Introductory description

To provide an examination of a range of current topics, issues and debates in Psychology.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Due to the nature of the module and the desire to ensure module content is dynamic and reflects expertise in the department , the outline is only an example and likely to change each year.
Term/Week Session Topic
Term 1
Week 1 Introductory session
Week 2 Eyewitness testimony
Week 3 Behavioural science & influence
Week 4 Psychology of free will
Week 5 Consciousness and control I
Week 6 Consciousness and control II
Week 7 Psychological approaches to Insomnia I
Week 8 Psychological approaches to Insomnia II
Week 9 Families
Week 10 Friends and Enemies
Term 2
Week 1 Psychology of Ageing
Week 2 Genes and Behaviour
Week 3 Evolutionary Psychology
Week 4 Positive Psychology
Week 5 Mindfulness
Week 6 Counselling Psychology
Week 7 Consumerism and Mental Health
Week 8 Understanding Others’ Actions
Week 9 Motivation
Week 10 Preparing to revise
Term 3
Week 1 Revision
Week 2 Revision
Week 3 Revision
Week 4 Revision

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To evaluate current research in psychology;
• critical awareness of empirical methods of psychology;
• interpret data and their theoretical implications;
• integrate data from several areas of psychology;

Indicative reading list

Readings are specific to each lecture and assigned accordingly.

Subject specific skills

knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with psychology
An understanding of the breadth of the discipline and range of research

Transferable skills

reasoning skills
knowledge retrieval
understanding how different aspects of a discipline can be interconnected and can impact on the real world.
critical evaluation