Introduction to Psychology PSYCH1010

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This introductory course offers a broad overview of psychology for visiting students, covering biological and cognitive psychology, and research methods. Through lectures and guided learning, students engage with key theories, classic and contemporary studies, and debates that shape the field. The course is suitable for students taking psychology as part of their home degree or as an elective.

Timetable

One-hour lectures weekly on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the semester.

Requirements of Entry

Entry to the class is offered to students who are visiting from overseas universities.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

1 degree exam (100%).  

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

This course introduces visiting students to foundational areas of psychology, including biological and cognitive psychology, and research methods. It aims to provide a broad understanding of how psychological knowledge is developed and evaluated, and to foster critical thinking about psychological theories, evidence, and ethical issues in psychological research.

 

The course is intended for students who are visiting from overseas universities. It can serve as an introduction to the field for students taking the course as part of their psychology degree at their home university, or as an outside subject in another degree programme

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

Students at the end of this course will be equipped with skills and knowledge to:

■ Discuss key psychological theories and research findings across biological psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods within a British Psychological Society accredited curriculum.

■ Discuss the methodological bases for psychological research.

■ Discuss historical and contemporary debates in psychology, including ethical, epistemological, and conceptual challenges.

■ Demonstrate knowledge and applied understanding of psychological theories and research findings by accurately selecting appropriate responses in a multiple-choice examination.

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Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit the course's summative assessment.