Psychology

Psychology AS and A2



INTRODUCTION
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals. As individuals and groups we operate in many different ways, these are studied in order to be able to understand and predict behaviour

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The advanced level course aims to introduce the student to the major approaches, theories and studies that have developed in the subject.

AS CONTENT
UNIT 1 â€" Cognitive and developmental psychology 33% of total AS mark Section A â€" Cognitive psychology: Memory Section B â€" Developmental psychology â€" attachments in development
UNIT 2 â€" Physiological psychology + individual differences. 33% of total AS mark Section A â€" Physiological psychology: Stress Section B â€" Individual differences: Definitions and models of abnormality
UNIT 3 â€" Social psychology and research methods. 33% of total AS mark Section A â€" Social psychology :Social influences Section B â€" Research methods

AS ASSESSMENT
The examination constitutes 100% of the total mark.

A2 CONTENT
UNIT 4 Social Physiological and Developmental Psychology 15% of the total A level marks Pro & anti social behaviour Biological rhythms sleep and dreaming Social and personality development
UNIT 5 Individual differences + Perspectives 20% of total A level marks Psychopathology Issues in psychology eg cultural bias Approaches
UNIT 6 Coursework 15% of final A level mark One report of a psychological investigation

A2 ASSESSMENT
UNIT 4 Exam 1.5 hours
UNIT 5 Exam 2 hours
UNIT 6 One piece of course-work completed by April

HOW WILL I STUDY?
The department uses a variety of teaching and learning styles that include lectures, group-work, self supported study, use of IT, CD-ROMS etc. Extensive use is made of textbooks, handouts, lecture notes, IT facilities and other human-beings.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As part of an advanced level programme, a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (or the equivalent). A grade C in English and a grade D in maths essential.

LENGTH OF COURSE
AS level is one year, followed by a second year for those progressing to A2 level.

WHERE NEXT?
A large percentage of the department†s students progress onto Higher Education to study Psychology and related disciplines. Psychology is the largest growing subject in the Post 16 area and this popularity is very likely to continue. The A-level gives students an ideal grounding in the understanding and study of humans, whether or not they chose to take this further.

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