PY1IPY-Introduction to Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY1PAB The Person and the Brain and PY1LAL Learning about Learning and PY1PR Psychological Research and PY1DMH Debates in Mental Health
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Katie Barfoot
Email: katie.barfoot@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading, for students who are interested in but not studying Psychology.  

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the field of Psychology, methods used to enhance our understanding of human behaviour and how psychology can be applied in the world around us.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Demonstrate understanding of key theories and experiments in psychology


• Critically evaluate selected research studies from the literature

Additional outcomes:

In addition, students will be able to

• Use databases and library resources to source literature


• Use APA referencing style

Skills that will be developed include:

• Self-management


• Problem solving


• Written and oral communication


• Critical thinking

Outline content:

Students will attend lectures introducing psychology as a discipline; topics may include: cognitive psychology and perception, social psychology, individual differences, developmental psychology, biological psychology and neuroscience. 

In addition, students will attend seminars, drawing upon and extending module content to enable them to write an essay.

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how psychology can be context-bound.  Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate the similarities and differences of research on psychology internationally.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will involve a range of methods including:

• Large group lectures


• Small group seminars


• Guided independent reading

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		60
Wider reading (directed)		60
Exam revision/preparation			20
Preparation for seminars		6
Preparation of practical report		20
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Total hours by term	0	180	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One summer-term short answer question (SAQ) exam (60%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written report, with supporting seminar (40%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback on a report plan.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is via re-examination in the August resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 16 September 2021