This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module introduces students to the study of psychology, with the aim of providing an introductory understanding of key topics within psychology and seminal psychological research. The module will explore psychology as a Science and the research methods common in psychological research. The lectures will cover some of the key concepts and findings in the study of abnormal psychology, sensation, consciousness, child psychology, motivation, emotion, memory and attitudes, group processes (all in term 1) and evolutionary psychology, personality, visual perception, social-cognitive psychology, health psychology and psychobiology (all in term 2).
The module encourages students to explore classical concepts in psychology within the context of cutting edge research and contemporary issues within modern society. There is a particular focus on how psychology and concepts within the subject can inform controversial issues in everyday society.
Autumn Start
Total contact hours: 96
Private study hours: 204
Total Study hours: 300
Spring Start
Total contact hours: 100
Private study hours: 200
Total Study hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Assignment 1 (1000 words) (15%)
In Course Test 1 (45 minutes) (15%)
Assignment 2 (1500 words) (25%)
Seminar Participation (5%)
Examinations, (2 hours) (40%)
JYA English Plus alternative assessment in lieu of exam:
Written Assignment (1,500 words)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of The American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Carlson, N. R., Martin, G. N. & Buskist, W. (2009). Psychology (Fourth European Edition). Harlow: Pearson Education.
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2008). Social Psychology (5th Ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Gleitman, H., Reisburg, D., & Gross, J. J. (2011). Psychology (8th Ed.). New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Kalat, J. W. (2009). Biological Psychology (10th Ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Burger, J. M. (2010). Personality (8th Ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Additional readings will be recommended from this text and online sources in each lecture.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate introductory understanding and knowledge of psychology and its research methods.
Show a familiarity and awareness of how key concepts in psychology relate to current and contemporary issue in modern society.
Show an awareness of sub-disciplines within Psychology and how these relate to each other.
Demonstrate introductory understanding and knowledge of abnormal psychology, sensation, consciousness, child psychology, motivation, emotion, memory and attitudes, group processes (all term 1) and evolutionary psychology, personality, visual perception, social-cognitive psychology, health psychology and psychobiology (all term 2).
Select, evaluate and use relevant information from a range of textual formats (e.g. quantitative, tabular and graphic data, reports, textbooks and articles) relevant to the study of Psychology.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Show knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of theoretical and empirical approaches in university study.
Understand the quality of theories, methods and findings in published research.
Comply with methods of assessment, deadlines, homework, seminars, workshops, laboratory work and tutorials, as appropriate.
Appropriately manage and organise their time.
Work effectively in a group.
Present and discuss information gleaned from guided or independent research.
Use information technology and library resources to support learning and personal understanding.
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