Module Descriptors
FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC30585
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 3
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Claire Barlow
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 126
Independent Study Hours: 174
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 25%
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 25%
  • POSTER weighted at 25%
  • GROUP PRESENTATION weighted at 25%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module will run in both Semester One and Two. In semester one, you will be introduced to Cognitive Psychology , including the Models of Memory, the Organisation of Memory, Forgetting and the Applications of memory research. You will also cover some aspects of Biological Psychology which investigates the connection between the brain and physiological processes. In this part of the module, you will study Sleep, Dreams and Hypnosis in terms of brain activity and function. In Semester two, you will be introduced to Developmental psychology in which you will look at the development of Gender Identity and the Nature Nurture Debate in terms of Gender Identity( including Gender and Culture). You will also be introduced to Personality development and will take a close look at Freudian theory. Nature/Nurture arguments will also be emphasised during this part of the module. The last part of this module is concerned with Individual Differences, How we define Abnormality, Models of Abnormality and Psychopathology (in this case, Schizophrenia). The treatment of this disorder will also be introduced. Your independent study time will be spent engaging in wider reading and formative assessment.
Module Learning Strategies
There are 28 weeks of normal classes (3 x 1.5hrs) and two reading weeks. Lectures provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and evidence. Classes also include interactive learning activities, such as group discussion, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentation, video etc, web based activities and written formative and summative assignments.
Module Additional Assessment Details
? Developmental Psychology
Essay 1200 words ( to be completed at home)
In this, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the development of Gender Identity and/or Personality, and the Nature/Nurture debate. You will also demonstrate your ability to critically assess key issues, concepts, research and theory relating to the study of gender development and Personality. ( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)
Assessment Weighting 25%

? Individual Differences
Examination.
In this assignment, you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of key issues such as what do we mean by normality/abnormality. You will also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of both theory and Research relating to Schizophrenia and it?s treatment. Your ability to critically analyse relevant theory and research will also be assessed. ( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)
Assessment Weighting 25%



? Cognitive Psychology
Posters, to express ideas in diagrammatical form.
This assignment will require you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the models and organisation of memory through diagrams. You will also be asked to link these to why we forget and based on these diagrams, suggest how memory can be improved ( learning outcomes 1,2and 5)
Assessment Weighting 25%

? Biological Psychology
Presentations
Here, you will be asked to present your knowledge and understanding ( in a group) of one of the areas covered in physiological psychology. You will also be required to demonstrate your ability verbally to critically assess both theory and research. Your awareness of what the key concepts and issues are within the specified are will also be tested. ( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)
Assessment Weighting 25%

PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 and 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

Essay 1200 words ( to be completed at home)
In this, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the development of Gender Identity and/or Personality, and the Nature/Nurture debate. You will also demonstrate your ability to critically assess key issues, concepts, research and theory relating to the study of gender development and Personality. ( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)
Assessment Weighting 25%

1500 word essay (from range of questions)
( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4) 25%


Cognitive Psychology
Posters, to express ideas in diagrammatical form.
This assignment will require you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the models and organisation of memory through diagrams. You will also be asked to link these to why we forget and based on these diagrams, suggest how memory can be improved ( learning outcomes 1,2and 5)
Assessment Weighting 25%

Biological Psychology
Presentations
Here, you will be asked to present your knowledge and understanding ( in a group) of one of the areas covered in physiological psychology. You will also be required to demonstrate your ability verbally to critically assess both theory and research. Your awareness of what the key concepts and issues are within the specified are will also be tested. ( learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)
Assessment Weighting 25%
Module Resources
Textbooks, journals, resource packs, videos ( available in the psychology department and in the main library)and learnwise,(found on the college intranet)
TEXTS
Cardwell, Clarke and Meldrum (2008): Psychology for A Level. London: Collins.
Gross, R. and Mcilveen, R. (1998) Psychology: A New Introduction, Hodder and Stoughton, London.
Gross, R.D. (2015) Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour (7th Ed). London: Hodder Education