University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2015/16 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Psychological Science > Psychology (BSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PSYC001U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Jan Noyes
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Accrediting types: |
Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). (http://www.bps.org.uk/) |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Psychology (2023) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student's interest, scientific knowledge, and understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour and experience. Multiple perspectives are presented enabling students to develop a critical evaluation of the complex interactions between different areas of psychology. Students develop a thorough understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory and how theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data. This is achieved by acquiring a range of research skills and methods for investigating psychological topics that culminates in the conduct of an independent research project. The knowledge and techniques developed also lead to an ability to appreciate and evaluate theory, research findings, and their function in understanding theoretical ideas and the real life applications of psychology. The wide range of transferable skills acquired is highly valued by employers and provides an excellent preparation for a number of careers and further postgraduate study in psychology.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures, group seminars, and individual presentations of students. Tutorials across years, laboratory work in small groups in Years 1 and 2, and a major project in Year 3. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen examinations (1-4, 6), assessed coursework (1-4, 6), experiment write-ups (5, 7) and a Year 3 empirical project (2-7). Although 7 is not formally assessed in isolation, it forms a component in the assessment of experimental and project work (5). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Lectures, group seminars, and individual presentations of students. Tutorials across years, laboratory work in small groups in Years 1 and 2, and a major project in Year 3. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen examinations (1-4, 6), assessed coursework (1-4, 6), experiment write-ups (5, 7) and a Year 3 empirical project (2-7). Although 7 is not formally assessed in isolation, it forms a component in the assessment of experimental and project work (5). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Lectures, group seminars, and individual presentations of students. Tutorials across years, laboratory work in small groups in Years 1 and 2, and a major project in Year 3. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen examinations (1-3, 5-6, 11), assessed coursework (1-4, 5-6. 11), experimental write-ups (5, 7) and a Year 3 empirical project (2-10). |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
There are 100 credits of mandatory units at Level 4 that are designed to enable the student to acquire, and be conversant with, core aspects of research methods, research skills, conducting psychological experiments, theories and perspectives in biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. Students are initially provided with clear guidance on how to identify, locate and use materials from a wide range of sources. Comprehensive references are provided for each unit at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of written work. Oral communication skills are developed primarily within tutorials and laboratory related work. Students are expected to understand and demonstrate the scientific underpinnings of psychology, its historical origins, development and limitations and an awareness of the ethical context of psychological research. Students are also expected to demonstrate good communication skills by written, oral and visual means. An integral component of work at this level is basic statistical competence and the integration of this with the report of laboratory experiments. Students can take 20 credits of open units in other Schools in the University. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
All 120 credits are mandatory and are designed to continue the development of a more in-depth knowledge in all the above areas where students are expected to take a more critical stance to the theories, findings and approaches to the discipline. There is a progression from initially supported and guided study to more active forms of self-learning. They are expected to be able to reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence and adopt multiple perspectives. Students are expected to demonstrate a shift from knowledge to conceptual understanding, competence in research skills and a broad range of statistical methods through practical laboratory activities, be able to work effectively individually and in groups. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
All 120 credits are taken in Psychology. There are two mandatory units: 40 credit unit (independent research project) and a 20 credit unit on Contemporary Issues in Psychology. The remaining 60 credits are selected from optional units. The emphasis on independent active learning and self-directed study in the acquisition of both generic and specific skills reaches its conclusion. Students are expected to have acquired detailed and extensive knowledge of several specialised areas and applications of psychology, some of which are at the cutting-edge of the discipline, research paradigms, research methods and measurement techniques (including statistical analysis) and be aware of their limitations. They are also expected to be able to analyse systematically the relationships between multiple perspectives in the light of theory and evidence, show incisive critical evaluation, an impressive grasp of theory and creative insight. These skills are expected to be demonstrated in well-presented and structured discussion of topics in all assessed work. Students are also expected to initiate, design, conduct, and report an empirically based project under appropriate supervision by an individual member of academic staff. Demonstration of ethical issues in connection with project work and applied units is also expected. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
Not applicable. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Not applicable. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Not applicable. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Not applicable. |
Level D/8 - Doctoral |
Not applicable. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
The Faculty of Science expects a minimum work input by its undergraduates of 40 hours per week for every week of the academic year. The 40 hours is made up of a portfolio of different components. The balance between these components varies slightly from programme to programme reflecting the varying academic demands of different subject areas.
Lectures, practical work, tutorials, seminars and required coursework and homework for may take up around 20 hours per week. While this volume of formal teaching is common in the early years of programmes, in later years there is more self directed learning and the opportunity to carry out supervised research work. In total the formal teaching and the students learning should amount to the 40 hours a week mentioned.
The Faculty of Science requires students to do some academic work in the periods between the terms, both required work and that which reflects their interest in, and commitment to their programmes of study.
The mission is to train undergraduates in the scientific understanding of the human mind in a School in which teaching is research led. The British Psychological Society accredits the degree and regular reviews are conducted to ensure that accredited degrees continue to reach the necessary standards.
The School Office Tel: +44(0)117 9288475 http://psychology.psy.bris.ac.uk/
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Foundations of Psychology | PSYC10004 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Introduction to Psychological Experiments and Statistics | PSYC10002 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Myths and Misconceptions about Psychology | PSYC10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
20 credit points of Open Units | OPEN | 20 | Optional | |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Cognitive Psychology | PSYC20002 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1B |
Developmental Psychology and Language | PSYC20003 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2C |
Social Psychology and Individual Differences | PSYC20001 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1A |
Psychological Experiments and Statistics | PSYC21025 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Advanced Psychological Experiments and Statistics | PSYC21026 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Biological Psychology | PSYC20004 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2D |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Research Project Major | PSYC31013 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Contemporary Issues in Psychology | PSYC30016 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1B,TB-2C |
Students take three units from the following list: | ||||
Issues in Social Psychology | PSYC30017 | 20 | Optional | TB-2C |
Nutrition and Behaviour | PSYC31052 | 20 | Optional | TB-1B |
Evolutionary Psychology | PSYC30001 | 20 | Optional | TB-1A |
Neuropsychiatry | PSYC31053 | 20 | Optional | TB-1B |
Genes and Behaviour | PSYC30018 | 20 | Optional | TB-2C |
Human Factors Psychology | PSYC30019 | 20 | Optional | TB-1A |
Psychology (BSc) | 120 |
Unit Pass Mark for Undergraduate Programmes:
For details on the weightings for classifying undergraduate degrees, please see the Agreed Weightings, by Faculty, to be applied for the Purposes of Calculating the Final Programme Mark and Degree Classification in Undergraduate Programmes.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please refer to the specific progression/award requirements for programmes with a preliminary year of study, the Gateway programmes and International Foundation programmes.
All undergraduate degree programmes allow the opportunity for a student to exit from a programme with a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education.
Integrated Master's degrees may also allow the opportunity for a student to exit from the programme with an equivalent Bachelor's degree where a student has achieved 360 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 6, and has successfully met any additional criteria as described in the programme specification.
The opportunities for a student to exit from one of the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry with an Award is outlined in the relevant Programme Regulations (which are available as an annex in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes).
An Ordinary degree can be awarded if a student has successfully completed at least 300 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 6.
The pass mark for the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry is 50 out of 100. The classification of a degree in the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry is provided in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
University of Bristol,
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Tyndall Avenue,
Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000