What will you do on this course?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. During the first term of the Lower Sixth, we will examine the various approaches to Psychology, as well as the key research methods used to study behaviour. In the second term, we will look at mental health conditions, which will include phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We will also explore how our behaviour is influenced by other people. In the third term we will learn about memory and the factors which influence it and gain an understanding of the bond between children and their caregivers.
In the second year we will take an in-depth look at the topics of relationships, schizophrenia, and aggression and will discuss issues and debates within Psychology, for example, the nature-nurture debate. We will also take a detailed look at the link between our biology and our behaviour in the study of biopsychology.
How will you be assessed?
Three 2-hour written examinations at the end of your second year:
Paper 1: “Introductory topics in psychology” - includes social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology
Paper 2: “Psychology in context” - includes approaches to psychology, bio-psychology and research methods
Paper 3: “Issues and options in psychology” - includes issues and debates, relationships, schizophrenia and aggression
What could this course lead to?
Through studying Psychology you will develop important transferable skills, such as critical analysis, essay writing and data handling and interpretation; these will be of use in both science and humanities subjects. For students interested in becoming chartered psychologists, the traditional path is to complete an undergraduate degree in Psychology, followed by a postgraduate study in a particular field of Psychology: sport, forensic, health, clinical and educational, to name but a few.
Requirements
Psychology is a science subject, so you will have to interpret data and use mathematical formulae. Like other sciences, there is a lot of new vocabulary to learn and content to remember. However, unlike other sciences, you will also have to write extended answers which will include critical analysis, so your written English must be strong.
What syllabus do you follow?
AQA 7182
