Module Information

Module Identifier
CR12320
Module Title
Foundations of Psychology
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Dr Kathy Hampson
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
CR12430 or TR12430
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 3 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  - Assessed essay of 3000 words  100%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  - Assessed essay of 3000 words  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific nature of psychological enquiry
2. Understand and be able to contrast the major theoretical perspectives within psychology and apply these theories to understand selected aspects of human development, behaviour and functioning
3. Develop an ability to understand, organise and utilise knowledge
4. Identify the significance of scientific information and data and understand the relationship between theory and data
5. Review and evaluate some of the central studies key to the sub-disciplines of social, biological, cognitive and developmental psychology
6. Demonstrate an awareness of the extent and limitations of psychological theory and how it relates to other disciplines

Brief description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the scientific approach and areas of study within psychology. It will provide an introduction to psychology for students and assumes no prior knowledge of psychology. The module will cover key concepts from some of the main perspectives in psychology and provide students with a conceptual framework with which they can organise their knowledge of the discipline. This will give students a foundation in psychology from which they can develop their knowledge throughout the course of their studies.

Content

  • Introduction to key theoretical areas in psychology
    • - History of psychology
  • Biological Psychology
    • - The brain and brain functioning; Neuroscience; Emotion
  • Social Psychology
    • - The individual; Social groups and social identity; Social influence
  • Developmental Psychology
    • - Conditioning and learning; Moral development; Social development; Lifespan development
  • Cognitive Psychology
    • - Perception and attention; Memory; Thinking and reasoning

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not directly applicable although students will be introduced to the key concepts of reading and understanding psychological studies and scientific data.
Communication Oral: Students will develop oral communication skills by participating in seminar discussions. They will learn to be clear and direct with their discussion. (Not assessed) Written: Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and their written communication will be assessed according to effective expression of ideas, good language skills and a coherent argument. (Assessed)
Improving own Learning and Performance Interactive lectures and seminars will encourage the critical and lateral thinking of students with exercises planned to deliver a range of opportunities to facilitate the learning of abstract concepts, and will allow students to reflect on their own learning.
Information Technology Searches of on-line electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychLit, Psych Info) and accessing information from electronic journals will provide practice in IT skills. Module information on Blackboard will be accessed using IT skills. Students will submit their assessed work in word-processed format.
Personal Development and Career planning Preparation for seminars and the assessed assignment will develop time management skills; collation of sources for assessment will nurture research skills; appreciation of complex theoretical issues will develop critical thinking skills. All of these skills will contribute to their portfolio of transferable skills.
Problem solving The assimilation of a range of complex theories will develop students' problem-solving abilities and a range of interactive exercises in lectures, seminars and the assignment will encourage lateral thinking.
Research skills Research skills will be developed by accessing and critically analysing literature on various psychological theories in order to construct and present an informed discussion for the assessed exercise. Independent and group preparation for the seminars will also develop research skills.
Subject Specific Skills This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyse and evaluate a series of skills with respect to key psychological theories. From developing scientific skills in psychology students will be better positioned to understand human behaviour.
Team work Small group work and group seminars done within the seminars will foster team working skills.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4