Course syllabus for Introduction to psychology

Introduktion till psykologi

Specific entry requirements

Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c, Social Sciences 1b or 1a1+1a2. Or: Mathematics level 2a or Mathematics level 2b or Mathematics level 2c, Social Studies level 1b or Social Studies level 1a2.

Outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Module 1, Studying at the Karolinska Institutet Psychology Programme

• provide an overview of the programme’s structure, pedagogical approach, working methods, and key resources at Karolinska Institutet
• apply basic principles of learning psychology to analyze and influence learning and study processes at both individual and group levels
• demonstrate a professional approach in interactions with fellow students, teachers, and university staff.

Module 2, Psychology as a Science and Academic Discipline

• provide an overview of central psychological perspectives
• describe how different perspectives explain human behavior and psychological problems
• apply these perspectives to analyze simple everyday and profession-related situations
• identify strengths and limitations of different psychological explanatory models
• apply basic scientific and ethical principles when interpreting psychological information. 

Module 3, Psychology as a Profession

• describe central areas of application for psychological work
• discuss psychological problems at the individual, group, and societal levels from different perspectives
• reflect on ethical and practical considerations in professional psychological practice
• reason about how scientific knowledge is used in professional contexts
• communicate simple psychological reasoning orally and in writing
• demonstrate a professional approach when interacting with supervisors, staff, patients, and relatives during field studies (practice-integrated learning, VIL)
• based on field studies (VIL), describe and reflect on patient perspectives and the psychologist’s role in different healthcare and organizational contexts

Content

The course consists of the following three modules:

Module 1, Studying at the Karolinska Institutet Psychology Programme, 1.5 credits
In this module, students are introduced to Karolinska Institutet and the psychology programme, including the programme’s structure, working methods, and resources. Basic study techniques and principles from learning psychology are addressed, with a focus on self-regulated and active learning. Students practice analyzing and influencing their own and others’ study processes.

Module 2, Psychology as a Science and Academic Discipline, 3 credits
This module addresses central psychological perspectives and theories through lectures, literature, and case-based exercises. Students are introduced to scientific thinking and research ethics, and practice applying psychological models to understand everyday situations and situations relevant to professional practice.

Module 3, Psychology as a Profession, 3 credits
In this module, students work with applying psychological knowledge at the individual, group, and societal levels through problem-based seminars and case studies. The focus is on analysis, ethical considerations, and the design of basic intervention proposals within different areas of application. Professional communication and collaboration are integrated throughout the work. The module includes field study (practice-integrated learning, VIL).

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, teacher-led and student-led seminars, problem-based exercises, independent work/studies. The teaching aims to stimulate active learning, collaboration, and reflection. The course also includes field visits (VIL) in organizations relevant to psychologists’ professional practice. Preparatory teaching is provided prior to the field visits.

Some course components are compulsory, see the section "Examination formats".

Examination

Module 1, Studying at the Karolinska Institutet Psychology Programme, is examined through
a) active participation in compulsory learning activities according to schedule
b) active participation in seminars, is graded U or G

The module is graded U or G.
The grade G on the module requires G on examination assignment b, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Module 2 – Psychology as a Science and Academic Discipline, is examined through
a) written examination, is graded U or G
b) active participation in compulsory seminars according to schedule

The module is graded U or G.
The grade G on the module requires G on examination assignment a, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Module 3 – Psychology as a Profession, is examined through
a) active participation in compulsory seminars according to schedule
b) attendance at compulsory lectures according to schedule
c) continuous assessment of professional conduct during the field study (VIL), is graded U or G

The module is graded U or G. A student who begins but does not complete the VIL, without special reasons, shall be given the grade U. The student will then have used up one VIL opportunity. The grade G on the module requires G on examination assignment c, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Course Grade
The entire course is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on all the three modules.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/ failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Limitation of the number of examinations
Regarding VIL (practice-integrated learning) opportunities, the number of times a student has the right to participate, is limited to two (2) times.

Guidelines in case of failure of VIL
The examiner may terminate a student's placement or equivalent with immediate effect if the student shows serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or approach that jeopardize patient safety or erode patient trust in healthcare. If a placement is terminated this way, the student fails the practical work. In such cases, an individual action plan must be drawn up, stating what activities and tests are required before the student is qualified to a second VIL opportunity. The number of times a student has the right to undergo activities and tests according to the individual action plan is limited to two times.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus' regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Transitional provisions

If the course is discontinued or substantially revised, information about transitional arrangements will be provided here.

Other directives

This is a translation of the Swedish version (Introduktion till psykologi). In the event of any discrepancy between the versions, the Swedish version constitutes the official decision, and the Swedish wording will prevail.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory Literature

Biswas-Diener, R.; Diener, E.
Noba textbook series: Psychology
Champaign, IL: DEF publishers, http://noba.to/qu4abpzy,
The book is available free of charge online, see the link.

*Ramnerö, Jonas; Törneke, Niklas *
**Beteendets ABC: en introduktion till behavioristisk psykoterapi **
Lund: Studentlitteratur, any edition – 232 pages ISBN: 978-91-44-07959-2 
Any edition may be used.

Recommended Literature

Schött, Kristina; Hållsten, Stina; Moberg, Bodil; Strand, Hans
Studentens skrivhandbok
3rd edition : Stockholm : Liber AB, [2015] - 185 sidor ISBN: 9789147114085, LIBRIS-ID: 17237573,

Additional scientific articles according to teacher's instructions