Biopsychosocial Criminology, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe and reflect on how the field of biopsychosocial criminology has developed.
• Describe basic concepts within biopsychosocial criminology and explain how they relate to antisocial behavior.
• Describe different research methods within biopsychosocial criminology and explain how they are used in biopsychosocial criminological research.
• Analyze and suggest how insights from research within the field of biopsychosocial criminology can be used in developing effective crime prevention strategies.
• Compare presentations of biopsychosocial criminology in fiction and media with results from research within the field.

Main content of the course

This course deals with the basic concepts within biopsychosocial criminology and the research methodology commonly used within the field. The course involves an orientation in current research, including research on the importance of genes, biology, psychology, psychophysiology, nervous system, and pre- and perinatal factors, as well as, social and other environmental factors in relation to different types of antisocial behaviors, including crime. The course also involves how insights from research within the field of biopsychosocial criminology can be used in developing effective crime prevention strategies, as well as discussions about how this kind of research differs from the presentations in the media and other non-scientific sources concerning the impact of genetic and biological and/or environmental factors in relation to crime. A general focus is that the students should practice the ability to apply the knowledge on realistic cases and situations.

Teaching methods

The course is held in English. Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures, oral presentations, field studies, exercises, and seminars. Independent studies as well as studies in groups according to instruction form a significant part of the course. Several elements within the course are mandatory and will be specified at the beginning of the course. In the case of absence from mandatory components of the course, see study guide for further information.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Biopsychosocial Criminology I, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Biopsychosocial Criminology II, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Seminars

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Biopsychosocial Criminology I
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Biopsychosocial Criminology II
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all components on the course. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also taking into account the number of credits for each examination in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the examination assignments included on the course.

Specific entry requirements

One year full-time studies in behavioural and/or social sciences.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Re-examination:
1. A student who fails has the right to sit a new examination. In the normal case an additional opportunity is given after the ordinary examination.
2. For a course that has been cancelled or significantly changed in content or scope, there may be examinations on three occasions within 12-18 months after the changes have been made.
3. A student who has failed an exam for a certain course or part of course on two occasions have the right to request the head of the department to appoint another examiner.
4. A student who has been awarded the grade Pass on a specific course will not be given a new exam in order to achieve the grade Pass with Distinction.
5. Exams and assignments that are handed in too late will not be graded.

Transitional provisions

For further information, see number 2 under Other Provisions, Re-examination.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Raine, Adrian (2014)
The Anatomy of Violence. The Biological Roots of Crime
New York: Pantheon Books, 478 pages

Additional Reading

Beaver, K. M. (2019)
Biosocial Criminology: A Primer
Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 298 pages

Walsh, Anthony & Beaver, Kevin M. (2009)
Biosocial Criminology: New Directions in Theory and Research
New York: Routledge, 285 pages

Articles and other material, maximum 1000 pages, will be added as mandatory literature and specified in the study guide at the beginning of the course.