An intensive home study diploma course in Biopsychology
Learn about how our minds and bodies respond to stimuli
Study biopsychology with this distance learning course and learn more about:
- The nervous system and the endocrine system - understand the effects of hormones on behaviour and the connections between external and internal stimuli.
- The different elements that make up the human body - examine the physiological structures and how they function.
- Learn about the energy flows through the body and ergogenic aids to performance.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Study the 8 Core Modules and then choose 2 Elective Modules.
All modules for the Foundation Diploma in Biopsychology are summarised below. Please follow the title links for more detailed information on each.
THE MODULES
Core Modules
These modules provide foundation knowledge for the Foundation Diploma In Biopsychology.
Biopsychology I BPS108
Human Biology 1A (Anatomy and Physiology) BSC101
Stress Management VPS100
Biopsychology II BPS204
Developmental Psychology BPS210
Human Biology IB (Bioenergetics) BSC201
Neuropsychology BPS306
Psychopharmacology (Drugs and Psychology) BPS302
Elective Modules
In addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 5 modules.
Anger Management BPS111
Child Psychology BPS104
Introduction To Psychology BPS101
Human Biology II (Muscles and Movement) BSC202
Human Biology III (Cardio Respiratory Performance) BSC301
THE CORE MODULES - SUMMARIES
The Core Modules are summarised below. Follow the link in each of the module titles to access the respective course pages.
Biopsychology I BPS108
This is a 7 lesson module concerned with how an individual’s psychology is determined or influenced by their anatomical and physiological characteristics. The module includes lessons on the senses, the nervous system, glands and hormones (the endocrine system), and stressors, and emotions. Students will learn of the different stages in both a child's and adult's development and how they change and develop both physically and psychologically. In addition to natural development, students will consider the impact of injuries, illnesses, or abnormal physical development.
Human Biology 1A (Anatomy And Physiology)
This 6 lesson module looks at the make-up of the human body. Students will study each element of the human body, starting with the structure and function of cells, tissues and membranes before moving on to the skeleton, the structure and function of the muscular system, and the structure and function of the nervous system. The course also includes lessons on digestion and excretion, and physiological systems. Within the course as well as understanding how the body is made up and how different cells and organs work together, students will study such elements as the respiratory system and the endocrine system.
Stress Management VPS100
The 8 lesson module in Stress Management will provide the student with an understanding of how our bodies react to stress, and how this may be coped with. We look at how stress may be controlled, and how we may relax. Stress is a notable factor in everyone’s lives, and different people have different ways in dealing with it. There are many factors which contribute to this – different personalities, our approach to diet (“we are what we eat”), how we view ourselves, how we manage our career, to name but a few. This detailed module will guide the student through all of these areas and much more, enabling them to appreciate their own situations as well as providing the knowledge to let them help others in managing their stress.
Biopsychology II BPS204
Biopsychology II is our second and more advanced module on the subject. The module includes lessons on genetics and research, before focusing on brain damage, with a case study on Parkinson’s Disease. With other areas of the module looking at the physiological and psychological effects of drugs on the brain, and the brain and language (including the work of Paul Broca, and Carl Wernicke), we conclude the module with sections on language impairments such as Aphasia and Dysphasia.
Developmental Psychology BPS210
This 10 lesson module looks at the psychological development of individuals throughout their lives. Different stages in an individual’s life bring about different influences and different challenges. This module seeks to help the student to better understand how people develop, through all ages of life with lessons on each of the key life stages: Early childhood, Middle childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood, Late Adulthood. Students will look at cognitive, social, and moral development as relevant through each of these stages before then considering the potential challenges faced through each stage of a person’s life. Having a heightened awareness of developmental psychology is a big advantage when dealing with people in any capacity. It helps you understand work colleagues, clients, friends and family members and is a very valuable tool for teachers, managers, counsellors and welfare workers amongst many other professions.
Neuropsychology BPS306
Neuropsychology looks at the influences of the brain and nerves upon individual’s behaviour and perceptions. Through 10 detailed lessons, students will learn about the human mind and the nervous system and the interactions between these. The module examines different issues as result of injury or illness (e.g. brain tumours, meningitis) before studying different syndromes and disorders. Lessons include Laterality and Callosal Syndromes, Cognition Personality and Emotion, Motor Disorders, and Dementia. The aim of the module is that students should come away from it understanding what impact injuries or illnesses affecting the brain and nervous system have on cognitive functions and behaviours.
Psychopharmacology (Drugs And Psychology) BPS302
This 11 lesson module covers a wide range of drugs, from legal drugs such as caffeine, and tobacco, through legally restricted drugs, such as cocaine, through to prescription drugs, including sedatives. Students will learn more and understand the psychological effects of different drugs and other substances. Whilst some drugs are used for treatment of conditions, other freely available substances or ingredients although potentially harmless in theory, can give rise to less welcome psychological outcomes. This module considers drugs from the viewpoint of treatment as well as addictions. It also considers the dangers arising from excessive or misuse of other substances and why and how people become addicted.
THE ELECTIVE MODULES - SUMMARIES
The Elective Modules for the Foundation Diploma In Biopsychology are summarised below. Follow the link in each of the module titles to access the respective course pages.
Anger Management BPS111
This 9 lesson module will help students to learn to understand anger and explore techniques that can be useful in the management of anger. The module explores different theories relating to emotion and anger looking at different therapies, techniques, and counselling that can be used to manage anger. Important areas for consideration are individuals with mental health issues, personality disorders, and children and adolescents; there are separate lessons dedicated to these. A problem based learning project completes the module, where the student will create and present a plan of anger management for an individual experiencing serious anger difficulties.
Child Psychology BPS104
This 12 lesson module is concerned with the developmental stages of children from newborn and infants through school age years. The module considers all of the significant areas such as senses, emotions, socialism, cognitive development, learning, and language. Notable psychological research and theories are explored within the module providing students with a balanced approach to ideas and concepts. The module also includes sections which look at influences both within the family structure and externally, such as influences from school and peers.
Introduction To Psychology BPS101
Through 7 lessons, this module will provide you with a basic foundation in human psychology. Students will look at key issues and theories in psychology, whilst considering the stages of our psychological development from adolescence through to adults. The module includes lessons which focus on the structure of the nervous system and the brain, environmental/external effects on behaviour, perception, personality, and motivation. The module includes practical elements such as case studies and the demonstration of motivation techniques through role play.
Human Biology II (Muscles And Movement) BSC202
This is an 8 lesson module looking at the operation of muscles and nerves in the human body. Students will initially learn about nerves and motor skills before moving on to the organisation of muscles (the types of muscles, how they are structured, and what types of muscle cause what movement). Students will then study how muscles develop, how they move, and the flexibility (and different levels of flexibility) of muscles. The module concludes with a lesson on the relationship between muscles and posture, including sections on good posture and ergonomics.
Human Biology III (Cardio Respiratory Performance) BSC301
This 7 lesson module is concerned with the function and relationship of the heart, lungs, and muscles and how they all work together. Students will learn about the composition of blood and its functions – different components in the blood play different roles. Elements such as gas exchange, lung function and capacity, reactions to exercise, and the differences in cardio conditions in different people, form part of the module. The module concludes with a lesson on cardio respiratory disease.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.
Note that each module in the Foundation Diploma In Biopsychology is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
HOW THE FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IS ASSESSED
The Foundation Diploma In Biopsychology requires approximately 1000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100 hour modules.
To pass the course –
- Pass all assignments on the ten 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
- Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
THE ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING WITH ACS
- You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
- Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
- Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.
STUDYING FOR YOUR GOALS
- Give yourself an edge – the core modules provide you with foundation knowledge, whilst the elective modules enable you to tailor the qualification to your own career development.
- Gain a qualification relevant to your own career development in areas such as psychology, counselling, and life coaching.
Biopsychology is useful in many different careers, such as health, caring, psychology, social work, addiction work, counselling, pharmaceuticals, medicine and much more. Study biopsychology to improve your job and career prospects and your knowledge.
YOU CAN ENROL TODAY
You can start the course at any time.
If you have any questions or want to know more - please get in touch with us today; our specialist tutors will be happy to answer your questions.