Introduction to psychology, 7.5 credits

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

Module 1, To study at the Psychology Programme at Karolinska Institutet

• identify his/her own areas of development as a psychology student
• demonstrate ability to use basic skills in written presentations in Swedish

Module 2, Psychology as a scientific field

• provide an overview of psychology as a scientific field
• give examples of ethical issues within psychology as a scientific field
• demonstrate basic ability to evaluate information
• use basic skills in written presentations in English

Module 3, Psychology as a profession

• demonstrate ability to use basic clinical skills
• demonstrate ability to use basic skills in oral presentations in Swedish
• demonstrate ability to work in a group
• describe the global goals for sustainable development and reflect upon opportunities and obstacles to reach them
• give an account of some of the applications of professional psychology
• give examples of ethical issues within psychology as a profession

The course is divided into three modules, as follows:

During the module, the student is introduced to Karolinska Institutet ant its psychology programme through information into the programme's content, teaching methods and examinations, as well as into the vision of Karolinska Institutet for a better health for all. Information is provided about important support and resource functions. During half a day, students will be introduced into team-building practices. Science and learning strategies are discussed.

During the module, psychology as a scientific field is presented in lectures and literature. A special seminar is organized on the reading of scientific texts. Research ethics is also discussed within the module.

During the module, the student is given a first glance into psychology as a profession and is also given the opportunity to practice some important basic clinical skills: interviewing skills, professional writing, oral presentation and group work. A special seminar on sustainable development is organized. Professions ethics is also discussed within the module. During the last week of the course, there is a study visit to a professional psychologist.

The course introduces lectures, teacher- and student-led seminars, student's own work and skills training. During the first week, a compulsory half day of teambuilding activities is included. Towards the end of the course, a study visit is made to a professional psychologist. Please note that the introductory lecture to the study visit is a requirement in order to participate in the study visit.

Some course elements are compulsory, see heading "Examination".

Module 1, To study at the Psychology Programme at Karolinska Institutet, is examined through
a) written assignment in Swedish, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass)
b) active participation at compulsory lectures, teambuilding activities and seminars, according to instructions in 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 2, Psychology as a scientific field, is examined through
a) written exam, is graded U or G
b) written assignment in English, is graded U or G
c) active participation at compulsory workshops, according to instructions in schedule

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

Module 3, Psychology as a profession, is examined through
a) oral presentation, is graded U or G
b) active participation at compulsory seminars, lectures, training of clinical skills and study visit, according to instructions in 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.

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 placement/clinical modules
A student who has not passed on a placement/ clinical module has the right to participate (and thereby be examined) at one (1) additional occasion, this can however be the following time the course is given.

The examiner may, with immediate effect, interrupt a student's clinical placement (or equivalent) if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitude that patient safety or patient confidence in healthcare is at risk. If a clinical placement is interrupted in this way the student is deemed to have failed that element and to have used up one clinical placement opportunity. In such cases, an individual action plan should be set up stating which activities and tests are required before the student is qualified for a new clinical placement on the course.

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.