BSc Psychology

The focus for Semester 1 will be academic development. We will consider how to approach University study, drawing from evidence-based research to arrive at practical strategies for optimising your study and adopting a self-regulated approach to learning. You will work through activities designed to develop key academic skills (for example, acknowledging source materials to avoid plagiarism, writing concisely). Tutorials will prepare you for tackling University level essays, with activities to illustrate how to deconstruct essay questions, evaluate evidence, develop logical and coherent arguments and present a clear and direct answer. You will be encouraged to actively reflect on your learning development throughout.

In Semester 2 the focus will shift to employability. Materials developed in conjunction with the Careers Service will support you to explore your career options, to develop a positive plan of action and to encourage you to engage in behaviours known to enhance future employability. You will consider your career goals, reflect on and document your experience, skills and qualities, create a LinkedIn Profile and start building your professional networks.

This unit aims to:

Help students make the transition to University and support their development as independent learners. Develop key academic skills. Encourage early engagement in career enhancing behaviours. Promote planning and reflective practise directed towards academic and career development. Provide experience of participating in a range of psychological research studies

This unit will be taught via lectures and small tutorial groups.

Credit sources of information in order to avoid plagiarism; Cite sources and construct a reference list in APA style; Appreciate the variety of career options available to psychology graduates; Recognise the qualities of a good CV.

Form a reasoned argument for a particular point of view; Evaluate and use research evidence in support of an argument; Reflect on your academic and career development.

Write in a concise and accurate manner, in line with published psychology literature; Create a LinkedIn profile and ‘reach out’ statement; Articulate your skills and attributes; Gain experience of participating in psychological research

Identify personal skill needs and take responsibility for independent learning; Find and synthesise evidence from a range of source materials and be aware of the quality of that evidence; Develop awareness of your personal skills and attributes; Reflect critically on your development using a structured self-assessment tool; Set personal goals and have the motivation to achieve them

Reading Summary - 5%

Online Quizzes - 15%

Reflective Learngin Exercise - 30%

CV - 15%

Peer Review of CV - 5%

Reflection on Career Development - 30%

SEPS Credits (or alternative assignment) - Pass/Fail

Students will receieve feedback via grades, individual written feedback and cohort feedback

Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick. Harvard University Press. (available online)

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7^th edition). Washington: American Psychological Association.

NB This is a reference resource, available at the library (students are not required to purchase their own copy).