Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module PSYS3161: THE SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]
PSYS3161: THE SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Queen's Campus Stockton |
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Prerequisites
- 100 credits from Level 2 Applied Psychology (C810) OR Brain Processes of Perception & Cognition (PSYC2111)
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- The Visual Brain (PSYC3181) OR Neuropsychology (PSYC3011)
Aims
- To provide an introduction to the scientific study of consciousness
Content
- Is it possible to study consciousness scientifically?
- Philosophical issues in the study of consciousness
- The neural bases of consciousness
- Brain-damage and awareness
- Consciousness & cognition
- The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Detailed knowledge of the study of consciousness, including current theory, evidence, and research methods
- In-depth knowledge of models and empirical studies of consciousness in normal and brain-damaged patients
Subject-specific Skills:
- Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately
Key Skills:
- Good written communication skills
- Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation
- Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Knowledge and understanding is developed through the weekly 2 hour sessions involving variety of learning modes including lectures, student presentations, video-based material, and some small group work
- This knowledge will be assessed in the summative assessment, and the written examination. These assessments will be essay-based, providing students with the opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to appraise and apply empirical and theoretical in a critical manner
- Preparations for presentations promote students abilities to locate, read and evaluate a body of evidence. These abilities are assessed via the summative essay and written examination. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
- All modes of teaching are designed to promote critical evaluation of evidence and arguments, to adopt different theoretical positions, and to interpret empirical work in terms of theory. Assessment of these abilities is based on the summative essay and written examination. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
- Written communication skills are developed through the preparation for the essay and examinations. Assessment of the skills is based on these formative assessments. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
- Good IT skills are required for the preparation of the summative essays. Feedback is provided regarding the adequacy of these skills where necessary
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture & seminar sessions | 22 | Weekly | 2 | 44 | |
Preparation & reading | 156 | ||||
Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 75% | ||
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Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Examination | 2 hours | 100% | None |
Component: Summative Essay | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
2000 Word Essay | 100% | None |
Formative Assessment:
Workshop presentation
■ 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