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Module Catalogue

PS117-15 Becoming a Psychologist

Department
Psychology
Level
Undergraduate Level 1
Module leader
Jagjeet Jutley-Neilson
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This module is designed to provide students with the 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). It also covers important areas such as APA referencing and good academic practice. Throughout the module, the emphasis will be on developing a coherent skill set based on critical thinking, evaluative writing, 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 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 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.

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
Lectures 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Seminars 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Tutorials 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%)
Practical classes (0%)
Online learning (independent) 2 sessions of 15 minutes (0%)
Private study 39 hours 30 minutes (26%)
Assessment 80 hours (53%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

private guided student study and independent reading

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 A3
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
On-line Test 1 40% 20 hours No

Online test taken outside class time via Moodle
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Research Training vidoes 5% 10 hours No

Partcipation Marks - Training vidoes
Participation mark in online training (5% for completion of all three training videos; staggered completion participation mark - 1 training video= 1%, completion, 2 training videos= 2%, completion of three online training videos = 5%)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Group Vlog Submission 25% 20 hours No

Students will work together in groups to create a vlog
Reassessment component
Vlog Creation No

3 minute vlog
Assessment component
Formative and summative Essay 30% 30 hours Yes (extension)

Essay marked by personal tutor
Reassessment component is the same
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:

  • UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
    • Year 1 of C800 Psychology
    • Year 1 of C800 Psychology
  • Year 1 of UPSA-C801 Undergraduate Psychology (with Intercalated year)
  • Year 1 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
  • UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 1 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 1 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics