Introduction to Psychology 1

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: For non-Psychology students only
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY1PR Psychological Research
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the field of psychology, with particular emphasis on developmental and social psychology. Through the lectures and recommended reading, students will learn about key psychology theories, and will be able to describe and evaluate these theories and their research evidence in an historical and contemporary context.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the conclusion of this module, a student will be expected to be able to:
a)have an understanding of the historical evolution of psychology as a scientific discipline;
b)be able to demonstrate knowledge of theoretical approaches and key evidence in some areas of Psychology
c)use their knowledge of research design principles to evaluate empirical studies

Additional outcomes:
Students will begin to consider the role that psychological research plays in the world around them, and the contribution it makes to contemporary society.

Outline content:
PY1IP1 comprises 10 50-minute lectures in which key approaches to psychological questions will be introduced. Examples of topics that might be introduced include historical issues in psychology, research methods, typical and atypical developmental psychology, social psychology and clinical psychology. Relevant theory and research evidence will be described and evaluated. Weekly multiple-choice questions plus an end-of-module assessment will enable students to gauge their knowledge and understanding of the topics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught via 10 50-minute lectures, recommended reading and an online assessment. Teaching methods include the following:
(a) Lectures that encourage student participation
(b) Recommended reading from texts
(c) Weekly multiple-choice questions to support learning

Contact hours:
Lectures- 10
Guided independent study- 90
Total hours by term- 100
Total hours for module- 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam- 75%
Set exercise- 25%

Other information on summative assessment:
This module is examined by a 1-hour exam in Summer Term, using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Students are also assessed on the breadth of material covered in the module by weekly set exercises.

Length of examination:
1 hour

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Students will take a re-sit paper in August / September with a maximum score available of 40.