Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module PSYS1011: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

PSYS1011: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to C817

Prerequisites

  • Mathematics GCSE Grade C (or equivalent)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The aim of this Level 1 introductory course is to allow students to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology

Content

  • The course introduces the main areas of cognitive psychology. Each section introduces and explores central issues, covering history, empirical findings and their theoretical interpretation. Each term a 'virtual seminar' on DUO allows students to test their knowledge of the material covered. Feedback is given on these seminars. Revision lectures are provided in the summer term

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Acquisition of knowledge of the area of cognitive psychology
  • Detailed understanding of some sub-areas of cognitive psychology
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Emerging understanding of the relationship between theory and data
Key Skills:
  • Developing ability to organise and utilise knowledge
  • Developing written communication skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Student acquisition of a broad range of knowledge relating to cognitive psychology is facilitated by the material covered in lectures and seminars, and the provision of appropriate reading lists. Assessment of the breadth and depth of this knowledge is achieved via the summative essay and the summer examination
  • One seminar is provided in the academic year to allow students the opportunity to develop their essay writing skills; this seminar is linked to the formative essay for the module
  • Two virtual seminars are held on DUO (one in the Michaelmas term and one in the Epiphany term) which comprise a MCQ test consolidating the knowledge the students have encountered throughout that term
  • Detailed understanding of some sub-areas of cognitive psychology is supported by elements of lecture content which use examples to provide more detail about selected topics and issues
  • The ability to organise and utilise knowledge is developed through students' preparation for the formative and summative essays and the examination. The essay and examination also assess students' abilities to use the knowledge acquired through reading and seminars

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 hour per lecture 22
Seminars 3 (2 virtual, 1 staff-led) 1 hour 3 ■
Student Preparation & Reading Time Associated with Formative & Summative Assessed Essays or Other Assignments 35 35
Student Preparation & Reading Time Associated with Contact Hours Listed Above; General Background Reading; Revision for Written Examinations etc. 140 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination. Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-hour examination. 100%
Component: Essay. Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
1500 word essay. 100%

Formative Assessment:

One 1500 word essay, two virtual MCQ seminars

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University