Module PPP-4007:
Applied Psych in Context

Module Facts

Run by School of Psychology

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Judith Roberts

Overall aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to give the student an overview of applied psychology from a variety of contexts as well as getting a thorough grounding in how psychological knowledge is applied, and the professional issues associated with that application. It will give the student the opportunity to further develop professional skills alongside an established career e.g. social work, nursing or as a starting point for those who wish to pursue a career in clinical and health settings; this module will be particularly useful for students wishing to pursue a career in an area of applied psychology. This module will also offer an ideal starting point for those who wish to pursue a career in clinical and health research. The module content will focus on applied psychology within the United Kingdom.

The workshops will allow the student to practice and develop practical skills such as group working, identifying personal leadership skills, reflective practice, and discussing case studies in small groups.

Course content

Course content will include the following – • Applied psychology and career pathways – professional standards • Working across different disciplines (child, adult, learning disability, older adult) • Working as a scientist practitioner/evidence based practice • Communication across disciplines in applied psychology • Project Management • Reflective practice • Leadership • Supervision within professional practice • Equality and diversity • Avoiding burnout (workplace stress/demands/risk)

Assessment Criteria

threshold

C- to C+ - The work only demonstrates knowledge of key areas/principles of applied psychology and there is limited evidence of originality or of background study - The work contains some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure - Arguments are presented but they lack coherence - The work contains factual errors with little evidence of problem solving - There are weaknesses in the standard of the presentation and its accuracy

good

B- to B+ - Work displays sound knowledge and understanding of applied psychology but with some limitations - There is evidence of background study - There is evidence of self-reflection during group work - The work had a defined and logical structure but with some weaknesses in the way in which arguments are presented - There is some original interpretation of topics - The work is presented carefully with accurate information and few factual errors

excellent

A- to A** - Work displays comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of applied psychology, reflecting extensive background study - The work displays self-reflection of own input into group work and the application of this to other areas - The work is highly focussed, well structured, logically presented and with defended arguments - The work considers the topics in an original way and demonstrates the writer’s decision-making skills in novel situations - The work is presented to a high standard with accurate information and no factual errors

Learning outcomes

  1. Have an understanding of the importance of critically evaluating and reflecting on one’s own clinical practice and continuing professional development.

  2. Demonstrate good communication skills within collaborative working relationships with peers and understand how this relates to working within multi-disciplinary team settings.

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics and accountability and the need to remain within the British Psychological Societies code of ethics and practice within the Health Professions Council standards of conduct.

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of applied psychology with different populations across different settings.

  5. Critically appraise the impact and efficacy of the development of psychological interventions.

  6. Appreciate and recognise personal transferrable skills that are required, across a range of professions within clinical and health settings.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
ESSAY Essay 50
EXAM Take Home Exam 50

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

10 x 2 hour lectures where the theoretical aspects of applied psychology will be taught

 20
Private study
  • 110 (i.e. 11 hours per week over 10 weeks of lectures and 1 reading week) hours self-directed learning – e.g. searching for relevant journal articles, core reading, exam/essay/formative assessment revision, group work preparation
  • 30 hours essay preparation and writing
  • 30 minutes following each workshop to write a blog (5 hours total)
  • 12 = hours-take home exam (this includes reading around the topic and writing)
 157
Tutorial

Each student will have available to them at least 1 hour of direct contact across the module timeframe.

 1
Practical classes and workshops

For each workshop, the students will be split into smaller groups where they will discuss case studies relevant to that weeks lecture. Students will be expected to contribute to group discussions.

 22

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues and integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology.
  • Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
  • Communicate psychological concepts effectively in oral form.
  • Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
  • Retrieve and organise information effectively.
  • Handle primary source material critically.
  • Be sensitive and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal psychological factors.
  • Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
  • Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
  • Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
  • Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
  • Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.
  • Be aware of ethical principles and approval procedures.

Resources

Resource implications for students

Students may incur a cost if they print the reading material posted on blackboard. The core text book is not essential but is recommended and therefore students may incur a cost for purchasing this book.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/ppp-4007.html

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: