Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the defining characteristics and scope of individual differences and developmental psychology from both historical and contemporary perspectives;
Describe, compare and contrast major theoretical approaches and explanations in each of the identified areas of psychology from both UK and international perspectives;
Demonstrate an understanding of the relative merits and shortcomings of the predominant methods of investigation employed within each area;
Demonstrate knowledge of the link between research and theory across a range of psychological domains and conduct appropriate statistical project work.

Content:

This module builds on core aspects of two contemporary themes in psychology. For each subject area it provides a background and framework in the defining characteristics, methods and scope of the core topic areas included, but are not exclusive to, gender and emotion:

For Individual Differences:
Motivation, social cognition models, mood disorders, irrational belief, personality disorders, the role of individual differences in health and illness, gender differences, cultural differences.

For Developmental Psychology:
Theories of gender identity, transgender issues in development, sex differences in aggression and other characteristics; emotions and attachment; parenting/social influences; identity, the self, self- esteem, adolescence and relationship formation.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module delivery will be based upon a combination of lecture-based teaching and use of a VLE. A wide range of materials will be provided on the VLE to support students as developing independent learners. It is assumed that students will not have studied any psychology previously. The time allocated for guided self-managed learning activities will allow students to use a variety of library facilities such as book chapters, online resources or journal articles.

Students will undertake project work which will allow them to explore relevant statistical procedures appropriate to the module content.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: 150

Workshops
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: 150

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Students will be required to cover different topics in the literature review and essay, in order to avoid duplication of material.

Directed activities: These consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. This assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be successfully completed. A pass mark will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.