2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC3502 The Biopsychology of Human Appetite

15 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Dr Graham Finlayson
Email: g.s.finlayson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology or BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants)

This module is mutually exclusive with

PSYC3517

Approaches to Nutrition and Behaviour

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This course of lectures will comprise a survey of recent evidence and current thinking on the control of food intake and the regulation of body weight. A major objective is to emphasise throughout the interactions between events in the physiological domain (under the skin) and events in the psychological or behavioural domain (beyond the skin). Accordingly, particular consideration will be given to the special way in which feeding behaviour represents a link between these two domains, and to the way in which feeding strategies have developed to enable organisms to cope with and to co-ordinate, the demands of the internal and external environments. With recent developments of techniques in molecular biology and the relative ease of identifying genes linked to behavioural and physiological end points, a strong body of opinion has formed about the role of genes in controlling appetite and body weight. How valid is this view? Given that the human genome has now been described, what is the relative balance between our genes and the environment in regulating our behaviour and its impact on our physiology? This approach to appetite control is influenced by the energy balance model and the recognition that body weight is a result of energy intake and energy expenditure. This interaction is a key aspect of the psychobiological system. The major aim of the course will be to develop a cohesive framework for conceptualization of behavioural patterns and for the understanding of clinical problems concerning feeding and body weight in clinical and free-living contexts.

Objectives

This module aims to provide in depth coverage of empirical, conceptual and theoretical issues relating to 'the Biopsychology of Human Appetite'. The module will be taught by experts in the subject.
Students will continue to develop their knowledge in this area of the discipline with particular emphasis on relevant research.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module in conjunction with their own learning activities, students should be able to:
- critically evaluate how psychological and biological events can interact with respect to appetite control;
- demonstrate critical understanding of technical literature on appetite control and weight regulation;
- calculate their own energy requirements in relation to energy expenditure;
- demonstrate thorough understanding of the complexity of multiple influences on appetite and eating behaviour;
- relate research findings and concepts to practical situations and apply this knowledge to their own behaviour.

Skills outcomes
- Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in the selection, evaluation and application of published research in the area of human appetite.
- Students will gain practice in the application of theory to their own behaviour.

Syllabus

The following topics will be covered:
- Introduction to the biopsychological approach to human appetite
- Gene-environment interaction in obesity
- Appetite control system
- Homeostatic systems
- Food hedonics and reward
- Physical Activity and Energy balance
- Dieting and Restraint
- Eating disorders
- Human appetite across the lifespan
- Anorexia of ageing Summary and revision lecture

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	11	1.50	16.50
Tutorial	4	1.00	4.00
Independent online learning hours			2.50
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			21.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will have 126 private study hours. It is envisaged that this time will be spent as follows:
Reading for each lecture: 10 x 3 hours = 30 hours
Preparation for seminars 12 hours
Mid term assignment planning and research 15 hours
Revision and practice exam questions 40 hours
Independent literature searches, reading and use of VLE discussion room 29 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A mid-term assignment will be set in which students are encouraged to consider some of the main issues in relation to their own experience.
Students will be encouraged to use the discussion forum to update each other and to post relevant material covered in the media during the course.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 words	60.00
Assignment	Practical assignment	25.00
In-course MCQ	.	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD