Introduction to Biopsychology

Introduction to Biopsychologyis a lively and engaging introduction to brain and behaviour.  This edition has been substantially re-written and extended throughout to provide more information and detail on all key areas of the syllabus.  Assuming no background knowledge in biology or psychology this book will help any biopsychology student keep abreast of the latest developments in this dynamic and forward-looking area of psychology. New topic coverage includes a comprehensive look at sensory systems which affect our perception and understanding of the world around us, and a unique insight into degenerative diseases of the brain including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  and Huntington’s diseases.  This new expanded edition leads the reader with ease through exciting and cutting edge research, including recent advances in cognitive neuroscience and genetics, which illustrates how the discipline is moving forward.

The companion website to Introduction to Biopsychology has also been substantially updated and can be found at www.pearsoned.co.uk/wickens. This fantastic learning tool provides additional support through interactive animations to bring study of the brain to life; mind maps to aid learning and retention of information; multiple choice questions and exercises to test progress; an essay-writing guide to assist with assignments and links to relevant websites for further research.

Introduction to Biopsychology is a lively and engaging introduction to brain and behaviour. Assuming no background knowledge in biology or psychology this book will help any biopsychology student keep abreast of the latest developments in this dynamic and forward-looking area of psychology. Its modern feel and friendly format provides academically rigorous information on all key areas of the discipline in a clear and easy-to-read way. Supported throughout by diagrams and images, this new expanded edition leads the reader with ease through key concepts and cutting-edge research in biopsychology.

This edition:

• Includes a NEW comprehensive and wide-ranging chapter on sensory systems, which affect our perception and understanding of the world around us
• Includes a NEW chapter providing a unique insight into degenerative diseases of the brain including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  and Huntington’s diseases
• Contains an extensively revised chapter on emotion, including information on the fascinating role of frontal lobes in behaviour, and the rise and fall of psychosurgery
• Has been substantially re-written and extended throughout to provide more information and detail on all key areas of the syllabus
• Places a strong emphasis on the historical development of the subject to help students gain a deeper understanding of the main themes in biopsychology
• Describes exciting and up-to-date research, including recent advances in cognitive neuroscience and genetics, which illustrates how the discipline is moving forward.
• New special interest boxes that provide new insights into the brain and will stimulate debate. These include topics such as: how laughter affects the same areas of the brain as cocaine; what happens when a blind person sees again; and whether your sleeping habits make you a lark or an owl!

This edition includes bibliographies to encourage further reading, and a detailed glossary to help students get to grips with key concepts. It also features search terms to help students locate further information on the Internet.

The companion website to Introduction to Biopsychology has also been substantially updated and can be found at www.pearsoned.co.uk/wickens. This fantastic learning tool provides additional support for students and includes:

·        Interactive animations to bring study of the brain to life

·        Mind Maps to aid learning and retention of information

·        Multiple choice questions and exercises to test progress

·        An essay-writing guide to assist with assignments

·        Links to relevant websites for further research

Dr Andrew Wickens is a senior lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire and specialises in teaching biopsychology and neuroscience.

"A detailed account of the important areas of Biopsychology written in a friendly and accessible ‘voice’. Students will particularly welcome the applications of Biopsychology to mental illness and degenerative diseases of the brain... examples bring the subject to life in an applied setting and remind students of the rich tapestry of research and history in the area." Dr. Paul Aleixo (De Montfort University)

"A very accessible and informative introduction to Biopsychology including excellent illustrations and numerous up-to-date research examples. The two new chapters... are a welcome additionto the third edition and contribute to a better coverage of research topics relevant for Biological Psychology today."  Dr Hannie van Hooff  (University of Kent)