University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme

Planned timetable: Lectures: Wednesdays 9-11

In this course, students will critically evaluate attempts by psychologists to understand aggressive behaviour in humans. This course will develop students' skills in reading and critiquing papers, presenting complex information in a range of formats, and identifying and refuting misleading claims using scientific evidence. Students will consider issues such as: defining aggression; measurement of aggression; the utility of theoretical approaches to explaining aggression; the utility of different approaches to treatment for aggressive individuals.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): PS2001 AND PS2002 OR Permission of the Psychology and Neuroscience Director of Teaching.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour weekly class plus office hour

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 128

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Written examination: 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 70%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 30%

Re-assessment: Written examination: 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr R C May
Module teaching staff: Dr Catharine Cross
Module coordinator email cpc2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of how human aggression is defined and measured
• demonstrate knowledge of theoretical approaches to understanding human aggression
• demonstrate knowledge of contemporary problems in aggression research
• read and critique primary literature at advanced level
• present complex information, suitable for non-expert audience
• present a compelling, evidence-based argument, suitable for expert audience