PSY10130 Key Skills and Concepts in Psy

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module is a core module on the BSc in Psychology. The aim is to provide students with an introduction to the key concepts and skills that are central to the subject. A secondary aim is to introduce students to the staff and postgraduate students in the UCD School of Psychology. This ten-credit module will ensure that students have the space in the first trimester of first year to immerse themselves in their studies and develop a strong understanding of the subject. The topics in the module have been drawn from across the specialist topics that form part of the BSc. Students will also be introduced to careers in psychology and encouraged to identify the work and impact of psychology in their communities.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module students will:
- Show understanding of the nature of psychology as an academic subject and a professional discipline.
- Show a basic knowledge of the role of research in psychology.
- Be able to apply principles of critical thinking to assess the quality of research in psychology.
- Be able to identify psychology as a practice in their community or wider society (including the media).

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to Psychology
Introducing the UCD School of Psychology
Research Topics and Methods in Psychology
Key skills (addressed in tutorials) include referencing and citing, plagiarism, critical think and academic writing

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

6
Seminar (or Webinar)

20
Practical

2
Specified Learning Activities

32
Autonomous Student Learning

180
Online Learning

10
Total

250
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes a number of approaches:
- The main methods of delivery are online pre-recorded material (weekly) and face to face seminars (weekly) which allow for the review and discussion of material. Seminars are interactive, with Mentimeter used to promote active engagement in class
- Active learning - Students are encouraged to engage with relevant topic material in the popular media (Youtube videos, media reports, podcasts) and the bring their recommendations to the class
- Peer and group work - this module has an assignment completed in pairs at the end of the trimester. Students form pairs early in the module and work together on the preparation of the final assignment.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Audio recording of a critical discussion of a target article Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQs on core concepts Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Portfolio: Porfolio of activies completed in class and outside class time Varies over the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is available at a number of key points: - Students receive feedback on individual worksheets weekly/fortnightly with a pass/fail grade and brief qualitative comments - Common strengths and weaknesses are fed back to students in class following key activities weekly/fortnightly - MCQ grades are automatically available to students immediately following completion of the test