Hormones, Emotionality and Behaviour (U00982)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : BMS-4-MEhem

Course Organiser: Dr Simone Meddle

All of us understand the importance of behaviour - it is the fabric of society. Endocrinology is the study of hormones, and the brain is both a target and a source of these messengers. Hormones can have a powerful effect on our moods and behaviour and understanding the interactions between hormones and behaviour is truly interdisciplinary. This course will explore phenomena ranging from the molecular to the social level and will tackle challenging questions on how hormones alter behaviour and also how behaviour affects hormone release. This course aims to consider various aspects of social behaviour and specific topics include hormonal influences on violence and aggression, sexual behaviour and orientation, parental behaviour, depression and mood (including postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder) and cognitive function, learning and memory. In addition, methods for the study of behavioural endocrinology will be discussed.

Teaching methods: The course will be taught by a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials and it will provide the opportunity to tailor the course to individual interest, by allowing students to choose their own essay topic. Students will actively participate by giving presentations in the form of scientific posters and talks, and round table discussions will provide a forum to encourage debate on topical issues. No practical element.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer.

? Co-requisites : Physiology 3 and Brain and Behaviour 3 are recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Medical Biology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Medical Biology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2008	11:00	13:00			Tutorial Room 2 - Medical School (Teviot Place)

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	12:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The intended learning outcomes are to enable the student:
(a) To provide an overview on how hormones influence behaviour and our everyday lives. (b) To develop skills in (i) interpretation and design of scientific research, (ii) critical essay writing, (iii) data analysis, (iv) presentation and communication, (v) participation and management in/of discussion groups, (vi) self directed learning.