AS Psychology

AS Psychology

AQA (The Assessment & Qualifications Alliance)

Level: This is an AS level course.

What is the Psychology AS course?
If you have ever wondered why we forget, or why some people are more aggressive than others, or how our brain works, then you have been asking some of the questions that psychologists ask. Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour and psychologists attempt to describe how people behave and why they behave in certain ways.

There are no formal entry requirements before enrolling on this course. However, it is important that you have the ability to express yourself clearly in writing and it would be beneficial to have obtained a C grade GCSE in English or an equivalent qualification before enrolling.

Course topics
Below are some of the topics and questions you might come across during the course.

• What is known about how our memories are organised? Does this research have any practical applications, eg in helping students revise for exams?
• How does stress affect the immune system? What are the consequences on health? How do you manage stress?
• How can we explain psychological disorders such as phobias and eating disorders? Are they inherited or the result of life experiences? What types of treatment are available for psychological disorders and how effective are they?

Teaching and Learning
Psychology considers a wide range of topics and you will study the explanations which Psychologists have suggested, and the criticisms which have been made. Psychology takes a scientific approach to the study of human behaviour, so you will also learn how to design experiments and how to collect and interpret data.

The lessons will involve studying and discussing topics using textbooks, handouts, videos and individual presentations. Throughout the course you must be prepared to work independently, allowing 3 hours or more per week for study. This will involve note taking, reading from textbooks, articles and past examination papers. Students who are organised and with a determination to work hard are the most successful in examinations.

Assessment details
The AS examination is taken in May/June. Two exams are sat on the same day both of 1 hour 30 minutes duration.

The format of each examination is made up of structured questions.

NB This is funded as an examination based course and students should expect to enter the examinations.

Progression
A2 Level Psychology (this is not available at College at present).

Notes

NB There will be no class on Wednesday evening 3 March 2010

This is a Learning & Skills Council (LSC) funded course and you may be exempt from the tuition fee, however you would be required to pay the examination fee at the time of application. Tuition fees for overseas students may vary from those quoted.

Extra costs : Paper, writing materials, textbooks £40 and other resources will be discussed on the first night.

Related items
Adult Education General Information.