PY1PAB-The Person and the Brain

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Juliane Honisch
Email: j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Modern psychological science is an inter-disciplinary endeavour. This module is designed to introduce students to the multiple perspectives that contribute to our understanding of human thought and behaviour. It introduces the key principles of organisation of systems from neurons and brain networks, to the individual, and to societal groups. For example, the module covers topics such as neural and hormonal function, genetic contributions to behaviour, personality, group dynamics. This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia. UoRM Lead is Tan Kok Wei (t.kokwei@reading.edu.my)

Aims:

The module aims to prepare students for in-depth study of multiple sub-fields of psychology in the advanced years of their degree, by building a broad foundation to understanding psychology as a multi-faceted scientific discipline. It also aims to introduce students who may have little formal background in psychology to fundamental concepts and theories.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness of the theories and methods in biological, personality and social psychology


• Appraise and evaluate the multiple factors that contribute to similarities and differences across individuals and groups


• Evaluate the real-world impact or potential application of research findings

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop skills in:

• Synthesising key messages from diverse sources of information;


• Reading effectiveness;


• Information retrieval;


• Critical thinking;


• Working in a group;


• Self-management;


• Written and oral communication;


• Problem solving

Outline content:

The module will cover themes such as the ones listed below, including both a historical and contemporary perspective to develop students’ understanding of psychology as a discipline:

• Principles of neural function


• Brain organisation


• Hormones and genes


• Traits and dispositions


• Psychopathology


• Personality


• Social influences


• Group processes and interpersonal relationships

Global context:

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

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Large group lectures


• Group seminars for coursework, peer-evaluation, and formative feedback


• Guided independent reading

Contact Hours:

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	20		2
Seminars	10		2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	74
Exam revision/preparation	30		10
Preparation for seminars	12
Essay preparation	20
Total hours by term		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A Short answer question (SAQ) summer exam (50%).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Written report (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be required to prepare a small piece of work for discussion during seminars. The task will be designed to help the student improve their understanding of the preceding lecture group and prepare for the summer exam.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 will be for the failed summative assessment(s) in the August resit period.

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: 17 October 2023