Module title
Module code
Academic year(s)
Introduction to Psychology
INT0013
2015/6
Credits
Module staff
20
Paul Rogers - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
Duration (weeks) - term 2
Duration (weeks) - term 3
Number students taking module (anticipated)
0
12
0
20
Module description
We explore the bases of mind and behaviour (both normal and abnormal) by looking at some of the main theories in psychology and their application in topics and classic research projects (for example: how is intelligence defined and measured? What kinds of mental illness are there, and how can these be explained and treated? What concept of the self can be found in your society?). We also focus on methods of research and the ethical problems that may arise in doing experiments with human subjects. A variety of learning opportunities and media will be used in the course (including interactive group/ pair work and web based materials).You will also be able to investigate an area of interest through a guided essay project.
You will require no prior knowledge of psychology, but should be prepared to share information about your own culture with fellow students.
Module aims
This module will provide a foundation in psychology for students who wish to follow a degree programme in psychology or another related academic subject in a UK university.
ILO: Module-specific skills

1. recognise why psychology provides more than common sense knowledge of behaviour
2. compare and assess definitions and models in various theoretical approaches used to explain human behaviour, both normal and abnormal
3. demonstrate an awareness of how cultural factors influence behaviour
4. undertake directed research into particular topics in psychology
5. evaluate ethical and methodological issues in specific case studies
6. bring knowledge of your own culture to relevant psychological topics
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
7. put together ideas and evidence in a standard format for either oral or written presentation within the limits of your knowledge of the discipline
8. demonstrate basic knowledge of the range and diversity of conceptual and historical issues in psychology
9. show an understanding of psychology as a coherent and developing scientific discipline
10. demonstrate an awareness of sub-disciplines within psychology
11. show understanding of basic and essential factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject,
12. demonstrate some awareness of ethical issues relating to psychological knowledge
13. demonstrate some awareness of methodological issues relating to psychological research
14. demonstrate some awareness of the complexities of applying scientific methods to the understanding of human behaviour
ILO: Personal and key skills
15. take responsibility for your own learning and work independently;
16. work cooperatively in groups;
17. communicate effectively in the written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Core content
1. What psychology is
2. Branches of psychology
3. Perspectives in psychology ( including biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive)
4. Evaluation of different types of research method
5. Exploration of research ethics
6. Why it is difficult to explain human behaviour scientifically
Seven topics taken from the following
8. Is psychology commonsense?—Research focus: detecting lying
9. Intelligence/IQ (history, definition)—Research focus: IQ tests
10. Autism—Research focus: theory of mind
11. Evolutionary psychology— Research focus: altruism
12. Abnormal psychology—Research focus: recognising insanity
13. Cross-cultural psychology— Research focus: concepts of the self
14. Decision making— Research focus: risk-taking
15. Social psychology—Research focus: obedience
16. Biological psychology( the brain)— Research focus: neurological syndromes in cognitive neuroscience
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
60
Guided independent study
140
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Placement / study abroad
0

Category
Lectures/presentations etc documentaries
Seminars
Guided independent learning
Hours of study time
30
30
140
Description formal lectures, including presentations, documentary films and online materials
Individual, small group and pair work based on reading tasks; short interactive tasks intended to assist understanding of topics research for assignment, presentation preparation, exam revision, web materials
Formative assessment
Form of assessment
Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)
Short written paper/worksheet/reading comprehension
Presentation
Varied (1 hour maximum)
10-15 minutes
Short seminars based on assigned readings relevant to a topic
Varied
ILOs assessed
2,5,7,17
2,4,5,7
2,5,7,17
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
50
Details of summative assessment
Written exams
50
Form of assessment % of credit
Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Brief written comments/oral feedback
Brief written comments
Oral feedback
Practical exams
0
Feedback method
Essay 50 2000 words 2,4,5,7,11-14
1-3,7-14
A tutorial at the drafting stage and written feedback for the completed essay
Written feedback Exam 50 2 hours
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
Examination Examination
ILOs re-assessed
1-3,7-14
Timescale for reassessment
As soon as possible, before
Exam board
Re-assessment notes

Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.
All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral.
The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final module grade.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Butler, G. & McManus, F. (2000). Psychology: a very short introduction. Oxford: OUP.
Flanagan, C., Hartnoll, L. & Murray, R. (2009) Psychology AS – The Complete Companion for WJEC. Oxford: OUP.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
The Psychologist magazine : www.thepsychologist.org.uk
Lectures on the brain: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2003/links.shtml
Comprehensive source of journal articles in psychology: http://www.apa.org/pubs/databases/psycarticles/index.aspx
ELE : http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2909
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Module ECTS
Module pre-requisites
Module co-requisites
NQF level (module)
Available as distance learning?
Origin date
Last revision date
Key words search
10
3
No
01/09/2007
08/08/2014
Introduction, psychology, social psychology, intelligence, evolutionary psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, ethics