Introduction to Psychology 1/Design blueprint

Metadata

• Level: 1st year Bachelor Degree
• Notional learning hours: 120 (comprising 3 micro course of ~ 40 hours each)
• Credits: 3 North American credits
• Assessing institution: Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Proposed credentials: <insert main degrees / credential at KPU> and Certificate of General Studies
• Course codes: IPSY100 (IPSY101, IPSY102, IPSY103)

Course aims

Students who complete this course will:

1. Understand the historical and philosophical contexts behind the development of psychology
2. Describe and apply rudimentary research and statistical methods used by psychologists
3. Describe basic psychological processes
4. Explain and critically evaluate current topics and research in the field of psychology
5. Access and comprehend current research
6. Utilize effective writing skills in examinations
7. Use critical thinking skills through discussion and analysis of psychological issues

Note: This is the first of two Introductory Psychology courses.

The course will be structured according to three micro courses.

1. Foundations of Psychological Science (IPSY101)
2. Thinking, Learning & Memory (IPSY102)
3. Evolution, perception & consciousness (IPSY103)

Aims for Foundations of Psychological Science (IPSY101)

Students who complete this micro-course will:

1. Understand the historical and philosophical contexts behind the development of psychology
2. Describe and apply rudimentary research and statistical methods used by psychologists
3. Describe basic biopsychological processes
4. Explain and critically evaluate current topics and research in biopsychology
5. Access and comprehend current research
6. Utilize effective writing skills in examinations
7. Use critical thinking skills through discussion and analysis of psychological issues

Aims for Evolution, consciousness, perception (IPSY103)

Students who complete this micro-course will be able to:

Describe how evolutionary change occurs using the theory of natural selection Define evolutionary psychology and what a psychological adaptation is Explain sexual selection and the premises of sexual strategies theory Apply error management theory to a real world situation

Provisional micro course structure

1. Foundations of Psychological Science
   1. History of Psychology
   2. Research Methods & Critical Thinking
   3. Biological Basis of Behaviour
2. Thinking, Learning, & Memory
   1. Learning
   2. Memory
   3. Thinking & Intelligence
3. Evolution, Perception, & Consciousness
   1. Nature, Nurture, & Evolution
   2. Sensation & Perception
   3. States of Consciousness

Development and delivery approach

The course will be designed to be implemented as an open boundary course so that the OERu online resources can be reused to support face-to-face and possibly online learners at KPU.

The course will adopt a wrap-around model based primarily on a customised NOBA textbook. Were appropriate, learners may be directed to other open access resources.

Assessment strategy

Each micro course will have its own summative assessment.