Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of a range of psychological theories relevant to the field of forensic psychology
Evaluate and critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of psychological theories explaining offending behaviour and treatment;
Demonstrate a critical awareness of a range of issues within forensic psychology;
Understand the processes required to prepare and write a case study report.
Have practical experience of collecting forensic experimental data.

Content:

Deviant Sexuality, Sexual Offending, Eyewitness Testimony, Courtroom Psychology and Mental Health Issues in Prisons. Drugs and Crime, Mental Health and Crime, Police Psychology, Personality Disorder and Crime, Polygraphy, Violent Offending, Psychopathy, the Cognitive Interview.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will make use of lectures, laboratory based practicals, workshops, tutorials, virtual learning environment and small group seminars.

Lectures
Hours: 14 x 90 minutes
Intended Group size: cohort

Tutorials
Hours: 5 x 1 hour
Intended Group size: 4 x 10

Workshops
Hours: 2 x 90 minutes
Intended Group size: cohort

Practicals
Hours: 2 x 90 minutes
Intended Group size: 20-40

Guided Independant Study
Hours: 168

Assessment
Case Study: Students will be asked to choose one of three sex offender case studies and write a treatment plan which considers the ethical and practical implications and applies a theoretical framework to the case in order to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Directed activities: This assessment will be awarded either a pass or fail. A pass will require students to complete at least 75% of to the weekly tasks to receive an award of 10% toward the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute to 0% of the final module mark.
Further details relating to assessment
Students who fail to attend laboratory practical sessions will be asked to submit an alternative essay task.
Other relevant matters
This module is available to BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology students only.

Assessment:

001 Polygraph report (Group) 2000 words end of sem 1 50%
002 Casde study 2000 words end of sem 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Paul Smith
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5YL