Psychology (Summer School) module (SS03013)

Module Leader

Anne Scrimgeour

Course Overview

This introductory course gives an overview of Psychology. The course introduces four approaches to the science of mind and behaviour; Cognitive, Biological, Developmental and Social Psychology. The overall aim is to provide students with an understanding of the topics Psychology covers, and the ways in which Psychological theories are developed through research. By the end of the course students should have a better understanding of Psychology as a scientific discipline.

Course Aims and Objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge of concepts in the following areas:

1. Social Psychology

The first section of the course focuses on how social networks impact on how we think and behave.

2. Biological Psychology

The second section of the course introduces the biological networks which underlie human cognitive processes.

3. Cognitive Psychology

The third section of the course introduces students to research concerning basic cognitive processes such as memory and perception.

4. Developmental Psychology

The aim of Developmental Psychologists is to study the biological, social, emotional and cognitive changes that take place in individuals. This section will look at topics such as attachment theories and the effect of post-natal depression.

 

List of Topics

1. Social Psychology - how social networks impact on how we think and behave.
2. Biological Psychology - the biological networks which underlie human cognitive processes.
3. Cognitive Psychology - introduction to research concerning basic cognitive processes such as memory and attention.
4. Developmental Psychology - to study the biological, social, and cognitive changes in individuals.

Course Schedule

All material is online and will be released on a weekly basis. There is an optional live lecture that takes place Tuesday mornings.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide a good knowledge and critical understanding of:

• Psychology as a scientific discipline
• A selection of research in Cognitive, Biological, Developmental and Social Psychology

Assessments

The course is based on continuous assessment:

• Open book quiz based on the social psychology section. This is worth 15% of the module grade. This will be available on Friday 7 July until midnight
• Essay based on the material covered in the biological section. This essay is worth 55% of your module grade and is due by Wednesday 19 July at 12pm. (Coursework to be uploaded to Turnitin)
• Cognitive Quiz worth 15% on Friday 21 July – available for 24 hours (open book quiz)
• Developmental Quiz (15%) Thursday 27 July – available for 24 hours (open book quiz)

Resources/Materials

As an initial point of reference students are advised to consult Holt, N and Bremner, A (2015) Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour. Berks. McGraw-Hill Higher Education or earlier editions.