanisms of Memory - Prof Beth Jefferies
  • Block 4: Interoception - Dr Catherine Preston

Text Books

The Brain & Behaviour strand uses the same two text books throughout Years 1 and 2.

Strand Teaching Team

Professor Tim Andrews


Room PS/B105
01904 324356
t.andrews@psych.york.ac.uk

Profile

Professor Beth Jefferies


Room PS/C022
01904 324368
beth.jefferies@york.ac.uk

Profile

Dr Amanda Hickey

Room PS/A/109

amanda.hickey@york.ac.uk

Profile

Dr Silke Göbel


Room PS/C107
01904 322872
silke.goebel@york.ac.uk

Profile

Dr Alex Reid

Room PS/A005
01904 323169
amr507@york.ac.uk

Profile

Dr David Pitcher

Room PS/B109
01904 322864



Catherine Preston

Room PS/B/221
catherine.preston@york.ac.uk

01904 322910

Profile

Dr Tom Hartley


Room C125
01904 322903
tom.hartley@york.ac.uk

Profile


To contact the Student Documentation maintainers please email psychology-student-docs-group@york.ac.uk (use your University of York email address).