PY0FTP-Foundation Topics in Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: IF0RAS Foundation in Academic Skills
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Yue Yue
Email: yue.yue@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an understanding of some key topics within psychology, which will support their learning during a subsequent psychology degree programme.


Aims:

To gain an understanding of some key topics within psychology. Through teaching and recommended reading, students will learn about theories and evidence covering a broad spectrum of sub-disciplines within psychology, such as the classic studies and theories within Social, Developmental, Cognitive and Health Psychology.


Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:




  • Demonstrate an understanding of the topics covered within the module to a standard equivalent to A-level. 

  • Be able to describe and evaluate topic-specific psychological theories and evidence


Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

In this module, students will cover a range of topics within psychology. The topics covered will each address discipline-specific theories and evidence. The lecture topics will be selected from Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Health Psychology. The seminars will be assessment support sessions (essay writing, exam preparation) and student-led discussions related to lecture topics.


Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught via lectures, tutorials and the virtual learning environment, and supported by recommended reading from a core textbook.


Contact hours:
  Autumn Spring Summer
Lectures 20 20 8
Tutorials 10 10 4
Guided independent study:      
    Wider reading (independent) 30 20 10
    Wider reading (directed) 20 20
    Other 20 20
    Completion of formative assessment tasks 10 10
    Revision and preparation 20 88
    Essay preparation 60
       
Total hours by term 170 120 110
       
Total hours for module 400

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage
Written exam 50
Written assignment including essay 25
Set exercise 25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is examined by an exam in Summer Term (50% of the mark for the module).


Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework for this module is comprised of a written essay (25%) and set exercise (25%).


Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment will be used throughout the module and supported via tutorials.


Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

  • where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
  • where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall mark of 40%.


Reassessment arrangements:

By examination in August.


Additional Costs (specified where applicable):


  1. Required text books: £0 (electronic and paper copies are available in the University library)  

  2. Specialist equipment or materials: None

  3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

  4. Printing and binding: None

  5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

  6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None


Last updated: 30 March 2023

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

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