PSY3013 - Foundations in Psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
explain the importance and significance of psychology as a science.
show an understanding of basic concepts in psychology.
explain the importance of research in psychology and outline key methods of investigation and their relative strengths and weaknesses.
demonstrate knowledge of theory and research in psychology in a range of core and applied areas.

Content:

What is psychology? Its aims, focus and methods of investigation. Psychology as a science. Ethical issues in psychological research and practice. Different perspectives and core areas in psychology. Thinking critically and reading and evaluating research papers.

Introduction to the main perspectives, methods of investigation, key studies and major issues and controversies in core areas of psychology, including selected topics in cognitive psychology (e.g. memory, attention), social psychology (e.g. interpersonal relationships, the psychology of social media), the biological bases of behaviour (e.g. the nervous system, psychology of stress), individual differences (e.g. personality, normality), and developmental and lifespan psychology (e.g. theories of child development, parenting).

Introduction to applications of psychology in selected areas including sport psychology, counselling psychology, and forensic psychology. Students will also briefly explore the history of psychology.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions and group work. Key studies in psychology will be used to illustrate key concepts and to help students to develop familiarity with reading and evaluating primary sources. The timetabled sessions will make flexible use of time, including a mixture of lectures and student-led activities such as discussions, workshops, presentations and other

Learning will be supported with materials on Moodle.

Workshops, group discussion and activities
Hours: 80
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 220

Further details relating to assessment
The portfolio will collate the outcomes of learning activities from across the first semester.

The group poster will focus upon a psychological topic that students choose.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio; 2,000 words; end of semester 1 50%
002 Group poster; 1,500 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Mark Durkin
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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