PN1001 Fundamentals of Psychology 1

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

This module is available only to first year students. In the event of over-subscription, places will be given to students who require the module for their programme, and students on supported pathway or visiting programmes with the correct pre-requisites. If spaces are available at the end of the main advising period (after Wednesday in Orientation Week), a random ballot will be conducted for students selecting the module as an option.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12.00 noon - 1:00 pm, Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri. 2-hour workshop: one of Mon 10.00 am - 12 noon, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm, 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm, Tues 11.00 am - 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof P J Miles

Prof P J Miles
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module aims (i) to provide an introduction to the theoretical foundations, historical perspectives and modern developments of psychology; (ii) to provide an introduction to the variety of subjects which make up contemporary psychology; (iii) to provide a thorough grounding in the empirical basis of psychology. Lectures comprise the principal teaching method. In addition, a specialised methodology and practical course will introduce methods of research including experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results. The skills necessary for writing research reports will be stressed. It will be assumed that entrants have no previous knowledge of psychology.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

THIS MODULE HAS AVAILABILITY RESTRICTIONS INDICATED IN THE 2025-26 <A TARGET="_BLANK" HREF="HTTPS://WWW.ST-ANDREWS.AC.UK/SUBJECTS/MODULES/">MODULE CATALOGUE</A>. YOU SHOULD ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE AVAILABILITY RESTRICTIONS BEFORE SELECTING THIS MODULE.

Assessment pattern

Library Assignment = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%

Re-assessment

Library Assignment = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%. Reassessment applies to failed components only.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

4 lectures, 1 x 2-hour workshop

Scheduled learning hours

58

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

142

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand historical perspectives and the theoretical foundations of psychology
  • understand key areas of contemporary psychology
  • understand the role of research in the development of this discipline
  • critically evaluate key psychology studies
  • complete basic statistical analyses and interpret results
  • write in a format and style appropriate for a scientific journal