Introduction to psychology, 7.5 credits

Ma B, Sh A with at least the Pass grade/3.

Knowledge and understanding 

• give examples of the tasks that currently may be included in the psychologist profession and show ability to reflect around different aspects on the role of the psychologist
• define the concept of psychology and briefly describe the historical roots of the subject and its current status as scientific subject
• show knowledge of a number of theories, methods, terms and concepts that occur within different fields of psychology
• have general knowledge of some challenges associated with mental health in a global perspective and discuss how these challenges can be met

 
Skills and ability to evaluate

•  know how to use different reading techniques and the importance of evaluating information
• be familiar with current research­ethical guidelines within medical and behavioural science research
• discuss psychological research and different psychological issues with a critical and reflecting attitude

The course starts with information about the psychologist programme and the psychologist profession as well the upcoming studies, starting with an introduction to various reading techniques and a basic introduction to the scientific information-field. The course is an introduction to psychology as a science and, in varying degrees, concerns the following areas: learning, memory, emotion, neurobiology, developmental psychology, personality psychology, social psychology, psychopathology and global health-issues. The course also deals with scientific writing, professional- and research ethics.

Teacher­supervised lectures and discussion seminars in small groups are dominating working methods. The course assumes independent studies of stated reading list according to reading instructions in the timetable and active participation in teaching. In the course is included also certain compulsory written assignments and discussion seminars with aim to help the student to achieve the aims of the course.
 
The course director assesses if absence from compulsory education element can be compensated for, and if this is the case, how this should be done. Until the student has participated in the compulsory parts (or compensated any absence with assigned tasks in accordance with instructions from the course director) the final study results can not be reported. Absence from a mandatory education element could mean that the student can not do the part until the next time the course is offered. In the course, a number of optional supervision sessions are included in a digital platform.

The course is examined by a written individual examination at the end of the course.
At final examination the student may be given one of the grades Passed with distinction, Passed or Failed.

For the grade Passed on whole course is required at least grade passed on final examination and passed compulsory parts/seminars (see compulsory parts in current timetable).

For Pass with distinction on the entire course is required the grade Passed with distinction on final examination and Passed on all compulsory parts/seminars (see compulsory parts in current timetable).

Absence at certain compulsory discussion seminars can be substituted by written complementary assignments.

Limitation in the number of examinations
Student who has not passed after regular examination session has the right to participate at further five examination sessions. If the student has carried out six failed examinations/tests no more examination session will be given. Every time the student participates in the same test counts as an examination session. Submission of blank exam is counted as examination session. Examination session to which the student registered but not participated be counted not as examination session. For placement or the equivalent apply at most two examinations. The next occasion can be the following regular examinations on the course. The next re-examinations be informed at the start of the course.

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's 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 knowledge, skills, and approach may not be changed, removed or reduced.

The transition rules follow KI's local guidelines for examination.

Course evaluation from the expected learning outcomes of the course syllabus takes place according to KI's local guidelines. Results and possible measures are returned to the students on the web site for the course.