Module PSYC1071: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY I: COGNITIVE AND BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC1071: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY I: COGNITIVE AND BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• PSYC1062 - Introduction to Psychological Research

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This Level 1 introductory course is to allow students to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology

Content

• The course is divided into four sections (NB the order in which the topics are delivered may vary): (1) How the brain works, (2) How vision works, (3) How attention and memory works, (4) How learning works
• Each section introduces and explores central issues, covering history, empirical findings and their theoretical, interpretation
• The sections have a common form of 10 one-hour lectures, including a one-hour formative multiple choice class test, and revision classes
• The first lecture of each sub-section provides a historical and conceptual introduction to the topic

Learning Outcomes

• Acquisition of knowledge of the areas of cognitive psychology and the biological bases of behaviour.
• Detailed understanding of some sub-areas of cognitive and biological psychology

• Emerging understanding of the relationship between data and theory

• Developing ability to organise and utilise knowledge

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 and psychology and the biological bases of behaviour is facilitated by the material covered in lectures and the provision of appropriate reading lists
• Assessment of the breadth and depth of this knowledge is achieved via the summer examination.
• The examination uses an MCQ format to assess the breadth of students knowledge of the full syllabus
• Detailed understanding of some sub-areas of cognitive and biological psychology is supported by elements of lecture content which use examples to provide more detail about selected topics and issues
• The examination serves to probe the depth of students understanding in these areas
• The ability to organise and utilise knowledge is developed through students' preparation for and participation in lecture activities
• The examination assesses students' abilities to use the knowledge acquired through reading. The formative class tests provide students with rapid feedback on their progress in acquiring knowledge
• Lecture activities guide students emerging understanding of the relationship between data and theory by providing examples of methods and issues arising from these and how these relate back to theory. Knowledge of both key findings and theories is assessed by the examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The formative class test MCQs provide almost immediate feedback on students' progress and what has been learned

■ 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