A level Psychology

Psychology


Why should I study Psychology?
Psychology is a fascinating, stimulating and extremely popular subject. The course explores a wide range of perspectives explaining human behaviour and how our mind works. The course will look at topics such as human memory, the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, abnormality and obedience to authority. It also looks at how Psychology can be applied to the real world, such as the effects of day care on young children. Throughout this course you will develop valuable study skills in addition to a broad base of knowledge spanning one of the most interesting and varied courses available at AS/A Level.

What will I study?
At AS, you will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of psychology (social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences) through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity.

AS Units


Unit 1:

• Cognitive psychology, including memory and eyewitness testimony
• Developmental psychology, including early social development , attachment and the effects of day care
• Research methods, in the context of the above topic areas

Unit 2:

• Biological psychology, including stress, factors affecting stress, coping with stress and managing stress
• Social psychology, including majority and minority influence, obedience and independent behaviour
• Individual differences, including definitions of abnormality, approaches and therapies

A2 Units:


Unit 3:
will include 3 topics from the following:

• Biological rhythms and sleep
• Perception
• Relationships
• Aggression
• Eating behaviour
• Gender
• Intelligence & learning
• Cognition and developments

Unit 4:
Covers Psychopathology, Psychology in action and research methods.

What skills do I need?

• A desire to know and understand human behaviour and experience
• An ability to think critically and evaluate these differing explanations.
• Able to voice opinions and also to listen to other arguments and see others' viewpoints in discussions and debates.
• Able to express knowledge and understanding through structured written work.

How will I be taught?
Each Psychology class will be taught using a variety of methods ranging from formal teaching and activity based learning to group work, class discussion and worksheets. The department has access to digital projectors and video.

The course also involves a series of EUnit Tests , each of which are administered after completion of a unit/topic. These tests are based on the external examinations and therefore allow you the opportunity to practise valuable exam skills.

How is the course assessed?
AS
two 1½hrs written exams

A2
one 1½hr written exam and one 2 hr written exam

What will this course prepare me for?
Psychology can be pursued in its own right as either a clinical, educational or occupational psychologist â€" but other relevant careers include teaching, nursing, medicine, the police, social work, business management, marketing, sport, speech therapy and a wide range of other careers.

Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable