PY1PAB (The Person and the Brain) - Autumn

Module aims and purpose

The module aims to prepare students for in-depth study of multiple sub-fields of psychology¹ in the advanced years of their degree, by building a broad foundation to understanding psychology as a multi-faceted scientific discipline. It also aims to introduce students who may have little formal background in psychology to fundamental concepts and theories. 

Modern psychological science is an inter-disciplinary endeavour. This module is designed to introduce students to the multiple perspectives that contribute to our understanding of human thought and behaviour. It introduces the key principles of organisation of systems from neurons and brain networks², to the individual³, and to societal groups⁴. For example, the module covers topics such as neural and hormonal function, genetic contributions to behaviour, personality, and group dynamics. This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness of the theories and methods in biological, personality and social psychology¹ 
2. Appraise and evaluate the multiple factors that contribute to similarities and differences across individuals and groups⁴; ³; ² 
3. Evaluate the real-world impact or potential application of research findings⁵

Summative assessment

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BPS content areas in this module:

Footnotes

1. Conceptual and historical issues in psychology ↩ ↩²

2. Biological Psychology ↩ ↩²

3. Individual Differences ↩ ↩²

4. Social Psychology ↩ ↩²

5. Research Methods ↩