Module PSYC2221: Contemporary and Conceptual Issues in Behavioural Science

Department: Psychology

PSYC2221: Contemporary and Conceptual Issues in Behavioural Science

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The aim of this module is to develop skills in researching and communicating a range of contemporary and conceptual issues in behavioural science.
• It will provide students an opportunity to discuss behavioural science research in a tutorial context

Content

• Students will undertake weekly tutorials to discover, share, and discuss contemporary research in areas of behavioural science under investigation within the Department of Psychology.
• The focus of the module will be on research-led teaching and the development of skills for understanding and communicating empirical findings and theoretical concepts.

Learning Outcomes

• In depth knowledge relating to a sub-set of topics researched within the Department of Psychology

• Understand the relationship between theory and data, including the ability to evaluate theories and concepts
• Ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses

• Competent in written communication skills
• Competent in presentation skills
• Competent IT skills in word processing and data presentation
• Location, reading, and review of a body of research evidence
• Critical evaluation of the quality of evidence and arguments
• Ability to adopt different theoretical positions and see relationships between them

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

• Acquisition of knowledge and understanding in the areas studied is facilitated by activities undertaken in tutorials, as determined by individual tutors, and by individual study outside the tutorial setting.
• The tutorials will guide understanding of the relationship between theory and data.
• Knowledge and understanding will be assessed via an essay assignment and a recorded presentation.
• The essay assignment will assess the ability to organise, review and evaluate evidence and theory, to provide critical appraisal, and to contrast theoretical positions.
• The presentation assignment will assess the ability to verbally review and evaluate evidence and theory, to provide critical appraisal, and to contrast theoretical positions.
• A key component in the preparation of the essay is the acquisition of adequate word processing skills.
• A key component in the preparation of the presentation is the acquisition of adequate computer visual display skills.
• Feedback on progress in the module will be provided via in-class activities.
• Subject-specific and Key skills are fostered through discussion and will be assessed via the coursework assignments

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assignments and presentation opportunities within tutorials.

■ 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