PY1SK-Skills for Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY1SKE Skills for Psychology with Academic Language
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Juliane Honisch

Email: j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is available to students registered for Single or Joint programmes within Psychology. It introduces students to a range of academic and practical skills that are important for studying psychology. Students will be encouraged to develop their skills with feedback from tutors. The module combines lectures, computer-based workshops, self-study and tutorial meetings. 

Aims:

Students will develop their skills as psychologists, to a level appropriate for first-year university students, providing a good foundation for more advanced work in the subject. Some of these skills, such as literature searching, research interpretation, essay writing and critiques, will be useful in spheres other than academic psychology. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• By the end of the module, students will be able to:


• Summarise psychological research


• Interpret and evaluate research


• Identify and reflect on their own learning


• Demonstrate APA referencing skills


• Deliver oral presentations 

Additional outcomes:

Students will additionally develop their skills in written communication (including essay writing) and literature searching. They will learn to reflect on feedback to inform future work, and strengthen their time management and planning abilities. 

Outline content:

The module covers five key areas to be explored in a number of lectures, tutorials and assignments: - Library skills and literature searching - Critical evaluation & interpretation - Presenting research orally and in writing - Good academic practice – Developing written work and using feedback

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, computer-based workshops and self-study. We will draw on resources provided by the University (e.g. Study Advice website, Library catalogue and resources) as well as subject-specific teaching material within the School.



NB The contact hours in the table below are indicative of the contact hours for students studying this module in the UK, and may vary for students taking this module at branch campuses. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8	5
Tutorials	2	3	1
Practicals classes and workshops	1	1
Guided independent study:	89	72	18
Total hours by term	8	8
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	65
Oral assessment and presentation	10
Set exercise	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed by coursework. Students undertake a variety of written and practical assignments. Written assignments (which contribute 65% of the module mark) include a critical review (25%), an essay (25%) and a reflective report (15%). Other assessments include an oral presentation (10%), completion of two workshops (5%), an online test (15%) and exercises in preparation for, and during, tutorials (5%).

Formative assessment methods:

The module structure and tutors' feedback on assignments provides students with opportunities to apply feedback in order to improve their skills

on future assignments, both within and outside the module.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An average mark of 40% for the module

Reassessment arrangements:
Submission of a written assignment before end of August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019