University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available only to First Year students

Planned timetable: Lecture 12.00 noon - 1:00 pm Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri. 2-hour workshop: one of Mon 10.00 am - 12 noon, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm, 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm, Tues 9.00 am - 11.00 am, 11.00 am - 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

This module aims (i) to provide an introduction to the theoretical foundations, historical perspectives and modern developments of psychology; (ii) to provide an introduction to the variety of subjects which make up contemporary psychology; (iii) to provide a thorough grounding in the empirical basis of psychology. Lectures comprise the principal teaching method. In addition, a specialised methodology and practical course will introduce methods of research including experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results. The skills necessary for writing research reports will be stressed. It will be assumed that entrants have no previous knowledge of psychology.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 4 lectures, 1 x 2-hour workshop

Scheduled learning hours: 58

Guided independent study hours: 142

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Library Assignment = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%


Re-assessment: Library Assignment = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%. Reassessment applies to failed components only.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr D R McKay
Module teaching staff: Team taught
Module coordinator email drm23@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• understand historical perspectives and the theoretical foundations of psychology
• understand key areas of contemporary psychology
• understand the role of research in the development of this discipline
• critically evaluate key psychology studies
• complete basic statistical analyses and interpret results
• write in a format and style appropriate for a scientific journal