Applied Psychology

Summary module description:
Applied Psychology

Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the application of psychological theory. Through the lectures and recommended reading, students will be able to describe and evaluate how psychological theory is used in the topics covered.

Assessable learning outcomes:
From the lectures and recommended reading students will be able to write knowledgeably and critically about the areas of Applied Psychology studied.

Additional outcomes:
The module also provides the option to submit an essay on a topic in applied psychology, and to receive feedback on the student's level of performance at an early stage in the first year.

Outline content:
PY1AP comprises 10 50-minute lectures in which the application of psychological theory will be explored. Examples of topics include health psychology, sport psychology, counselling psychology, consumer behaviour, educational psychology and occupational psychology. Relevant theory and research evidence will be described and evaluated. Each lecture will be supported with timetabled, online Q&A sessions. 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, each followed by a further 50-minute online discussion forum, and supported by optional tutorial classes, recommended reading and an online assessment. Teaching methods include the following:
(a) Lectures that encourage student participation
(b) Online discussion forum following lectures
(c) Recommended reading from texts
(d) Optional tutorial discussion groups
(e) Optional essay for feedback
(f) Revision lecture in summer term

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
This module is examined by a 1.5-hour written Summer Exam. The exam requires students to answer a set of multiple choice questions requiring knowledge of every lecture on the module, and to write one essay on topics covered in the module.

Formative assessment methods:
This module provides students with the opportunity to sign up to a tutorial group, at which students are able to discuss the material covered in lectures in relation to a specific essay question. Students are invited to write an essay on the topic, which tutors provide formative feedback for. The purpose of these tutorials is to encourage students to read widely and engage with lecture material; to practise writing essays on the lecture topics; and to provide students with feedback on their performance during the first term of their studies.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
1.5 hours

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall