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Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2003/04 |
PS10001: Psychology 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: To introduce students to
basic concepts and current themes and debates in psychology. To familiarise
students with some classic psychological studies. To provide an understanding
of the key biological knowledge and concepts necessary for the study of
psychology. Learning Outcomes: Appreciate how psychologists approach research questions concerning the individual in relation to society. Appreciate the importance of social processes and social group membership in individual mental functioning. Understand the mechanisms by which the nervous system transmits information. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying). To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Study and learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing). Basic information and communication and computing Technology Skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information). Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Time management and administrative skills. Communication and debating skills. To reflect upon his/her academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands. To prioritise workloads and utilise long and short term planning skills. Content: Lectures will have two main foci. The first is on society and the individual, conformity and deviance, gender and social identity, the self, language and social life, thinking and reasoning, personality, life span development, and concepts of normality. The second focus is on the biological aspects of behaviour. The neurone and nervous system. |
PS10003: Psychology laboratory 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS10001 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide students with the basic skills required for conducting experimental and practical work in psychology. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to plan and conduct a psychology experiment * Be familiar with the basic principles of research design and sampling * Be able to use the appropriate basic statistics * Be able to consider ethical issues in research * Be able to write a psychology laboratory report. Content: Students will participate in supervised practical work using appropriate equipment and techniques. They will conduct and analyse experimental and practical studies on a range of psychological topics. They will learn introductory statistical procedures including chi-square, t-tests, descriptive statistics. |
PS10004: Psychology laboratory 2 |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10003 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop students' competence in design, conduct, analysis and reporting of experimental and practical work in psychology. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to design experiments in psychology. * Be able to demonstrate the principles for analysing data from experiments. * Be able to perform a range of statistical analyses appropriately and interpret statistical material * Be able to plan, execute and analyse an experimental exercise involving data collection. * Be able to report practical and experimental studies appropriately. * Be competent in the concepts of validity and reliability Content: Skills of experimental psychology will be developed through practical exercises involving data collection and analysis, using appropriate equipment and techniques. Students will have instruction in statistical methods including correlation, regression, ANOVA, and non-parametric statistics, and will apply these in the analysis of class data, and show their understanding of their use and interpretation. |
PS10057: Becoming a social person |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10001 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip the student with an understanding of how we become 'social beings'. Students will understand the core questions of social psychology and the development of social processes. They will be acquainted with classic studies in social and developmental psychology and the ways in which psychologists have approached the social nature of the human. Content: The unit will use 'classic' studies in social and developmental psychology to address the following: How do we form early relationship and attachment? How do we make friends? How do we form impressions of others? How do we behave in groups? How do groups affect our identity? What is the basis of prejudice, discrimination and inter-group relations? How do we develop and change our beliefs and attitudes? |
PS10058: Intelligence & mental processes |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10001 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide a foundation understanding of cognitive processes. The student will understand the basic questions that psychologists have addressed regarding learning, memory and reasoning. They will have been introduced to the methods and theories by which research has been conducted in general psychology. Content: This unit will introduce some of the classic studies which address the questions: How do we learn? How do we remember? How do we reason and solve problems? How have psychologists thought about learning, remembering and reasoning? How have psychologists thought about intelligence and how has it been measured? How does intelligence develop? What is the role of emotion in our understanding of the world? What can we learn from the errors we make? The unit will highlight different approaches in psychology and where they contrast. |
PS10075: Psychology laboratory 2 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10001 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop students' competence in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of experimental and practical work in psychology. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to design experiments in psychology. * Be able to demonstrate the principles for analysing data from experiments. * Be able to perform a range of statistical analyses appropriately and interpret statistical material * Be able to plan, execute and analyse an experimental exercise involving data collection. * Be able to report practical and experimental studies appropriately. * Be competent in the concepts of validity and reliability Content: Skills of experimental psychology will be developed through practical exercises involving data collection and analysis, using appropriate equipment and techniques. Students will have instruction in statistical methods including correlation, regression, ANOVA, and non-parametric statistics, and will apply these in the analysis of class data, and show their understanding of their use and interpretation. |
PS20002: Mind, brain & behaviour II |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS20008 |
| Aims: To provide an understanding
of the key biological knowledge and concepts necessary for the study of
psychology. Learning Outcomes: Understand the mechanisms by which the human brain processes information. Understand how our senses work to interpret information from the world around us. Understand various aspects of the brain's normal operation (e.g. memory, learning) as well as problems that can arise in its behaviour. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Communication and debating skills. Content: Methods for studying the brain; lateralisation; somatosensation; movement; disorders of language and thought, perception and memory; rehabilitation. |
PS20005: Research methods & design |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10004 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide students with an understanding and competence in qualitative and quantitative methods and statistics, and the skills to design, conduct and analyse studies using appropriate methodology. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to explain, design and critically evaluate key quantitative and qualitative methods in psychological research * Be able to assess practical issues of research design and the interpretation of data * Be able to use more advanced statistics and understand their interpretation * Be able to conduct and analyse a study using questionnaires * Be able to conduct a research interview. * Be familiar with key methods of qualitative data analysis and know how to apply them. Content: Students will engage in practical workshops in questionnaire design, interview techniques, focus groups, observation and in qualitative data analysis such as discourse analysis, grounded theory, narrative and case studies. They will acquire appropriate skills in the use and interpretation of advanced statistics such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, advanced regression techniques and MANOVA. They will conduct two independent studies, one involving questionnaire design and one using qualitative data analysis of interviews and focus groups. |
PS20006: Psychology research project |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20005 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop students' competence in the design, analysis and interpretation of two group research projects. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to plan and conduct psychology research projects. * Be able to analyse data and interpret it appropriately. * Be able to report a substantial piece of research. * Be able to work effectively in a team. * Demonstrate their awareness of ethical issues in research. Content: Students will design, conduct, analyse and report an independent study, working in small groups. |
PS20007: Developmental psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10001 and (take PS10057 or take PS10058) |
| Aims: To introduce students to
human development from birth to old age. To equip students with knowledge
of the major theories and debates in developmental psychology. To familiarise
students with the methodologies of developmental psychology. Learning Outcomes: Be able to critically evaluate methodologies used to study human development. Be familiar with the main theories of human development. Be aware of major debates and controversies in human development theory and research. Be able to utilise their knowledge to discuss issues in human development. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Communication and debating skills. Content: Key issues in theory of human development. How the 'well-equipped stranger' becomes the competent adult. Stages and developmental shifts. The development of language. The role of culture in human development. The development of self. Life crises and transitions. |
PS20008: Cognitive psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10002 and take PS10058 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise students with current methodological and theoretical issues in cognitive psychology. To equip students with an understanding of the principles of cognitive processes. To familiarise students with methodological issues in the study of cognition. After completing the unit students will: * Be familiar with the main theories and debates in cognitive psychology. * Be aware of the methods used in research in cognition. * Be able to utilise concepts and research findings in discussion of cognitive processes. Content: Information processing, problem-solving, reasoning, perception and the representation of knowledge. Consciousness, monitoring and attention. How we use tools and their relationship to thinking. Models of mind-brain relations. Problems of logic and rationality. Individual and social factors in tasks and problems. Experts and novices. Decision making. |
PS20009: Social psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10057 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To enable students to understand the relationship between individual, social and cultural psychological processes. To familiarise students with research on the individual in the social context. To provide understanding of the major theoretical debates and recent developments in social psychology. After completing the unit students will: * Be aware of key studies in social psychology. * Be familiar with how psychologists approach the student of communication and the social construction of meaning. * Understand the main theoretical debates about the relationship between the individual and the social and cultural context. Content: Language as dialogue and social negotiation. Rhetoric and discourse: how we persuade, argue, negotiate and interpret. Construction of meaning. The role of metaphor and narrative. Communication processes. Effective and ineffective communication. The relationships between individual schemas, representations and lay theories, and social and cultural repertoires. |
PS20025: About science: discovery, dissemination & status of scientific knowledge |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20024 or take PS10001 |
| Aims: To develop and evaluate
several main views of the nature of scientific investigation with particular
reference to philosophical and psychological models of perception, interpretation,
and reasoning; to present historical case studies of scientific discovery
and controversies; to demonstrate use of case studies to evaluate the models.
This unit goes on to deal with the research process, the application of
science in technology and medicine, and the problematic status of science
in relation to its cultural context. Learning Outcomes: Students will become familiar with key sources on the nature and scope of scientific research; be able to evaluate and compare these views with particular reference to case studies presented in class, and to research their own case studies and apply their findings to key issues. Student are expected to develop an analytical and critical approach to ideas and opinions about science, and to master the use of documentary sources. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skillsCommunication and debating skills. Content: Images of Science and Scientists. Strange phenomena and difficult cases: how do scientists agree about facts? Two icons of science: Method and Discovery. Methods, Machines and People: Science as a Human Activity. Scientific Consensus in the face of Risk and Uncertainty. Lay perceptions of science. Evaluating Images of Science. Case Studies include: Life on Mars, Carbon 60, Penicillin, Number Theory, Intelligence, Gender, Brain Research, BSE, GM foods. |
PS20028: Psychology placement |
| Credits: 60 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment: RT100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide the experience of work in a professional psychology context, to facilitate the acquisition and practice of transferable professional research skills. Students will develop planning skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, experience group work and response to leadership, learn how to make appropriate decisions. They will have the opportunity to apply psychological knowledge acquired in the first two years of the programme. They will normally have the opportunity to undertake an independent research study under supervision, which will form the basis of their dissertation work in the final year. Content: Students will spend 30 weeks attached to an approved supervisor ina professional psychology field. The placement is a pass/ fail assessment based on completion of: 1. A 1500 word report of progress due after 10 weeks - 15% 2. A description of the placement for the file - 15% 3. A research proposal and ethical statement - 20% 4. A final report of 2500 words - 50%. |
PS20074: Research methods & design |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: PR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10075 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide students with an understanding and competence in qualitative and quantitative methods and statistics, and the skills to design, conduct and analyse studies using appropriate methodology. After completing the unit students will: * Be able to explain, design and critically evaluate key quantitative and qualitative methods in psychological research * Be able to assess practical issues of research design and the interpretation of data * Be able to use more advanced statistics and understand their interpretation * Be familiar with the appropriate procedures for a study using questionnaires * Be familiar with the appropriate procedures for conducting a research interview. * Be familiar with key methods of qualitative data analysis and know how to apply them. Content: Students will engage in practical workshops in questionnaire design, interview techniques, focus groups, observation and in qualitative data analysis such as discourse analysis, grounded theory, narrative and case studies. They will acquire appropriate skills in the use and interpretation of advanced statistics such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, advanced regression techniques and MANOVA. They will conduct one independent study, either involving questionnaire design or using qualitative data analysis of interviews and focus groups. |
PS30011: Psychology dissertation 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: OR100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology After completing the units the student will: * Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research * Be able to reflect on the strengths and limitations of the work and skills involved * Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used. * Be able to write a 12,000 word dissertation * Be able to present effectively an oral report of ongoing research. Content: The dissertation is conducted over two semesters. At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date. At the end of semester 2, the assessed work is the complete 12,000 word report. Students are required to design the project, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion. |
PS30012: Psychology dissertation 2 |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS30011 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology After completing the units the student will: * Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research * Be able to reflect on the strengths and limitations of the work and skills involved * Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used. * Be able to write a 12,000 word dissertation * Be able to present effectively an oral report of ongoing research. Content: The dissertation is conducted over two semesters. At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date. At the end of semester 2, the assessed work is the complete 12,000 word report. Students are required to design the project, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion. |
PS30013: Models of counselling & psychotherapy |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS30010 |
| Aims: To introduce the main models
of counselling and psychotherapy used in clinical practice. Learning Outcomes: To explain key theoretical concepts underpinning the major schools of psychotherapy including integrationist and eclectic models. To compare and contrast the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of interventions by psychologists based on these concepts. To identify central issues and ethical dilemmas in the therapeutic process. To evaluate process and outcome research on the effectiveness of counselling & psychotherapy and the context of evidenced-based practice. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Communication and debating skills. Content: The main models of psychotherapy and emerging practice and synthesis - humanistic, group, behavioural, cognitive, systemic family, narrative, psychodynamic and integrationist . Evaluating interventions - outcome and process research. A postmodernist approach to counselling and psychotherapy. Ethical issues: uses and abuses of psychotherapy. The context in which psychotherapists and counsellors work. |
PS30014: History of psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10001 and take PS10002 and take 2 modules from (PS20007, PS20008, PS20009, PS20010) |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip the student with an understanding of the History of Psychology and the relationship between a historical perspective and how a field is conceptualised. After completing the unit students will: * Understand the development of theory. * Understand the development of methodology. * Be familiar with the development of critiques. * Be aware of the relationship between the development of psychology and related fields. * Be aware of the role of social and historical context in historical accounts and in the acceptance of new ideas. Content: The function that historical perspective plays in how we think about a field. Key ideas in the history of psychology; their context and roots. How and why such ideas waxed and waned. The predominant and recurrent themes in the history of psychology. Key individuals in psychology, and how their intellectual lives illuminate how ideas are embedded in cultural and historical context. |
PS30015: Economic & political psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20009 and (take PS20007 or take PS20008 OR take PS20010) |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce students to the psychological organisation of social, political, economic and ethical beliefs. After completing the unit the students will: * Be familiar with the theoretical models around the organisation of beliefs. * Be aware of models of development and aetiology of beliefs. * Understand how implicit models of psychological processes underpin commonsense conceptions of rationality and ethics. * Be aware of the tensions between 'discourse' and 'ideology' models of explanation. * Appreciate the problematic nature of links between beliefs and action. Content: Psychological models of ideology in the organisation of beliefs. Mainstream and emergent political-social beliefs -feminism, Green politics. Lay beliefs, e.g., about unemployment, poverty, ethics. Concepts of fairness and equity. Moral development. Elite beliefs - what constitutes 'legitimation'? Political propaganda and rhetoric. Social movements, social change and intergroup relations. |
PS30016: Health psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20008 and take PS20009 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce students to concepts, theory, methods and applications of health psychology, using the concepts of social psychology and psychobiology. After completing the unit students will: * Understand how concepts in health can be assessed. * Understand the concepts around what it means to be healthy, well and have good quality of life. * Know about the range of methods appropriate to measuring and evaluating outcomes in health psychology. * Appreciate some of the key interventions designed by health psychologists for use in clinical and non-clinical settings, in chronic disease. * Be able to set the psychology of health within a broad multidisciplinary context in the health an social sciences. * Be able to appraise the dynamics of organising psychological care within the health care system. Content: Health psychology interventions for major chronic diseases e.g. cardiovascular, pain. An appraisal of the process of health reporting and health care from the detection of symptoms, decision to consult, through the consultation to adherence to treatment. An appreciation of key concepts; stress, uncertainty, social support. The impact of care. Health promotion and education practices covering smoking, sex, disability, exercise, diet, etc. |
PS30017: Controversies in cognition |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW75OT25 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take PS50063 and before taking this unit you must take PS20007 and take PS20008 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip the student with an understanding of current issues and controversies in psychology After completing the unit students will: * Understand what is meant by 'controversy' * Be familiar with current debates and their implications for the development of theory and methodology. * Be able to present a critical perspective on the issues. * Be able to evaluate the relevant perspectives in the controversies. Content: Current debates for example in: problems of consciousness, the interface between cognitive psychology, philosophy and neuroscience, connectionist theory and its implications, the rise of evolutionary psychology, the role of culture in human development. |
PS30018: Mind & social being |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20008 |
| Aims: To introduce students to
the social construction of knowledge in relation to psychological theory
and research. Learning Outcomes: Be able to outline key theories on the nature of the self as a social being. Be able to analytically apply this understanding to central issues of psychological research: Be reflexive about their learning and the processes of group work. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an argument. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web based, archives etc). To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Communication and debating skills. Content: 'Discursive psychology'. The importance, in particular, placed on discourse (language, argument); and the social construction of reality (identity, being and becoming). Consciousness, self, gender, identity, the body and emotion in relation to discursive theory. The unit will begin with introductory lectures, and will be followed by student-led presentations and seminars on selected topics. |
PS30019: Artificial minds: Minds, machines & persons |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take PS50061 and before taking this unit you must take PS20025 or take PS20008 or take PS50036 |
| Postgraduates must have taken PS50036. Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the field of computer-based modelling and simulation of human activities which require the intelligent use of knowledge - otherwise known as Artificial Intelligence. After completing the unit students will: * Understand how to approach the question, could human intelligence be simulated, equalled or even exceeded by machines. * Understand how to approach the question; can the machine-metaphor help us to understand human cognitive and social processes? * Be able to apply research in AI to questions concerning the nature of intelligence * Understand the relevance of AI to scientific approaches to the replication of complex human attributes such as problem-solving and language use * Be familiar with key authors and texts * Be able to evaluate claims about computer programs relating to: their power, intelligence and other capabilities; * their influence on theory; * their continuing role in psychological and social research; * their influence on notions of expertise, intelligence, creativity and humanity. Content: Machine-metaphors for human thinking and reasoning and their relationship to evolutionary biology and neurology. The historical background to AI research. Main areas of debate; criticisms made by AI researchers about rival approaches, and arguments from philosophy, sociology and psychology about the attempt to simulate intelligence. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit of the same title PS50061. |
PS30026: Public knowledge 3a: history, philosophy & sociology of science |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20025 and in taking this unit you cannot take PS50036 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: The course aims to introduce students to key issues raised by historical, philosophical and sociological studies of science and to recent developments in psychological studies of science. Students will develop an infomed and critical view of the nature of scientific activity and the problems arising from the differences between scientific and other approaches to problems. To enable students to develop an informed and critical view of the nature of scientific activity and the issues arising from differences between scientific and other approaches to problems, Content: Contested views about science; scientists on science; scientific, expert and lay knowledge; science and public understanding; public acceptance of science and technology; science and psychology; science and other modes of knowledge. The course is lecture based with considerable directed reading and class discussion. All students read and discuss a number of key authors. Video documentaries are used and there is an associated film series. All students undertake a research project, written up as an extended essay. |
PS30059: The cultures of belief |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit provides an historical exposition of the changing relationship between major religious traditions and western science, and a critical discussion of theses about the ways in which religion and science interact. Students will be expected to demonstrate, through written assignments and seminar discussion, that they have mastered the arguments of at least two main authors or schools and can make a critical appraisal of these arguments. Content: Attention will be given to historical and philosophical views of the nature of religion and of science, theses about their interaction (e.g., conflict, independence, interdependence); each of the main theses will be examined in the light of recent historical and critical studies. The application by popular science writers of core scientific theories to religious and metaphysical themes is also explored. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit The cultures of belief (PS50046). |
PS30060: Science & religion |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS30059 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit examines the roles of religious and scientific traditions in western culture with particular reference to Christian theology, traditions and religious practices, in order to provide (1) an deeper understanding of the cultural context of the ways in which Christianity and western science interact and (2) an analytical basis to evaluate claims about the implications of religious beliefs and practices for science and of scientific developments for Christianity. Students will be expected to demonstrate, through written assignments and seminar discussion, that they have mastered the arguments of at least two main authors or schools and can make a critical appraisal of these arguments. Content: Studies of the cultural context of historical and philosophical views of the nature of religion and of science; critical analysis of theses about their interaction; examination and appraisal of historical and contemporary claims about the implications of science for religions and of religion for science; implications for Public Understanding of Science, esp. the place of science in post-modern culture. Students will be expected to demonstrate through seminar discussion, an assessed oral presentation and an essay that they have mastered the arguments of the main authors or protagonists and can make a critical appraisal of their arguments. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit Science & religion (PS50047). |
PS30070: Science & communication I |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: To equip students with an
appreciation of the main debates in the relationship between science and
public understanding, and with knowledge of communication theory and methods
of analysis. Learning Outcomes: Students will understand the theoretical and methodological issues involved in science communication. They will be familiar with the role of language discourse, rhetoric and metaphor in written, visual and virtual media. They will be acquainted with major controversies around science and 'anti-science' and in areas of scientific debate. They will be familiar with issues relating to efforts to increase public understanding of science, and the relationship between science and culture. Skills: To think creatively and analytically. To communicate an arguement. To evaluate other's argument and research. To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. To gather information, data, research and literature from a wide source and large body of knowledge. To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Essay research, preparation and writing skills. Communication and debating skills. Content: The 'Two Cultures' debate and its heirs; Public understanding of science: the history of recent agendas; What constitutes 'science'?; Scientific literacy criticised: how to study (measure , analyse) what people understand and don't understand about science and what we can learn from this - examples from understanding the immune system; Science fiction and representations of science; the role of metaphor; Mechanisms of rhetoric; Discourse and narrative; the relationship between politics, activism and science; Epistemic cultures: how knowledge is held and transmitted. |
PS30073: Alternative models in psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20005 and take PS20006 and take PS20008 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce students to the theory and practice of non-linear modelling techniques and their applications in psychology. After completing this unit students will: Be familiar with the limitations of linear modelling techniques; understand the theory behind various non-linear alternatives; be able to use these alternative computational modelling techniqes to analyse data sets. Content: The theory of linear modelling; critique of linear modelling; neural network modelling; fuzzy logic modelling; chaos theory and complexity; state-space models; application of these modelling techniques to many aspects of psychology involving decision making and intention. |
PS30076: Psychology project 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
Aims & Learning Objectives: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology After completing the units the student will: * Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research * Be able to reflect on the strengths and limitations of the work and skills involved * Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used. * Be able to write a 12,000 word dissertation * Be able to present effectively an oral report of ongoing research. Content: The dissertation is conducted over two semesters. At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date. At the end of semester 2, the assessed work is the complete 12,000 word report. Students are required to design the project, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion. |
PS30077: Psychology project 2 |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology After completing the units the student will: * Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research * Be able to reflect on the strengths and limitations of the work and skills involved * Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used. * Be able to write a 12,000 word dissertation * Be able to present effectively an oral report of ongoing research. Content: The dissertation is conducted over two semesters. At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date. At the end of semester 2, the assessed work is the complete 12,000 word report. Students are required to design the project, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion. |
Postgraduate Units: |
PS50029: Health, disease, illness & sickness |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES50EX50 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: * To provide a broad introduction to health psychology and health related disciplines; * To locate many of the issues and health concerns of health psychology in the wider health sciences research context. Learning Outcomes: On completion of the unit students will: * Be familiar with the contributions of different disciplines to the study of health, well-being and disease. * Understand epidemiological approaches to studying the health of populations. * Be able to show an understanding of the basic physiological and anatomical features of the most important bodily systems and their main disorders. * Be able to demonstrate that they know about the changes in health psychology across the lifespan. * Appreciate some of the key social processes that contribute to the experience and reporting of illness. Skills: Intellectual: * To communicate an argument; * To evaluate others arguments and research; * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional / Practical: * To make decisions regarding legitimacy and reliability of evidence; * Essay research, preparation and writing skills; * Revision and examination skills; * Study and Learning skills. Content: The unit provides a broad introduction to health psychology and related health disciplines. It supplies the foundation stones for the remainder of the course by integrating related concepts from epidemiology, physiology, developmental psychology and medical sociology. The unit begins by introducing different models of health care, addresses causes of morbidity and mortality together with risk factors and inequalities in health care. Mechanisms of disease are considered, followed by a systematic appraisal of health across the lifespan from children to palliative care. Lastly the social processes of becoming ill are addressed. |
PS50030: Health cognitions & health emotions |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS50029 |
| Aims: * To equip students with advanced socio-cognitive and socio-affective knowledge applicable to health and healthcare across the spectrum of sickness and health. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Understand and critically evaluate different variables, models, theories and approaches; * Demonstrate an ability to debate contrasting viewpoints; * Generate their own theoretical models. Skills: Intellectual: * To think analytically; * To communicate an argument; * To critically assess and evaluate research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To synthesise information from a variety of different sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional / Practical: * To work independently; * To utilise problem solving skills; * Revision and examination skills; * Study skills. Content: The unit draws upon central concepts in cognitive and social psychology and examines their application to health and health care. The focus is on the health of individuals and the psychological processes and mechanisms involved in understanding sickness and well being.Measuring individual differences and psychophysiology. The self concept and body image. Hardiness, vulnerability and monitoring symptoms. Unrealistic optimism, controllability, self efficacy, uncertainty and helplessness. Perception and attention to symptoms. Representations and memories of health and illness. Information processing and decision-making about consultation. Models of stress, stressful environments and psychoneuro immunology. |
PS50031: Treatment, communication and context |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: * To provide students with a full appreciation of the psychological processes involved in the consultation, provision of treatment and its effects on subsequent behaviour and health in different settings and contexts. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Demonstrate their ability to evaluate different contexts in which health care is delivered; * Appreciate the impact of communications and be able to make recommendations about how these might be improved; * Be able to assess the psychological impact of health professional behaviour on patient outcomes; * Be able to evaluate the different factors involved in choosing health care. Skills: Intellectual: * To think creatively and analytically; * To communicate and argument; * To work independently; * To utilise problem solving skills; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence; * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional / Practical: * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of health psychology within a variety of health contexts; * Interpersonal communication skills; * Study and learning skills. Content: The unit aims to provide students with a full appreciation of the psychological processes involved in the consultation, in the provision of treatment and its effects on subsequent behaviour, and health in different settings and contexts. Beliefs, expectations and preparation for treatments with particular reference to primary health care and screening. Help seeking, help giving and self-help. Communications between provider and patient including bad news. Adherence to treatment, alternatives to treatment and acceptance of treatment including the placebo. The context of treatment in institutions, surgeries and hospices. |
PS50032: Coping with ill health |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS50031 |
| Aims: * To provide students with a full appreciation of how ill people cope with chronic and acute health conditions. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Understand how chronic diseases are managed in a psychological context; * Understand the impact of psychological factors associated with coping with ill health; * Learn the practical skills of relaxation training, increasing self-efficacy and stress management; * Be aware of the factors that trigger and maintain disability and to know about psychological techniques used in the treatment of disability; * Be aware of current health policy in Britain; * Appreciate the role of the psychologist within the broad context of health care delivery. Skills: Intellectual: * To communicate an argument; * To evaluate others arguments and research; * To learn independently; * To synthesise information from a number of sources. Professional / Practical: * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others; * Time management and administration skills; * Problem solving skills; * Independent working skills. Content: Coping with acute illness, particularly pain and perioperative conditions. Coping styles, stress management and social support in chronic and acute conditions. Coping with chronic illness; models and mechanisms of chronic pain and disability. Vocational rehabilitation for chronically ill people. Policy and politics in the provision of health care. |
PS50033: Advanced research design in health |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: * To give students an appreciation of the uses of qualitative and quantitative methods and how they may be applied; * To develop knowledge and skills in designing studies and therapeutic interventions. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Understand the theory-driven approaches to health psychology research; * Be familiar with the different methods of collecting/eliciting data and their implications for analysis and interpretation; * Understand the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data and to be familiar with a range of data collection and processing techniques; * Be able to measure psychological constructs using scalar methods; * Be able to design their own research using an appropriate design and selecting suitable analysis procedures. Skills: Intellectual: * To critically assess and evaluate research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources; * To utilise problem solving skills; * To communicate an argument. Professional / Practical: * To be sensitive to the ethical issues in carrying out research and the legal and statutory responsibilities of the researcher; * Time management and administration skills; * Independent working skills. Content: Qualitative methods to include discourse and conversation analysis, interviewing, action research. Doing research. Uses of theory and theory development. Research issues including ethical practices professional and legal issues, international perspectives. Quantitative methods and experimental designs to include designing cross-sectional, longitudinal, single case and RCT designs, meta analysis, measuring outcomes, including focus groups. |
PS50034: Health promotion, disease prevention & health psychology interventions |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX30CW70 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50032 |
| Aims: * To explore the role of health psychologists in promoting health; * To provide theoretical and empirical background to health promotion. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Appreciate the different approaches taken by health professionals involved in health promotion; * Learn how to plan and target health promotion interventions; * Evaluate the merits of different contexts of health promotion; * Learn how language can affect the success of different interventions; * Learn how practitioners implement a variety of interventions for patients with chronic diseases and disabling conditions. Skills: Intellectual: * To think creatively and analytically (TFA); * To communicate an argument (TFA); * To evaluate others arguments and research (TFA); * Critically evaluate and assess research and evidence (TFA); * To utilise problem solving skills (TFA). Professional / Practical: * To learn how to apply principles of health psychology in a variety of health contexts (TFA); * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others (TFA); * To work independently and in groups (TFA); * To communicate an argument to other health professionals (TFA); * Presentation skills (A); * Time Management Skills (TF). Content: This unit will explore the role of health psychologists in promoting health and in health related interventions. The unit will provide theoretical and empirical background and will also enable opportunities for the development of problem solving, team-work and communication skills. During the three weeks students will work in teams to develop a proposal for a health promotion intervention from need assessment to evaluation. This will be assessed in a team presentation and an individual portfolio, including the materials to be used. Details will be given at the start of the module. |
PS50035: Measurement & meaning in the natural & social sciences |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: This is an introductory course for postgraduate students who need to develop their understanding of the historical, philosophical and social factors that shape research methods in the humanities and social sciences, and of related philosophical and methodological issues. With a particular focus on two contrasting approaches -- the interpretation of texts and images and the development and impact of measuring and computing technologies, this unit aims to provide an overview of the way in which interpretative and quantitative approaches develop in various sciences, of how they interact and of how standardised quantitative methods achieve acceptance across disciplines. Students will become familiar with key concepts, arguments and authors in the philosophy of social science which they will be expected to apply to their own particular research field. The unit will provide them with an understanding of assumptions, techniques, technologies and social institutions on which different types of methods are based, and will equip them with critical insights to be applied to their own work. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course the students should: Knowledge and understanding: * Be aware of several significant developments in methods including hermeneutics, the use and interpretation of images; the analysis of metaphor, standardisation of methods; the development of laboratories, the rise of statistics, bureaucracy and trust in numbers, digitalization, calculation and computation, models, modeling and simulation. * Understand the contextual character of methods and how they become established as definitive of a disciplines or of research fields within a discipline. Intellectual skills: * Be able to recognise and describe different research styles associated with the humanities, social and natural sciences; * Be able to recognise and describe philosophical and methodological issues associated with particular methods; * Be able to identify features of method that contribute to the validation of results; * Be able to identify features of method that give rise to controversy between research groups within and between disciplines, recognising that this is often disputed; * Be familiar with the arguments of key advocates of mainstream approaches to the interpretation of texts, images, and quantitative data. Professional practice skills: * Understand that methods have histories and that selection of methods requires justification; * Apply understanding of the disputed nature of method to the evaluation and justification of particular methods in humanities and social science research. Content: The course will cover: Hermeneutics; Making and Reading Images; Envisioning Information; Use and analysis of Metaphors; Method and Controversy; Bureaucracy, Measurement and Modern Science; Method as a standard and the Standardisation of Method; Transforming qualities to quantities: Quantification, Calculation and Computation; Instruments: material, conceptual and social; Models, Hypotheses and Theories; Models and Simulations; The rise of Statistics; Guest speakers from different disciplines will provide seminars on various aspects of the history and use of methods in the humanities and the sciences. |
PS50036: History, philosophy & psychology of science |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX40ES60 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take PS30026 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: The course aims to introduce students to key issues raised by historical, philosophical and sociological studies of science and to recent developments in psychological studies of science. Students will develop an infomed and critical view of the nature of scientific activity and the problems arising from the differences between scientific and other approaches to problems, and to apply these views to science communication and the public understanding of science. To enable students (i) to develop an informed and critical view of the nature of scientific activity and the issues arising from differences between scientific and other approaches to problems, and (ii) to demonstrate how these views bear upon the communication of science and issues in the debate about public understanding of science. Content: Contested views about science: traditions, continuity and change; disciplinary approaches to science studies; understanding scientific practice; scientists on science; scientific, expert and lay knowledge; science and public understanding; public acceptance of science and technology; science and psychology; science and other modes of knowledge. The course is lecture based with considerable directed reading and class discussion. All students read and discuss a number of key authors. Video documentaries are used and there is an associated film series. All students undertake a research project, written up as an assessed review-essay. |
PS50041: Media workshop 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Content: TBA |
PS50042: Media workshop 2 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Content: TBA |
PS50043: Dissertation 1: Design, pilot project & evaluation |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: DS90OR10 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: (i) to establish a topic and research plan for the dissertation, (ii) to evaluate the feasibility of the planned research on the basis of a pilot study and an evaluation conference, (iii) provide an opportunity for students to present and defend the proposal in a peer seminar. Content: Requires students to apply knowledge and skills acquired on the Research Methods Units to the planning and design of a thesis project, and to prepare and conduct a pilot study. Seminar participation during a project evaluation conference is required. |
PS50044: Dissertation - research & write up 1 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Content: TBA |
PS50045: Dissertation - research & write up 2 (MSc) |
| Credits: 24 |
| Level: Masters |
| Dissertation period |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
| Content: TBA |
PS50046: The cultures of belief |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES70PR30 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS50047 and in taking this unit you cannot take PS30059 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit provides an historical exposition of the changing relationship between major religious traditions and western science, and a critical discussion of theses about the ways in which religion and science interact.Students will be expected to demonstrate, through written assignments and seminar discussion, that they have mastered the arguments of at least two main authors or schools and can make a critical appraisal of these arguments. Additionally, postgraduate degree students will understand and be able to explain the relevance of these positions and arguments to contemporary issues in the public understanding of science, particularly the popularisation of scientific theories. Content: Attention will be given to historical and philosophical views of the nature of religion and of science, theses about their interaction (e.g., conflict, independence, interdependence); each of the main theses will be examined in the light of recent historical and critical studies. The application by popular science writers of core scientific theories to religious and metaphysical themes is also explored. |
PS50047: Science and religion |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take PS30060 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit examines the roles of religious and scientific traditions in western culture with particular reference to Christian theology, traditions and religious practices, in order to provide (1) an deeper understanding of the cultural context of the ways in which Christianity and western science interact and (2) an analytical basis to evaluate claims about the implications of religious beliefs and practices for science and of scientific developments for Christianity. Students will be expected to demonstrate, through written assignments and seminar discussion, that they have mastered the arguments of at least two main authors or schools and can make a critical appraisal of these arguments. Postgraduate degree students will understand and be able to explain the relevance of the interaction of western science and religious traditions to contemporary issues in the public understanding of science, particularly the popularisation of scientific theories as presented in popular books and films. Content: Studies of the cultural context of historical and philosophical views of the nature of religion and of science; critical analysis of theses about their interaction; examination and appraisal of historical and contemporary claims about the implications of science for religions and of religion for science; implications for Public Understanding of Science, esp. the place of science in post-modern culture. Students will be expected to demonstrate through seminar discussion, an assessed oral presentation and an extended essay that they have mastered the arguments of the main authors or protagonists and can make a critical appraisal of their arguments. |
PS50051: Health psychology placement |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: OT100 |
| Requisites: |
|
Aims: To provide students with the opportunity to develop skills as a scientist-practitioner by working closely with a practising health psychologist.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of the placement, students will: * Develop the skills required as autonomous researchers and for team work. * Develop transferable skills that will prepare them for postgraduate employment or further study. Skills: Intellectual: * To gather information, data, research and literature from a broad range of sources. * To synthesise information from different sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional / Practical: * To be aware of ethical and professional issues in carrying out research and to put them into practice. * Time management, organisation and administration skills. * Presentation skills and verbal communication. * To reflect on her/his academic performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. * Leadership skills. * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of other professionals and clients. Content: The student will work on a daily basis alongside a practising health psychologist. Students are encouraged to take part in the daily life of the institution where they work, participate in meetings with other health professionals and clients, involve themselves in other on-going projects and undertake a research project of their own that is analysed and presented as a dissertation. |
PS50052: Economic & environmental psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand how psychological factors influence economic decision making and economic behaviour generally and how action, especially with respect to the environment, is influence by beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. Content: Topics include: car and public transport use; household domestic energy consumption; communitarianism, selfishness and social welfare; lay economic beliefs; the psychology of money. |
PS50053: Morals, markets & politics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To examine the role of moral considerations, values and notions of fairness in citizenship and the operation of commercial markets. Content: Profit, loss, fairness and expectations; ethical investing; consumer boycotts and shareholder action; charitable giving and public expenditure; self interest and social welfare; the development of societal competence and citizenship. |
PS50054: Research proposal (& oral presentation) |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Content: TBA |
PS50055: Dissertation |
| Credits: 30 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
|
Aims: To provide students with the opportunity to carry out an independent research project by putting into practice some of the methods, theories and skills that they have learned.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of the dissertation, students will: * Have developed their research skills; * Developed the skills required for both autonomous and team work; * Developed transferable skills that will prepare them for postgraduate employment or further study; * Developed their critical, analytical problem-based learning skills. Skills: Intellectual: * To communicate an argument; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence; * To gather information, data , research and literature from a number of sources; * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional / Practical: * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of health psychology within a health context; * To be aware of ethical and professional issues in carrying out research; * Time management and administration skills; * Presentation skills and verbal communication; * To reflect on his/her academic performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development; * Advanced numeracy skills; * Leadership skills. Content: The student will carry out a substantial research project of their own design, in health psychology, under the joint supervision of a practising health psychologist and an academic supervisor. |
PS50061: Artificial minds: Minds, machines & persons |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50036 and in taking this unit you cannot take PS30019 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: This course introduces some recent research in the field of computer-based modeling and simulation of human activities which require the intelligent use of knowledge, otherwise known as Artificial Intelligence. We will approach machine intelligence through two complementary questions: could human intelligence be simulated, equalled or even exceeded by machines? Can the machine-metaphor still help us understand human cognitive and social processes? Students will understand the relevance of research in A. I. To larger questions concerning the nature of intelligence and of scientific approaches to the replication of complex attributes such as intelligence. MSc/Diploma students will additionally be expected to relate their understanding to issues addressed in MSc core units, specifically the significance of boundary issues (human, animal and machine) and the debates on public understanding of scientific research on AI and robotics. Content: Machine-metaphors for human thinking and reasoning now compete with evolutionary biology and neurology for influence in both psychological and sociological approaches to human behaviour. The course will provide historical background, will introduce some of the main approaches and research projects in the field, and will set out two main areas of debate: criticisms made by AI researchers about rival approaches, and arguments of philosophers, sociologists and psychologists about the attempt to simulate intelligence. Students will become familiar with key authors and texts, and will learn to evaluate claims about computer programs relating to: * their power, intelligence or other capabilities * their influence upon psychological and social theory * their continuing role in psychological and social research * their influence on our notions of expertise, intelligence, creativity and humanity. MSc/Diploma students will undertake research for an additional essay on the impact of AI research on human/machine boundaries. This unit shares teaching with the undergraduate unit of the same title PS30019. |
PS50062: Artificial lives: Simulation, modelling & visualisation of complex systems |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: PR60ES40 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take PS30020 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop students' understanding of biological models of cognitive and social behaviour as they inform recent applications of computer modelling and simulation techniques to cognitive and social processes, including: visual and analogical reasoning, explanations of consciousness, and the dynamics of communication-based group processes. Familiarity with the literature relating to two influential developments simulation techniques and with the application of current research techniques in AI and simulation, basic familiarity with cellular automata and agent-based simulation software and the evaluation of its use. Students will be expected to demonstrate a wider understanding of the development, significance and evaluation of simulation techniques in the natural and social sciences. Content: No prior programming or modeling experience is necessary, but students undertake short practical projects based on computer models and simulation programs, which will be presented orally and written up as a project report. Postgraduate students will undertake an extended project which extends their competence in the use of a particular simulation and in the evaluation of simulation methods. This unit shares teaching with the undergradate unit of the same title PS30020. |
PS50063: Controversies in cognition |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX50ES50 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50036 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip the student with an understanding of current issues and controversies in psychology. Additionally, MSc/Diploma students will be expected to relate their understanding to issues addressed in MSc core units, specifically the significance of controversiality in science and the debates on public understanding of science. Content: The course will address key issues in contemporary psychology relating to cognition, language and models of mind. These will include: problems of consciousness and the interface of neuroscience, cognitive science and philosophy; connectionist theory and its implications; the rise of evolutionary psychology; debates about culture and human development. An additional requirement for MSc students is to discuss the development of one of the above debates in relation to contemporary public understanding of the significance of psychological research. This unit shares teaching with the undergraduate unit PS30017 of the same title. |
PS50064: Placement |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: |
| Requisites: |
| Content: Placement |
PS50065: Multivariate statistics for use in health contexts 1 |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take PS50066 |
| Aims: * To equip students with the skills to use and interpret multivariate statistics using SPSS and appreciate the applications of multivariate analysis in health. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will: * Have refreshed their knowledge of univariate and some multivariate parametric statistics; * Learn how to use SPSS to analyse health data and to handle data sets; * Be able to interpret the answers to statistical analyses and report them within the health context. Skills: Intellectual: * To learn independently; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To utilise problem solving skills. Professional / Practical: * Advanced information technology and computing technology (e.g. SPSS); * Independent working skills; * Advanced numeracy skills. Content: Refresher sessions in univariate parametric and non-parametric statistics using SPSS, advanced correlations and factor analysis, discriminant analysis, ANOVA and ANCOVA. |
PS50066: Multivariate statistics for use in health contexts 2 |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: * To equip students with the skills to use and interpret multivariate statistics using SPSS and appreciate the applications of multivariate analysis in health. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, student will: * Have refreshed their knowledge of univariate and some multivariate parametric statistics; * Learn how to use SPSS to analyse health data and to handle data sets; * Be able to interpret the answers to statistical analyses and report them within the health context. Skills: Intellectual: * To learn independently; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To utilise problem solving skills. Professional / Practical: * Advanced information technology and computing technology (e.g. SPSS); * Independent working skills; * Advanced numeracy skills. Content: Multiple regression (simple, stepwise and hierarchical), Path analysis, MANOVA and MANCOVA. |
PS50067: Communication theory |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX50ES50 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take CM50147 and take CM50148 and take XX50125 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To enable students to understand the psychological principles of communication. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how meaning, discourse and rhetoric are constructed and interpreted. Content: The unit will cover the analysis of meaning, and on problems of interpretation and construction of meaning. through looking at rhetoric, semiotics, 'common ground', discourse, narrative and metaphor. There will be material on the psychology of intra and inter group communication, and on general theories of communication; medium and message issues, and formal and informal channels of communication. Culture and context, both macro and micro, will be explored. Core Reading; A A Berger Cultural Criticism, Sage 1998 A A Berger Media Research Techniques Sage 1998 M Billig Arguing and Thinking Cambridge 1995 R Harri & G Gillett The Discursive Mind Sage 1995 A Mattelart and M Mattelart Theories of Communication, Sage, 1998 S Turkle Life on the Screen; identity in the age of the Internet, Simon & Schuster 1995 |
PS50071: Science & communication I |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW25EX25OT50 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip students with an appreciation of the main debates in the relationship between science and public understanding, and with knowledge of communication theory and methods of analysis. Students will understand the theoretical and methodological issues involved in science communication. They will be familiar with the role of language discourse, rhetoric and metaphor in written, visual and virtual media. They will be acquainted with major controversies around science and 'anti-science' and in areas of scientific debate. They will be familiar with issues relating to efforts to increase public understanding of science, and the relationship between science and culture. Content: The 'Two Cultures' debate and its heirs; Public understanding of science: the history of recent agendas; What constitutes 'science'?; Scientific literacy criticised: how to study (measure, analyse) what people understand and don't understand about science and what we can learn from this - examples from understanding the immune system; Science fiction and representations of science; the role of metaphor; Mechanisms of rhetoric; Discourse and narrative; the relationship between politics, activism and science; Epistemic cultures: how knowledge is held and transmitted. |
PS50072: Science & communication II |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW40EX40OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50071 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide students with the skills to analyse and interpret science communication and the relationship between science and culture, building on Science and Communication 1 Students will be able to use interpretative methods for analysing film, video, written and virtual media material relating to science communication. They will be able to present such analyses using a range of media techniques. Content: Brain science and science fiction brains; changing cultural conceptions of mind/brain and mental health; the metaphor of 'connections' in portrayal of the brain and its development - dangers to the brain, and the dangerous brain; Analysis of film/drama; video documentary; written text; the Internet. |
PS50078: Theoretical issues in psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES75OR25 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims: To equip students with an
understanding of the nature of psychological knowledge. To enable them to
appreciate the role of biological context, social context and cultural perspectives
on the formulation of psychological theories and research. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding: * have a critical appreciation of how theory in psychology developso understand the relationship between theory and methodology; * understand the relationship between biological perspectives and social perspectives in theory and research questions in key studies; * be aware of the cultural context within which research questions and theories are developed, and data interpreted; * understand the epistemological context of key studies in psychology and the implications of these for interpretation of data; * be able to apply their understanding of key studies in psychology to the principles of research design; * have an in-depth appreciation of the development and evaluation of key studies in psychology; * be able to appreciate alternative approaches to core research questions; * appreciate the tensions between applied and policy considerations and theoretical agendas, in the development of research questions in psychology; * appreciate the relationship between psychology and other disciplines in the development of research in psychology. Skills: * effective presentation of material using appropriate visual aids; * develop writing skills and skills in the formulation of argument and the presentation of critical appreciation of debate and controversy. Content: The unit will comprise 1.core lectures on key theoretical issues in psychology, in social, cognitive, health, developmental, communication and applied fields and the history of psychology, 2. indepth studies of selected key research, through seminar and essay work. |
PS50079: Measurement & meaning |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: This is an introductory course for postgraduate students who need to develop their understanding of the historical, philosophical and social factors that shape research methods in the humanities and social sciences, and of related philosophical and methodological issues. With a particular focus on two contrasting approaches -- the interpretation of texts and images and the development and impact of measuring and computing technologies, this unit aims to provide an overview of the way in which interpretative and quantitative approaches develop in various sciences, of how they interact and of how standardised quantitative methods achieve acceptance across disciplines. Students will become familiar with key concepts, arguments and authors in the philosophy of social science which they will be expected to apply to their own particular research field. The unit will provide them with an understanding of assumptions, techniques, technologies and social institutions on which different types of methods are based, and will equip them with critical insights to be applied to their own work. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course the students should: Knowledge and understanding: * Be aware of several significant developments in methods including hermeneutics, the use and interpretation of images; the analysis of metaphor, standardisation of methods; the development of laboratories, the rise of statistics, bureaucracy and trust in numbers, digitalization, calculation and computation, models, modeling and simulation. * Understand the contextual character of methods and how they become established as definitive of a disciplines or of research fields within a discipline. Intellectual skills. * Be able to recognise and describe different research styles associated with the humanities, social and natural sciences. * Be able to recognise and describe philosophical and methodological issues associated with particular methods. * Be able to identify features of method that contribute to the validation of results. * Be able to identify features of method that give rise to controversy between research groups within and between disciplines, recognising that this is often disputed. * Be familiar with the arguments of key advocates of mainstream approaches to the interpretation of texts, images, and quantitative data. Professional practice skills: * Understand that methods have histories and that selection of methods requires justification. * Apply understanding of the disputed nature of method to the evaluation and justification of particular methods in humanities and social science research. Content: The course will cover Hermeneutics; Making and Reading Images; Envisioning Information; Use and analysis of Metaphors; Method and Controversy; Bureaucracy, Measurement and Modern Science; Method as a standard and the Standardisation of Method; Transforming qualities to quantities: Quantification, Calculation and Computation; Instruments: material, conceptual and social; Models, Hypotheses and Theories; Models and Simulations; The rise of Statistics; Guest speakers from different disciplines will provide seminars on various aspects of the history and use of methods in the humanities and the sciences. |
PS50080: Dissertation |
| Credits: 30 |
| Level: Masters |
| Dissertation period |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
| Content: MSc Applied Social Psychology Dissertation |
PS50081: Extended essay in health psychology |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
|
Aims: To allow students the opportunity to develop a more in depth understanding of a key health psychology issue of their own choice.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of the unit students will have: * Identified (through consultation with a supervisor) and examined in considerable depth a specialist topic in health psychology of their own choosing. * Have a deeper, more coherent and more analytical understanding of health psychology theory, methods and practice. Skills: Intellectual: * To think and write creatively and analytically. * To communicate a debate. * To critically assess and evaluate research carried out by others. Professional / Practical: * Study and learning skills. * Ability to communicate and work well with an advisor. * Essay research, preparation and writing skills. * Independent/autonomous working skills. * Ability to formulate a research question and present a coherent answer. Content: Any area of health psychology for which an adequate level of supervision can be offered. |
XX50125: Methodology & explanation |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take CM50147 and take CM50148 and take PS50067 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To give the students an introductory understanding of research methods in human-computer interaction and communication research. To raise students awareness of the scientific and engineering methods used in the context of human-human and human computer interaction. Students will be able to apply appropriate techniques for the interpretation of material, including observational and ethnographic material, and for a critical understanding of assumptions that underpin the development and application of models. They will be able to understand and apply methods of analysis, experimentation and model building. The students should be able to distinguish between descriptive, predictive and prescriptive models, design and carry out empirical studies including experimental and observational approaches, apply analytical techniques to the analysis of human-human and human-computer interactions, and construct descriptive, qualitative, quantitative and explanatory accounts of human-human and human computer interaction. Content: Methods of analysing and interpreting, issues in ethnographic and experimental approaches. Constructing explanatory v. descriptive models. Critical and meta issues. Questions about dialogue between 'tools' and 'persons' and issues in model-building. Core Reading: D.A. Norman The Psychology of Everyday Things, Addison Wesley 1996 L Perelman School's Out; hyperlearning Avon Books 1992 G Salomon (ed) Distributed Cognitions; psychological and educational considerations Cambridge 1996 D Watts Small Worlds; the dynamics of networks between order and randomness, Princeton 1999 |
XX50126: Dialogue between system & theory |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX50ES50 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take CM50147 and take CM50148 and take PS50067 and take XX50125 and while taking this unit you must take CM50149 and take CM50150 and take XX50127 and take XX50128 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the relationships between systems and theories. Students will be able to appreciate the tensions between human processes and systems. Content: The unit will explore the inherent tensions between theories of human processes and the design of effective systems. It will look at the effect of systems on human processes. The historical dimensions will be explored, issues in the evolution of ideas and design, task artefact cycle, and reflections on ways of avoiding re-inventing the wheel through an inadequate appreciation of the history of technology and design. The unit will also explore tensions between evolutionary and predictive design. Core Reading: G Basalla The Evolution of Technology, Cambridge 1988 P Denning and R Metcalfe (eds) Beyond Calculation; the next fifty years of computing, Copernicus 1998 A Dix et al Human Computer Interaction, Prentice Hall 1997 D Gelernter The Muse in the Machine Free Press 1994 D Norman Defending Human Attributes in the Age of the Machine, Voyager CD-Rom 1999 S Turkle Life on the Screen; identity in the age of the Internet, Simon & Schuster 1995 D Watts Small Worlds; the dynamics of networks between order and randomness, Princeton 1999 |
XX50129: Project 2 |
| Credits: 30 |
| Level: Masters |
| Dissertation period |
| Assessment: DS80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take XX50128 |
| Aims & Learning Objectives: To acquire the skills of executing and reporting an original piece of research. Students will demonstrate their ability to design, execute and report an original piece of research. Content: Students will undertake an original project which may comprise theoretical, empirical or design components, and would normally bridge the disciplines involved in the programme. This will normally form the second stage of the Project, of which the first stage (UNIV0045) comprises the literature review and research proposal. Project 2 will involve the conduct of the planned research, its analysis and reporting in a dissertation of up to 15,000 words, which will account for 80% of the assessment, and an oral presentation which accounts for 20% of the assessment. |
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