Our Year 13 psychologists recently embarked on a series of enriching experiences outside the classroom. They visited the University of Suffolk biopsychology lab and took part in a sociology crime lecture, as well as attending a psychology lecture on serial killers in Chelmsford.
During their visit to the University of Suffolk, pupils used LED glasses which 'untrain' the brain from unhealthy cyclical patterns. They also tested Muse headbands, which are EEG brain sensors that can detect your brain activity and provide you with real-time feedback through meditation programmes. Several students had their pupil motion tracked using a programme in the Cognitive Neuroscience Department as a research tool for attentional bias investigations. We tried on the EEG caps and learned about some of the fascinating research being carried out in motion and static tasks - such as looking at brain activity whilst taking penalties in football.
After visiting the labs, pupils were able to enjoy a lecture on crime, crime data and changing patterns of crime.
Later in the term, a group of psychologists headed out on a rainy Wednesday evening to be in the audience for a lecture called The Serial Killer Next Door, by TV Psychologist, Emma Kenny. We were enthralled, terrified and fascinated to learn about the traits of serial killers, how they are profiled and caught, and what drives them to commit such terrible crimes. It was a brilliant evening for the true crime enthusiasts in the department!
