Biological psychology, learning, motivation and happiness
30.0 ECTS creditsThe course comprises six modules:
Module 1 - Cognitive, neuro- and biological psychology I (12 ECTS cr)
The module deals with basic theories, methods and research results in biological psychology and neuropsychology regarding neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, genes and evolution, sensory and motor skills, psycho-pharmacology, biological rhythms, sleep, emotions and stress. Cognition psychology centres on basic theories and methods regarding perception, attention, memory and learning, intelligence and decision-making. The emphasis is primarily on understanding normal adult functions. The module includes laboratory sessions and a project where students carry out an experimental investigation in groups based on cognitive theory. Instruction is mainly in the form of lectures, laboratory work and projects.
Module 2 - Positive psychology, creativity and happiness (4 ECTS cr)
The module deals with subjective wellbeing. Students acquire a general understanding of basic theories, methods and areas of application for positive psychology, creativity and subjective wellbeing. The main focus is on strategies for subjective wellbeing and self-reflection on the basis of the theories of positive psychology. Instruction is in the form of lectures, field experiments, group seminars and net-based discussions (e.g. via tweetchat).
Module 3 - Learning and motivation (4 ECTS cr)
Students acquire knowledge of the classic and modern theories of motivation and learning based on theory of knowledge assumptions. Instruction is in the form of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and individual assignments.
Module 4 - Educational psychology (4 ECTS cr)
The module has a focus on areas relevant to school psychologists and different theoretical traditions in the field of educational psychology. The module deals with the concepts learning and development, which are treated from different theoretical perspectives and in relation to various social phenomena. Also treated are issues connected to child, youth and adult learning and progress in different contexts, such as education, leisure and work, as well as issues such as gender and diversity. Laboratory components and practical tasks reinforce student learning, for example, in writing evaluations professionally.
Module 5 - Theory of science and methods II (4 ECTS cr)
The module is a continuation of Theory of science and methods I in semester 1, and deals with quantitative and qualitative research methods and basic psychometric aspects. The qualitative component aims to provide basic knowledge of the interview as a data collection method in qualitative research. Instruction is in the form of lectures, application exercises and video recordings of interviews. Some common types of tests and instruments relevant to the profession are described. Processing empirical data is included, partly qualitative data using relevant qualitative methods, partly quantitative data with relevant non-parametric and parametric statistical methods. Manual calculation as well as calculation with statistical software are included.
Module 6 - Self-reflection, communication and clinical skills, conduct and communication (2 ECTS cr)
The module builds on a previous course in semester 1. Students participate in role play of information-gathering interviews, both as interviewer and respondent. The interviews are video-recorded and analysed in groups with an emphasis on how an interview or a conversation can be conducted in a non-leading fashion. The aim is that students should start identifying with the professional role. Active participation in role play activities is an important element of the module.
Module 1 - Cognitive, neuro- and biological psychology I (12 ECTS cr)
The module deals with basic theories, methods and research results in biological psychology and neuropsychology regarding neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, genes and evolution, sensory and motor skills, psycho-pharmacology, biological rhythms, sleep, emotions and stress. Cognition psychology centres on basic theories and methods regarding perception, attention, memory and learning, intelligence and decision-making. The emphasis is primarily on understanding normal adult functions. The module includes laboratory sessions and a project where students carry out an experimental investigation in groups based on cognitive theory. Instruction is mainly in the form of lectures, laboratory work and projects.
Module 2 - Positive psychology, creativity and happiness (4 ECTS cr)
The module deals with subjective wellbeing. Students acquire a general understanding of basic theories, methods and areas of application for positive psychology, creativity and subjective wellbeing. The main focus is on strategies for subjective wellbeing and self-reflection on the basis of the theories of positive psychology. Instruction is in the form of lectures, field experiments, group seminars and net-based discussions (e.g. via tweetchat).
Module 3 - Learning and motivation (4 ECTS cr)
Students acquire knowledge of the classic and modern theories of motivation and learning based on theory of knowledge assumptions. Instruction is in the form of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and individual assignments.
Module 4 - Educational psychology (4 ECTS cr)
The module has a focus on areas relevant to school psychologists and different theoretical traditions in the field of educational psychology. The module deals with the concepts learning and development, which are treated from different theoretical perspectives and in relation to various social phenomena. Also treated are issues connected to child, youth and adult learning and progress in different contexts, such as education, leisure and work, as well as issues such as gender and diversity. Laboratory components and practical tasks reinforce student learning, for example, in writing evaluations professionally.
Module 5 - Theory of science and methods II (4 ECTS cr)
The module is a continuation of Theory of science and methods I in semester 1, and deals with quantitative and qualitative research methods and basic psychometric aspects. The qualitative component aims to provide basic knowledge of the interview as a data collection method in qualitative research. Instruction is in the form of lectures, application exercises and video recordings of interviews. Some common types of tests and instruments relevant to the profession are described. Processing empirical data is included, partly qualitative data using relevant qualitative methods, partly quantitative data with relevant non-parametric and parametric statistical methods. Manual calculation as well as calculation with statistical software are included.
Module 6 - Self-reflection, communication and clinical skills, conduct and communication (2 ECTS cr)
The module builds on a previous course in semester 1. Students participate in role play of information-gathering interviews, both as interviewer and respondent. The interviews are video-recorded and analysed in groups with an emphasis on how an interview or a conversation can be conducted in a non-leading fashion. The aim is that students should start identifying with the professional role. Active participation in role play activities is an important element of the module.
Progressive specialisation:
G1N (has only upper‐secondary level entry requirements)
Education level:
Undergraduate level
Admission requirements:
Admission to the Master of Science in Psychology Programme (VAPSY)
Selection:
Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.
Course code:
PSG020
This course is included in the following programme
- Master of Science in Psychology Programme (studied during year 1)
The course is not included in the course offerings for the next period.