Introduction to psychology, 7.5 credits

No specific entry requirements.

On completion of the course, the students should be able to

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 research­ ethical guidelines within medical and behavioural science research, as well as professional ethics principles for psychologists
• 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 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 of the number of examinations
Students who do not pass the regular examination are entitled to retake the examination on five more occasions. If the student has failed a total of six examinations/tests, no additional examination will be given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of blank exam is counted as an examination. An electronic examination that has been opened via the learning management system counts as an examination, even if the examination is not submitted. An examination to which the student registered but did not attend, will not be counted as an examination. In order for an examination assignment to be relevant for assessment, it must have been submitted by the appointed time, otherwise the student is referred to the re-examination opportunity.

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.

If the course is cancelled or goes through substantial changes, information about interim regulations will be stated here.

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.