You will need to evaluate the issues scientifically, critically, and objectively. You are to discuss the current state of knowledge on the neurobiology of memory consolidation and reconsolidation and critically link this to its potential impact on psychology. In doing so, you should describe and analyse evidence regarding both the underlying neurobiology and its links with symptoms/behaviours that are subserved by those brain structures and processes, using recent research articles and theory to substantiate your conclusions. Your essay should be based on original and recent refereed research articles (no fewer than 8, with an emphasis on the last 5 years). Over-reliance on undergraduate textbooks, the popular press and unrefereed Web sites will result in a reduced grade. It is important that the essay reflects your understanding of this topic (i.e., do not plagiarise!) and that you present this understanding in a logical and coherent fashion. There are several ways in which you can approach this particular topic – for example, you may to choose to focus on a particular area of psychology (e.g., clinical or research) to narrow your scope, though you are not confined to doing so. Similarly, you may choose to discuss, or not discuss, research using animal models and the neuropsychological findings there. Just remember that the unit is ‘Physiological Psychology’ (not Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or Developmental Psychology, etc.) – therefore, you need to ensure you focus your discussion on linking the neurobiology (i.e., brain structures and processes) of memory reconsolidation and psychology in your essay.

You will need to evaluate the literature scientifically, critically, and objectively. In your essay, you will need to evaluate the research that has provided the information that you are using. It is important not to search out only the research that supports your contention but also evaluate some that contradicts it. You will need to substantiate all your statements and arguments by adequate references. It is important that the essay reflects your understanding of the issues and of the articles you have used to construct your argument (i.e., again, do not plagiarise – e.g., be careful not to rely on review articles‟ interpretation of other published studies rather than primary sources you have read and understood yourself), and that you present this understanding in a logical and coherent form. The essay is worth 20% of your total grade for the unit.