Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module FOUN0637: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY (TB1)

Department: Foundation Year

FOUN0637: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY (TB1)

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with a general introduction to the psychological processes underlying human behaviour.
  • to provide an awareness of the diversity, applications and limitations of psychological knowledge.
  • to familiarise students with the scientific approach to collecting and interpreting data.

Content

  • What is psychology? Introduction to perspectives and research methods.
  • Introduction to learning and memory.
  • Introduction to social psychology.
  • Introduction to child development.
  • Class practical.
  • Writing a research essay.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
  • show an appreciation of the nature of psychological theories.
  • display an understanding of psychological processes (e.g. memory) at the level of the individual.
  • display an understanding of the social influences on human behaviour.
  • display an understanding of the stages of cognitive and social development relating to children.
  • identify ethical considerations in psychology.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
  • demonstrate an understanding of the steps involved in carrying out a psychological investigation
  • write up a research essay.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will:
  • be able to communicate effectively in writing
  • be able to demonstrate problem solving skills
  • be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills
  • Test will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SS1, KS1, KS2, KS3 Assignment will assess: SK5, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3

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

  • Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises, group work, discussions and library assignments during tutorials and students' own time.
  • Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a variety of assignments including invigilated tests and an essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 11 Weekly 2 hours 22
Tutorials 8 Weekly 1 hour 8
Practicals 3 1 hour 3
Preparation and Reading 67
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Invigilated Test Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Test 1 100% Resit
%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 100%

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the course exercises and library research will be undertaken. Comments are fed back to individuals and the group


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