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Psychology

Module description

This module explores the bases of mind and behaviour. You will look at some theories and concepts in psychology and their application, consider elements of psychopathology, evaluate some treatments, and learn about research studies, methods, and associated ethical issues. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

1. This module aims to provide a foundation in key concepts of psychology as well as develop essential knowledge and understanding of the study of mind.

2. It aims to prepare students for further academic study at a UK university through a focus on a) learning how to conduct and navigate published research, and b) taking a self-directed and enquiry-based approach to learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified psychological concepts and theories.
• 2. Evaluate therapies and treatments including in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.
• 3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of definitions of abnormality, including deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency and deviation from ideal mental health.
• 4. Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts, theories, research studies and research methods.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Analyse, interpret, and evaluate experimental methods and results.
• 6. Demonstrate some awareness of ethical issues in treating human conditions and in conducting psychological research.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Present your work effectively in a format appropriate to this discipline
• 8. Evaluate your performance in the light of feedback on formative tasks

Syllabus plan

Core content:

• Perspectives in Psychology (including biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive)
• Key debates in Psychology
• Psychological research methods and ethical implications

Topics typically covered may include:

• Clinical Psychology: Recognizing and treating abnormality
• Cognitive Psychology: Components of Memory and/or Perception
• Cross-cultural Psychology: Concepts of the Self
• Developmental Psychology: Intelligence
• Health Psychology: Stress
• Social Psychology: Social Influence
• Organizational Psychology: Group behaviour
• Psychopathology

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs, there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.  

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed. 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Flanagan et al. AQA Psychology, 2^nd Edition. Illuminate Publishing.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:

• ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Key words search

Psychology