This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module FOUN0197: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY
Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]
FOUN0197: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 0 | 10 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham and Queen's Campus Stockton |
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To provide students with a general introduction to the psychological processes underlying human behaviour.
- to provide an awareness of the diversity, applications and limitations of psychological knowledge.
- to familiarise students with the scientific approach to collecting and interpreting data.
Content
- What is psychology? Introduction to perspectives and research methods.
- Introduction to learning and memory.
- Introduction to social psychology.
- Introduction to child development.
- Class practical.
- Writing a research essay.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
- show an appreciation of the nature of psychological theories.
- display an understanding of psychological processes (e.g. memory) at the level of the individual.
- display an understanding of the social and cultural influences on human behaviour.
- display an understanding of the stages of cognitive and social development relating to children.
- identify ethical considerations in psychology.
Subject-specific Skills
- By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
- design, carry out and evaluate a psychological investigation.
- write up a research essay.
Key Skills
- By the end of the module students will:
- be able to communicate effectively in writing
- be able to demonstrate problem solving skills
- be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
- Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises, group work, discussions and library assignments during tutorials and students' own time.
- Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a variety of assignments including invigilated tests and an essay.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | Weekly | 2 hours | 22 | Yes |
| Tutorials | 8 | Weekly | 1 hour | 8 | Yes |
| Practicals | 3 | 1 hour | 3 | Yes | |
| Preparation and Reading | 67 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invigilated Tests | 40% | Test 1 | 50% | Resit | |
| Test 2 | 50% | Resit | |||
| Essay | 60% | Essay | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Throughout the course exercises and library research will be undertaken. Comments are fed back to individuals and the group
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.