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Module Catalogue

FP010-30 Psychology

Department
Warwick Foundation Studies
Level
Foundation
Module leader
Sam Grierson
Credit value
30
Module duration
25 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

FP010-30 Psychology

Module web page

Module aims

This module aims to introduce students to the key themes and theories of psychology, as well as the research methods and classical studies that underpin the discipline. It further aims to introduce students to models of mental illness, and the biological basis of behaviour. Throughout the module, students will engage in critical thinking and their understanding will be rooted in applied examples and relevant, real-world scenarios. The skills and knowledge gained through this module will help prepare students for entry to Psychology undergraduate degrees.

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.

Part 1: Perspectives including classical studies and contemporary issues. • Contributions made by a variety of different theorists to the understanding of human behaviour. • Cognitive, humanistic, behavioural, psychodynamic, biological, and social learning theory approaches to our understanding of human behaviour including classical studies in psychology.
Part 2: Research methods including classical studies, contemporary issues, experimental techniques, and research design. • Ways of collecting data in psychology are explored. Included in the discussion are contemporary issues in considering psychological methods, including gender and cultural bias in research. • Social and ethical implications of research in the real world. • W.E.I.R.D. samples and the problems associated with generalisation and cultural differences in psychology • Ethical issues in Psychological Research.
Part 3: Mental Health and Illness • Defining abnormality. • Diagnosis and classification of disorders including cultural concepts • Treatment: including pharmacological and therapeutic approaches. • Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment: could include Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders.
Part 4: The Brain • Cells of the nervous system, the structure and function of the neuron. • The various parts of the brain and their primary functions and the lateralization of functions between the two hemispheres. • Neuroplasticity, brain injury and brain disease. • Cognitive deficits and disorders. • Biopsychosocial association of stress and health.

Learning outcomes

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

  •  Critically evaluate early research studies and methods for behavioural, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and biological concepts in psychology to explain human behaviour.
  •  Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological research methods and ethical considerations to problem solve a range of authentic contexts.
  •  Evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness and therapies and treatments in mental health disorders.
  •  Evaluate the biological and cognitive foundations of human behaviour.
Indicative reading list

https://rl.talis.com/3/warwick/lists/015C73D7-1EA5-9301-2E13-C47EB41916E5.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

Interdisciplinary

Part of a wider Biosciences and Psychology pathway which also covers Inquiry and Research Skills, English for Academic Purposes, Statistics for Science, Biology Principles and Practice, and Chemistry for the Biosciences.

Subject specific skills

An introductory overview of psychology.

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, group work, essay writing, presentation and communicating through contemporary media types.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 25 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Seminars 75 sessions of 1 hour (25%)
Private study 140 hours (47%)
Assessment 60 hours (20%)
Total 300 hours
Private study description

Private Study.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A2
Weighting Study time
Essay (1500 words) 25% 15 hours

Perspectives and debates essay exploring classical studies and contemporary issues in psychology.
Infographic with Recorded Presentation 40% 25 hours

Infographic comparing the evidence in support of different approaches to treatment of a mental illness (e.g., different therapeutic approaches to treating Anorexia Nervosa). 7-8 minute presentation delivered to a small group of IFP psychology students.
Case Study (2000 words) 35% 20 hours

I am assessing parts of the curriculum that have not been assessed throughout the year. This is an opportunity for students to apply theoretical concepts to real world scenarios linked to the following areas of study.
 Applied psychology
 Ethics & Research Methods
 Biological basis for behaviour
 Models of memory
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback to individual students, specific verbal feedback in seminars.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme
    • Year 1 of FP21 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Life Sciences
    • Year 1 of FP22 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Psychology

This module is Core optional for:

  • Year 1 of FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme

This module is Core option list A for:

  • Year 1 of FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme