PSYCHOLOGY

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Hunt

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Although this course has no co-requisites, it will be a co-requisite for Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications.

Overview

Topics will include: Biological psychology and developmental psychology.

Structure

The course will comprise 3 one-hour lectures/week and 4 one and a half-hour workshops per semester.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Multiple-choice examination (75%). Continuous assessment in workshops (25%). 

Resit: Multiple-choice examination (75%). Continuous assessments (25%).

Formative Assessment

Peer feedback will be provided for workshops. In-class quizzes will be provided.

Feedback

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Pearson

Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

PS 1009

Overview

The course will cover core experimental methods and research design in psychology. These experimental methods will be linked to a range of data handling techniques and interpretation skills.

Structure

The course will consist of a weekly group practical (2 hour) and lecture (1 hour), and 6 hours of individual participation in psychological experiments.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (70%) and MCQ exam (30%). Coursework will consist of practical reports, assessed oral presentations, SONA experimental participation credits, and short assignments completed in class).

Resit: Resubmitted coursework assignments (50%) and MCQ exam (50%).

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback on continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Hunt

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory is a co-requisite for Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications.

Overview

Topics will include: Cognitive psychology, social psychology and perception.

Structure

The course will comprise 3 one-hour lectures/week and 4 one and a half-hour workshops per semester.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Multiple-choice examination (75%). Continous assessment in workshops (25%).

Resit: Multiple-choice examination (75%). Continuous assessments (25%).

Formative Assessment

Peer feedback will be provided for workshops. In-class quizzes will be provided.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Pearson

Pre-requisites

PS 1009 and PS 1010.

Co-requisites

PS 1509.

Notes

Overview

The course will cover core experimental methods and research design in psychology. These experimental methods will be linked to a range of data handling techniques and interpretation skills.

Structure

The course will consist of weekly group practical (2 hours) and lecture (1 hour), and individual participation in 6 hours of psychological experiments.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (70%) and MCQ exam (30%). Coursework will consist of practical reports, assessed oral presentations, SONA experimental participation credits, and short assignments completed in class).

Resit: Resubmitted coursework assignments (50%) and MCQ exam (50%).

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback on continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009 Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory.
PS 1509 Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory.

Notes

Although this course, Advanced Psychology A: Concepts and Theory, has no co-requisites, it will be a co-requisite for Advanced Psychology A: Methods and Applications.

Overview

Topics will include: Cognition and language, organisational psychology and behavioural neuroscience.

Structure

The course will consist of 3 one-hour lectures/week and 2 one-hour workshops/semester.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (60%); continuous assessment (30%) - essay no more than 2,000 words, workshop (10%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (60%). Continuous assessment marks will remain unchanged.

Formative Assessment

There are formative assessments associated with the lecture programme.

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback during continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Sutherland

Pre-requisites

PS 1009 Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory
PS 1010 Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications
PS 1509 Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory
PS 1510 Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications

Co-requisites

PS 2017 Advanced Psychology A: Concepts and Theory.

Overview

This course will cover a range of core research methods and data handling techniques used in contemporary psychological research.

Structure

The course will consist of 1 one- hour lecture plus two-hours of small group practical work per week, and 2.5 hours of individual participation in psychology experiments per term.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (50%) and multiple choice exam (50%)

Resit: Students will be able to repeat individual components.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided through a subset of practical sessions and tutorials.

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback on continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009 Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory.
PS 1509 Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory.

Notes

Although this course has no co-requisites, it will be a co-requisite for PS 2516

Overview

Topics will include: Perception, developmental psychology, social psychology and clinical psychology.

Structure

The course will consist of 3 one-hour lectures/week and 2 one-hour workshops/semester.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (30%) - essay (no more than 2,000 words), workshop (10%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (60%). Continuous assessment marks will remain unchanged.

Formative Assessment

There are formative assessments associated with the lecture programme.

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback during continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Sutherland

Pre-requisites

PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510

Co-requisites

PS 2517 Advanced Psychology B: Concepts and Theory.

Overview

This course will cover a range of core research methods and data handling techniques used in contemporary psychological research.

Structure

The course will consist of 1 one-hour lecture plus two-hours of small group practical work per week, and 2.5 hours of individual participation in psychology experiments per term.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Exam (65%) and continuous assessment (35%).

Resit: Students will be able to repeat individual components.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided through a subset of practical sessions and tutorials.

Feedback

Students will receive written feedback on continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Crawford

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516 and permission of Head of School.

Notes

This course can only be taken by students pursuing an Honours Degree programme in Psychology.

Overview

This course will impart the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out and evaluate psychological research using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week = 12 hours.
3 hours of practicals and workshops per week = 36 hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour Multiple Choice examination (40%). Continuous assessment (60%), including a practical report (< 3000 words) and an oral presentation.

Resit: 1 two-hour Multiple Choice Examination (40%).
Continuous assessment (60%), including a practical report (< 3000 words) and an oral presentation.

Formative Assessment

Students will receive formative assessment of their progress during tutorials, by their practical supervisor during laboratory sessions, and via in-lecture review of specific learning outcomes.

Feedback

Feedback on the oral presentation will be given by the supervising tutor.
Feedback on the practical report will be given as a marking form and specific written comments by the practical supervisor.
Formative feedback on tutorial exercises will be both written and verbal.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor L Phillips

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515 and PS 2516.

Co-requisites

PS 3009 for Joint Honours.

Overview

The course will outline and evaluate various methods of psychological assessment and the application of psychological tests and will provide students with an understanding of psychometric theory. The course includes some historical background to developments in psychological assessment, considers applications of psychological assessment in a wide range of settings, and includes discussion of legal and ethical issues surrounding test administration and interpretation.

Structure

Twelve hours of lectures and a single two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A Sahraie

Pre-requisites

PS1009, PS1509, PS1010, PS1510, PS 2015, PS2016, PS2515, PS2516.

Overview

Spatial Vision, Temporal Vision, Depth Perception, Biopsychology of Vision, Role of Attention in Perception.

Structure

Twelve hours of lectures and a single two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (75%), peer assessed debate workshop (5%) and submission of a 600 word summary of debate material summarising the main points for a graduate audience (20%)

Resit: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (100%)

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Sutherland

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515 and PS 2516.

Co-requisites

PS 3012 and PS 3011 for Behaviourial Studies.
PS 3012, PS 3011, PS 3009 for Psychology.
PS 3012 for Joint Honours and Neuroscience with Psychology.

Overview

Psychopharmacology lectures will examine how the study of psychoactive drugs can inform our understanding of both normal and abnormal brain function. Neuropsychology lectures will focus on the relationship between biological measures of brain function and memory.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 two-hour tutorials during the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assigments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Crawford

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3009 and permission of Head of School.

Notes

This course can only be taken by students pursuing an Honours Degree programme in Psychology.

Overview

This course will impart the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out and evaluate psychological research using quantitative methods.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week = 12 hours.
3 hours of practicals and workshops per week = 36 hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour Multiple Choice examination (40%). Continuous assessment (60%), evaluating statistical and research skills.

Resit: 1 two-hour Multiple Choice examination (40%). Continuous assessment (60%), evaluating statistical and research skills.

Formative Assessment

Students will receive formative assessment of their progress during workshops, by their practical supervisor during laboratory sessions, and via in-lecture review of specific learning outcomes.

Feedback

Feedback on the oral presentation will be given orally by the supervising tutor.
Feedback on the practical report will be given as a marking form and specific written comments by the practical supervisor.
Formative feedback on tutorial exercises will be both written and verbal.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Hosie

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1509, PS 1010, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516.

Co-requisites

PS 3517 and PS 3519.
(Joint Honours, PS 3517 only)

Overview

This course will examine both historical and contemporary issues and findings in perceptual development, language development, social and emotional development, and developmental psychopathology. The course will also cover a number of key conceptual issues including the role of nature versus nurture in human development, modularity and modularization, and the contribution of research on atypical development to our understanding of normal functioning.

Structure

Twelve hours of lectures and a single two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assigment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assigments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Pearson

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1509, PS 1010, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516.

Co-requisites

PS 3517 and PS 3518 (not for Joint Honours and Neuroscience with Psychology students).

Overview

The memory component of the course examines the cognitive study of human learning and memory; the modal and working memory models; the application of memory models to everyday cognition. The language component of the course examines cognitive mechanisms underlying sentence processing and production, and higher level processes of language comprehension.

Structure

Twelve hours of lectures and a single two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 2 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor N Macrae

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1509, PS 1010, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS2515, PS 2016, PS 2516.

Co-requisites

PS 3518 and PS 3519.
(Joint Honours, PS 3518 only).

Overview

The course will commence with a brief conceptual overview of experimental social psychology. Consideration will then be given to a range of core topics in social cognition. The historical context of each topic will be covered prior to an analysis of contemporary theoretical and empirical research.

Structure

Twelve hours of lectures and a single two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), 750 word popular science article (20%), tutorial activities (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), 750 word popular science article (20%), tutorial activities (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Marie

Pre-requisites

Pre-requisite(s): PS 2017 Advanced Psychology A: Concepts and Theory; PS 2517 Advanced Psychology B: Concepts and Theory PS 2018 Advanced Psychology A: Methods and Applications or PS 2518 Advanced Psychology A: Methods and Applications.

Co-requisites

PS 3012; PS 3011; PS 3014; PS 3520; PS 3518; PS 3519

Overview

The course will cover four areas that are key in preparing students for their final year thesis.

Structure

The course will consist of 1 one-hour lecture plus 1 two-hour practical involving the development and application of theoretical and research skills.

In total there will be 10 one hour lectures and 10 2-hour workshops spread over the 12 week term.

Assessment

1St Attempt: Coursework (100%). This will involve the completion of an e-portfolio, which will include outcomes from a series of exercises from the workshops. More specifically: Group wikipedia entry; short article for popular science; qualitative research materials; critical review of single research paper; and research journal (60% of final grade).

A 2000 word review of a current research area with psychology (40% of final grade).

Resit: Students will be able to resubmit the e-portfolio coursework.

Resubmission of written review.

Formative Assessment

In-class feedback will be provided by course lecturers and through peer assessment.

Feedback

Oral and written feedback will be provided to students. More generic feedback will be provided through MyAberdeen.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3009, PS 3011, PS 3012, PS 3014, PS 3513, PS 3518, PS 3519, PS 3520

Overview

This course will impart and develop the skills and knowledge required to conduct psychological research.

Structure

1 x 1 hour lecture on what to expect from the Thesis project.
2 x 1 hour training sessions on recruiting participants and designing experimental studies.
The psychology thesis is carried out under the supervision of a member of staff and the student and staff member meet weekly throughout the academic year (24 hours of tutorial time).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Submission of an honours Thesis.

Resit: Resubmission of Thesis.

Formative Assessment

Students receive formative feedback from their supervisor for the duration of the project.

Feedback

Feedback is provided to students from the supervisor and also from other members of staff at a poster session arranged at the start of the second half-session.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Sutherland

Pre-requisites

Level 4 Psychology and Behavioural Joint Honours degree students.

Overview

Psychopharmacology lectures will examine how the study of psychoactive drugs can inform our understanding of both normal and abnormal brain function. Neuropsychology lectures will focus on the relationship between biological measures of brain function and memory.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour lecture per week and two one-hour tutorials during the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course critical review assessment of no more than 2000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course critical review assessment of no more than 2000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3011, PS 3012, PS 3014, PS 3518, PS 3519, PS 3520

Notes

This course is only available to students completing a Behavioural Studies degree.

Overview

This course will impart and develop the skills and knowledge required to understand psychological research.

Structure

1 x 1 hour session on carrying out a literature review.
The behavioural studies project is carried out under the supervision of a member of staff, and arrangements are made for regular contact between the supervisor and the student in order to complete the project. Supervisors and students meet approximately weekly during both half sessions, equivalent to 24 x 1 hour tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Submission of an honours thesis.

Resit: Resubmission of an honours thesis.

Formative Assessment

Students receive formative feedback from their supervisor for the duration of the project.

Feedback

Feedback is provided to students from the supervisor.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Cleland

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3011, PS 3012, PS 3014, PS 3518 PS 3519 and PS 3520

Notes

This course is only open to (1) students taking Single Honours Psychology or Behavioural Studies, and (2) students taking Honours Psychology or Behavioural Studies for the Combined Degree.

Overview

Two options in advanced psychology, chosen from a list made available by the School of Psychology. The options available may change from year to year.

Structure

12 week course: 24 x 1 hour lectures and 8 x 1 hour seminar/tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Two 90 minute written examinations (66%); one in-course written assessment of no more than 3000 words (33%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by supervising tutor. Written feedback on coursework within 3 weeks of coursework being handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A Sahraie

Pre-requisites

Level 4 Psychology and Behavioural Studies degree programme students.

Overview

- Spatial Vision
- Temporal Vision
- Depth Perception
- Biopsychology of Vision
- Role of Attention in Perception

Structure

1 x one-hour lecture per week, for 10 weeks and 2 x two hour workshops.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 90 minute written examination (75%), peer assessed debate workshop (5%) and in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Feedback on tutorial activities by the supervising tutor and peer within the group. Written feedback on written assignment within 3 weeks after assignment has been handed in.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1509, PS 1010, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3009, PS 3011, PS 3518 and PS 3520.

This course is for Joint Honours Psychology students only.

Overview

A thesis based on an empirical investigation conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.

Structure

1 one-hour supervision meeting per week. Laboratory work as required. 3 one-hour lectures.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Submission of an honours thesis.

Resit: Resubmission of Thesis.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P Bishop

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3011, PS 3518, PS 3520.

Overview

This course will impart and develop the skills and knowledge required to understand psychological research.

Structure

1 x 1 hour session on carrying out a literature review.
The joint behavioural studies project is carried out under the supervision of a member of staff and arrangements are made for regular contact between the supervisor and the student in order to complete the project. This is equivalent to 12 hours of tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Submission of an honours thesis.

Resit: Resubmission of Thesis.

Formative Assessment

Students receive formative feedback from their supervisor for the duration of the project.

Feedback

Feedback is provided to students from the supervisor.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Pearson

Pre-requisites

Level 4 Psychology and Behavioural Studies Joint Honours degree programme students.

Overview

The memory component of the course examines the cognitive study of human learning and memory; the modal and working memory models; the application of memory models to everyday cognition. The language component of the course examines cognitive mechanisms underlying sentence processing and production, and higher level processes of language comprehension.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour lecture per week and two one-hour tutorials during the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course written assignment of no more than 2,00 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Resit: One 90 minute written examination (75%), in-course critical review assessment of no more than 2000 words (20%), activities during tutorials (5%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Cleland

Pre-requisites

PS 1009, PS 1010, PS 1509, PS 1510, PS 2015, PS 2016, PS 2515, PS 2516, PS 3011, PS 3012, PS 3014, PS 3518 PS 3519 and PS 3520

Notes

This course is only open to (1) students taking Single Honours Psychology or Behavioural Studies, and (2) students taking Honours Psychology or Behavioural Studies for the Combined Degree.

Overview

Two options in advanced psychology, chosen from a list made available by the School of Psychology. The options available may change from year to year.

Structure

12 week course - 24 x one-hour lectures and 8 x 1 hour seminars/tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Two 90 minute written examinations (66%); one in-course written assessment of no more than 3000 words (33%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback on tutorial activities and on written assignments. Example exam questions in lectures.

Feedback

Oral feedback on tutorial activities by supervising tutor. Written feedback on coursework within 3 weeks of coursework being handed in.