Biopsychosocial Criminology, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

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.

Content

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 focusing on biological, psychological and social 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 have legal implications as well as how such knowledge can be used in developing effective crime prevention strategies. Lastly, the course involves 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.

Examinations and grades

Biopsychosocial Criminology I, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Biopsychosocial Criminology II, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

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.

Modes of assessment

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

Biopsychosocial Criminology II, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Oral examination

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

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

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Exams/assignments submitted after deadline will not be marked if a deadline has been specified.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

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.

Additions and comments to literature list

If there is a newer edition of the listed book/books, then the listed edition or the new edition can be used.