Module Content

Block 1
Introduction to a range of current topics being researched by colleagues within the School.
Introduction to the SONA research participation system.
Theory and practice of group formation and effective working.
Factors affecting successful transition to university and managing these.

Block 2
Extended coverage of introductory material in relation to key fields in psychology, e.g., forensic, clinical, developmental, neuro and cyber psychology in preparation for work at level 2.
Engagement with and interpretation of psychological literature and methods.

Teaching Methods

The module will be delivered via lectures and supervised group work.
The content will be separated into blocks. The early weeks of the module will focus on supporting students to make the transition to university, both by the formation of friendship groups and exploring factors such as coping strategies both as areas of research, and as practical tools. The lectures on current staff research will deliver content and the group work sessions will facilitate the development of skills. The first assessment allows for team-working, as groups work towards producing a poster and presenting this as a group.
The second part of the module will focus on delivery of groups of lectures in relation to fields of psychology in which students might choose to specialise later. Informal group work will consolidate learning through, for example, discussion of case studies.
The second assessment is more individually-focused and will develop students’ awareness of ethics and research issues either by participating in, and reflecting on, psychological studies (e.g. experiments and questionnaires) or by writing an essay on research ethics. The assessments on the module are intended to expose students to different assessment types to provide training in a range of skills.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through an examination, a coursework and a group poster presentation.