PN1002 Fundamentals of Psychology 2

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

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

Lecture 12.00 noon - 1:00 pm Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri. 2-hour workshop: one of Mon 10-12, 2-4, 4-6, Tues 9-11, 11-1, 2-4

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. The principal teaching method for PS1002 is formal lectures, with a continuation of the specialised methodology and practical course exploring methods of research. It will be assumed that students have taken PS1001 and will therefore have some experience in methodology and writing research reports.

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

Research Proposal = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%

Re-assessment

Research Proposal = 5%; Lab Report = 20%; Class Test = 40%; Exam = 35%. Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

4 lectures, 1 x 2-hour workshop

Scheduled learning hours

64

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

Guided independent study hours

136

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