PS117-15 Becoming a Psychologist
Introductory description
This module is designed to provide students with basic academic skills needed to succeed in a Psychology degree course.
Module aims
Topics will range from the practical (how to navigate an academic environment) to the theoretical (an in-depth look at the concept of 'evidence' in science), and will cover core course-related academic skills (how to efficiently and critically dissect original research papers, how best to communicate scientific content). Throughout the module, the emphasis will be on developing a coherent skill set based on critical thinking and a deeper understanding of empirical psychological science.
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.
The module will cover topics such as
- Effective approaches for learning in higher education
- Evaluation of research evidence
- Finding and reading scientific papers
- The meaning of science and evidence
- Effective referencing and academic integrity
- Planning and structuring essays writing and writing arguments in psychology
- Volunteering, study abroad, work experience and careers
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the difference between learning, teaching, and assessment methods in schools versus higher education.
- Understand the importance of academic integrity and demonstrate appropriate referencing techniques in psychology.
- Understand the basics of scientific thinking, and how they apply to Psychology as a scientific discipline.
- Critically evaluate empirical and theoretical scientific texts and communicate the outcome effectively.
- Understand the basic logic of empirical and qualitative research.
- Understand how to plan and write evaluatively
Indicative reading list
Parson, V. (2012) Communication and Study Skills for Psychology. Oxford University Press.
Smyth, T. R. (2004). The principles of writing in psychology. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Selection of Weekly Journals
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Understand the basics of scientific thinking, and how they apply to Psychology as a scientific discipline.
Critically evaluate empirical and theoretical scientific texts and communicate the outcome effectively.
Understand the basic logic of empirical and qualitative research.
Transferable skills
evaluation of evidence
evaluation of scientific papers
critical thinking
formation of effective and structured arguments
effective written communication and paraphrasing
understanding broader opportunities
Study time
| Type | Required | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | |
| Tutorials | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | 4 sessions of 15 minutes (1%) | 2 sessions of 15 minutes |
| Online learning (independent) | 2 sessions of 15 minutes (0%) | |
| Private study | 38 hours 30 minutes (25%) | |
| Assessment | 80 hours (53%) | |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
private guided student study.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Test 1 | 40% | 20 hours | No |
|
Online test taken outside class time via Moodle |
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| Research Training vidoes | 5% | 10 hours | No |
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Partcipation Marks - Training vidoes |
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| Group Vlog Submission | 25% | 20 hours | No |
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Students will work together in groups to create a vlog |
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| Essay | 30% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Essay marked by personal tutor |
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Feedback on assessment
Academic guidance for assessed work online via Moodle and Tabula, assessment and feedback hours, through tutorials, and seminars.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
- Year 1 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
- Year 1 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics