PSY3103 - Psychology Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify a suitable academic topic that is related to psychology.
Plan an effective project based on existing academic literature and sources.
Present a coherent account of a problem or area of interest.
Demonstrate reflection on the problems that they encountered when undertaking their chosen project.

Content:

This module will allow students to study an area of psychology which is of particular interest to them. Hence the subject content for each student will be varied and the learning will be highly personalised. The module integrates learning from the module PSY3033 Researching and Applying Psychology. Sixty hours of workshop tuition and one to one supervision will be offered. This will be designed to explore and agree their topic area of interest, to produce a systematic plan and to agree a format for assessment. In these workshops students will be given an opportunity to explore assorted topics that their project could focus upon. Peer assessment of their project ideas will be encouraged. Students will work individually on their chosen project with the support of a supervisor.

Students will focus exclusively on existing academic literature and other secondary sources. No primary empirical research will be undertaken. The format that students wish to present their project work in will be negotiable. It may be, for instance, a written report, a presentation and oral examination, film or a series of blog posts.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A blended approach to learning will be adopted incorporating the principles of pre-live lecture-post teaching. The module will also utilise student-centred learning. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and formative feedback will be provided throughout the module. Students will initially attend workshops where tutors will work with them on how to conduct and construct a successful project report. In addition to this experience, students will be able to individually discuss their projects with a member of academic staff throughout the semester. All learning will be supportive and foster increased self-confidence. Topics, project titles and how information is to be presented for assessment will be individually negotiated between students and members of staff. Use will be made of the VLE Moodle.

Lecture / Workshops / Seminars / one to one supervisor support
Hours: 60
Intended Group Size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 240

Further details relating to assessment
The semester 1 assessment is a project plan which will identify the project’s aim and title, its objectives, the key areas for investigation, its structure and content, key academic sources and a timeline of activities.

The semester 2 assessment is a 2,500 (or equivalent) project write up. The project will require a student to undertake a sustained piece of academic work on a negotiated topic that they agree with the module tutor. This proposal must be on a topic directly related to psychology. Students will also be able to negotiate the assessed format of their project work. For example, they could choose to be assessed by a written report, film, a series of blog entries or a portfolio with reflections.

As this is a negotiated assessment module, the marking criteria for each student will become part of the negotiation process.

The project will not involve empirical research and research participants, and as such ethics clearance will not be required.

Assessment:

001 Project plan; 500 words; end of semester 1 30%
002 Project (negotiated assessment) 2,500 words or equiv.; end of semester 2 70%

Fact File

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

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