Foundations of Psychology 1

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Abstract

PSY101 Foundations of Psychology 1 and PSY102 Foundations of Psychology 2, together, provide a thorough introduction to the discipline of psychology. PSY101 Foundations of Psychology 1 includes the following topic areas: i) introduction to the science of psychology, ii) research methods, iii) biological aspects of behaviour, iv) sensation and perception, v) consciousness, vi) learning, memory, vii) cognitive processes and language, and viii) intelligence. Fundamental principles, theories, methods, and research findings are studied for each topic. A key aim of the subject is to develop students' competencies in critical thinking and essay writing following the American Psychological Association (APA) conventions.

Syllabus

The historical, philosophical, theoretical, and methodological backgrounds to psychologyBiological bases to behaviourSensation and perceptionVarieties of consciousnessLearningHuman memoryLanguage and thoughtIntelligence and psychological testingBasic research methodsPresentation of written material in APA style

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the nature and the historical and philosophical development of psychology as a scientific discipline and as a profession;

be able to demonstrate foundational knowledge in the following core areas of psychology; i) history and development of psychology, ii) research methods, iii) biological aspects of behaviour, iv) sensation and perception, v) consciousness, vi) learning, vii) memory, viii) cognitive processes and language, and ix) intelligence;

be able to understand and apply a range of psychological theories, concepts, principles, and research findings, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others in various formats;

be able to develop and apply critical thinking skills in evaluating psychological literature and questioning claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions;

be able to demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on and understand the ethical and practical aspects and processes of psychological research; and

be able to correctly apply the structure and formatting conventions of an academic essay following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA).