PY0FTP-Foundation Topics in Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: IF0RAS Foundation in Academic Skills
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Mrs Lucy Smith

Email: lucy.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an understanding of some key topics within psychology, which will support their learning during a subsequent psychology degree programme.

Aims:

To gain an understanding of some key topics within psychology. Through teaching and recommended reading, students will learn about theories and evidence covering a broad spectrum of sub-disciplines within psychology, such as developmental disorders; ageing and dementia, personality and individual differences; aspects of clinical psychology; and will be able to describe and evaluate these. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of the topics covered within the module to a standard equivalent to A-level. 


• Be able to describe and evaluate topic-specific psychological theories and evidence 

 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

In this module, students will cover a range of topics within psychology. The topics covered will each address discipline-specific theories and evidence. The topics will be selected from a list such as Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Individual Differences, Bio-Psychology, and Clinical Psychology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught via lectures, tutorials and the virtual learning environment, and supported by recommended reading from a core textbook.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20	10
Tutorials	10	10	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30	20	10
Wider reading (directed)	20	20
Other		20	75
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10	10
Revision and preparation	20	20
Essay preparation	40	30
Total hours by term	150	150	100
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	25
Set exercise	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is examined by an exam in Summer Term (50% of the mark for the module).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework for this module is comprised of a written essay (25%) and set exercise (25%).

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment will be used throughout the module and supported via tutorials.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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 overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Approximately £40-50

Last updated: 21 September 2020