Essential Biological Psychology

Drawing on the latest exciting research, Essential Biological Psychology provides students with a solid grasp of the relationship between mind and behaviour, and a detailed understanding of the underlying structure and physiological mechanisms that underpin it. The functions of the nervous system are explained and implications for health are explored. Throughout the book, Jim Barnes encourages students to evaluate essential concepts and theoretical issues. Features include: key concepts highlighted throughout the text enables students to grasp the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the structures and functions of the human nervous system that are relevant to the study of psychology the snapshot of key studies detailed in the textboxes allow critical evaluation of the role of physiology in human behaviour against a backdrop of up to date research clear explanations of the key methods in the text give students an appreciation of the contributions made by the different approaches and research methods that are used in biological psychology memory maps and diagrams within the text encourage learning and allow students to formulate memory aids to assist recall in exam conditions a companion website consists of PowerPoint lecture slides and a testbank for teachers (50 questions per chapter) as well as interactive self-assessment testbank for students (10 questions per chapter)

The Essential Psychology Series bridges the gap between simple introductory texts aimed at pre-university students and higher level textbooks for upper level undergraduates. Each volume in the series is designed to provide concise yet up-to-date descriptions of the major areas of psychology for first year undergraduates or students taking psychology as a supplement to other courses of study. The authors, who are acknowledged experts in their field, explain the basics carefully and engagingly without the over-simplification often found in introductory textbooks, at the same time providing the reader with insights into current thinking. Essential Biological Psychology is an accessible, well-illustrated and well-written account of the study of the role of the body in behaviour and the effect of behaviour on the working of the body. Covering all the major topics within biopsychology, and evaluating the most up-to-date findings, particularly within neuroscience and neuroimaging research, this textbook is essential reading for first and second level undergraduates taking courses in biological or physiological psychology as well as anyone studying courses in neuropsychology or behavioural neuroscience.

Biological Psychology is the study of psychological processes in terms of biological functions. A major obstacle to understanding dialogue in the field has always been its terminology which is drawn from a variety of non-psychological sources such as clinical medicine, psychiatry and neuroscience, as well as specialist areas of psychology such as ethology, learning theory and psychophysics. For the first time, a distinguished international team of contributors has now drawn these terms together and defined them both in terms of their physical properties and their behavioural significance. The Dictionary of Biological Psychology will prove an invaluable source of reference for undergraduates in psychology wrestling with the fundamentals of brain physiology, anatomy and chemistry, as well as researchers and practitioners in the neurosciences, psychiatry and the professions allied to medicine. It is an essential resource both for teaching and for independent study, reliable for fact-checking and a solid starting point for wider exploration.

By weaving examples and themes from the social sciences with an introduction into the scientific concepts, 'Biological Psychology' provides readers with a foundation necessary for understanding this field.

Understand the foundations of biological psychology and explore the stories behind important discoveries in the field. Everything you need to know about brain and behaviour – from sensory systems, eating disorders and sleep to drugs, language and memory. This fourth edition has been fully updated throughout, and includes new figures and diagrams, revised learning features, and clear explanations of over 330 key terms. Includes: The latest research on the neural basis of mental illness, degenerative diseases, and genetics Key Figure and Special Interest boxes spotlight interesting researchers, studies and discoveries of conditions End-of-chapter MCQs test understanding and support your preparation for assessments 250 full colour diagrams and figures illustrate the key concepts in each chapter Supported by online teaching and learning resources including drag and drop exercises for students, an instructor’s manual, testbank, and PowerPoint slides. Introduction to Biopsychology is essential reading for all Psychology students studying biological psychology.

This accessible introductory text addresses the core knowledge domain of biological psychology, with focused coverage of the central concepts, research and debates in this key area. Biological Psychology outlines the importance and purpose of the biological approach and contextualises it with other perspectives in psychology, emphasizing the interaction between biology and the environment. Learning features including case studies, review questions and assignments are provided to aid students′ understanding and promote a critical approach. Extended critical thinking and skill-builder activities develop the reader′s higher-level academic skills.

This is an accessible, well-written and well-illustrated account of the study of interplay between physiology and behavior. It is essential reading for undergraduates taking courses in biological or physiological psychology as well as anyone taking courses in neuropsychology or behavioral neuroscience. Neil covers all the major topics within bio-psychology, and evaluates the most up-to-date findings, particularly within neuroscience and neuroimaging research. The text includes pedagogical aids, including definitions of key terms, learning objectives, and question and answer sections.

"I am excited to introduce the Second Edition of Biological Psychology: Brain in Context. In this new edition, many new exciting research findings and perspectives have been incorporated into the text. As I delved into the neuroscience literature to identify new and meaningful research, I was once again reminded of how fortunate I am to be a professor and researcher in the fascinating field of behavioral neuroscience. During my time reading and curating research for Biological Psychology, I have become a student of the discipline once again-and have encountered exciting and fascinating neurobiology information every step along the way. Writing this book has been an incredible learning journey that has reintroduced my brain to, well, my brain"--

Providing a comprehensive perspective on human desire, this volume brings together leading experts from multiple psychological subdisciplines. It addresses such key questions as how desires of different kinds emerge, how they influence judgment and decision making, and how problematic desires can be effectively controlled. Current research on underlying brain mechanisms and regulatory processes is reviewed. Cutting-edge measurement tools are described, including practical recommendations for their use. The book also examines pathological forms of desire and the complex relationship between desire and happiness. The concluding section analyzes specific applied domains--eating, sex, aggression, substance use, shopping, and social media.

Biological Psychology offers a highly visual, in-depth guide to the basic biological functions of the brain that you will need to learn throughout the course of your psychology degree. This edition boasts a revamped learning structure with a strong applied focus. This allows you to engage with biological psychology through a range of real world applications, getting you to apply your learning to conditions such as epilepsy, PTSD and Parkinson’s, and treatments such as gene therapy and brain-computer interfaces for spinal cord injuries. Key features include: • New ′real world applications′ boxes that help put theory into practice, showing you the human side of the science • ′Focus on methods′ boxes that demonstrate the research methods you will use as a biological psychologist to uncover the workings of the brain • Key debates to deepen your understanding of contemporary research and its impact • Critical thinking questions • Key points and glossary definitions to solidify your understanding of complex ideas and new terminology • Further reading suggestions to help build your bibliography for assignments • Video animations to help you grasp basic neuroanatomy and psychobiology This book goes above and beyond to familiarise you with the links between biology and psychology, making it an essential read for psychology students at all levels. Suzanne Higgs is Professor in the Psychobiology of Appetite at the University of Birmingham. Alison Cooper is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. Jonathan Lee is Professor of Memory Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham.