Discovering psychology
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Drawing on a wide range of studies and some classic pieces of psychological research, this key introductory Level 1 course provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the study of psychology. Discovering psychology explores the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and shows you how psychological research addresses real-life issues. You will be provided with a textbook and access to a website containing an online study guide, audio-visual material and interactive activities which are designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Psychology and Social Sciences.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | DSE141 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
Discovering psychology introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many different ways psychologists study the human mind and behaviour. You will find that it also offers an ideal preparation for Level 2 study, whether this is in psychology or another discipline.
Discovering psychology has 24 weeks of study and two weeks set aside for holiday. The study weeks commence from the above start date, and you will need to set aside between eleven and fifteen hours of study time for each of these weeks.
The course is organised into three parts:
Part 1 explores why people do harm to others. Using this as an example, you’ll look at how human behaviour may be influenced by personality and situational factors, and the ways in which learning also plays a role.
Part 2 focuses on what determines human behaviour more widely, including the role of evolution and the importance of social relations. The topics you will cover include: What makes people change their behaviour? What is the basis of a child’s attachment to its caregivers? How important is friendship, especially in childhood?
Part 3 centres on a key question in psychology – how can we study psychological processes that cannot be directly observed, such as language, attention or memory?
The course is built around a textbook Discovering Psychology and a website containing activities and audio-visual material that will form part of your core study time. There is also an online study guide which will guide you through your studies.
The online material will extend your understanding of the topics and issues discussed in the book in a number of different ways:
- the audio-visual material picks up on specific questions addressed in each chapter
- the interactive exercises will develop your understanding of the research methods used in psychology and will help you consolidate your understanding of key psychological concepts
- the online activities will help you develop the skills needed for your own learning.
The website also provides guidance on further study, and resources on how psychology is used in a range of workplaces and careers.
You will learn
You will learn about:
- some of the topics that psychologists investigate
- how the research process develops from asking questions, through collecting evidence to evaluating the findings.
You will develop skills in:
- accessing and interpreting information
- constructing arguments
- presenting and communicating information.
You will develop the skill of managing your time effectively by organising your work to meet a schedule. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on a study pathway leading to personal and/or career goals.
Entry
This is a key introductory Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to Level 2 study.
If you studied a long time ago, or have not studied at a higher level at all (i.e. you do not have an A level or its equivalent), we highly recommend that you study the 30-credit Introducing the social sciences - part one (DD131) before Discovering psychology. DSE141 has been designed to be combined with DD131.
If you have no prior study of social sciences and you feel that you need to build social sciences knowledge and skills, we recommend that you study the 60-credit Introducing the social sciences (DD101) before Discovering psychology.
If you are interested in a more scientifically orientated approach, you can study the 30-credit science course Introducing health sciences: a case study approach (SDK125) before Discovering psychology.
If your study goal is a degree in psychology, we strongly recommend that you study Discovering psychology as a Level 1 module in your degree. See BSc (Honours) Psychology for more information.
If you are new or a less confident learner, start with Starting with psychology (Y183). This is an Openings course, also at Level 1 but worth 15 credits. Designed with lots of support and no examination, it will give you a gentle introduction to this subject and to OU study. If you successfully complete this Openings course, you’ll be ready to study DSE141.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
This module includes a website and the use of tools such as online activities and audio-visual files. If you use specialist software or hardware to assist you in using a personal computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and scientific, diagrammatic and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Paper versions of the online study materials are available on request via the regional office. Also, audio CDs and a DVD of the audio and video materials can be ordered via a link on the StudentHome page. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Textbook, other printed materials and website containing an online study guide, audio-visual material and activities.
You will need
As part of this course you will need to watch short online videos, listen to audio files and participate in online activities. For this reason we recommend broadband access to the internet (a 512kbps service is adequate). However, you can study this course if you use dial-up (56kbps), but you will need to be patient when watching video or listening to audio. Alternatively, you can request a DVD/CD of the video and audio files via StudentHome after the course start date – we will provide more details when you register.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We will offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course. We will also offer online tutorials that you are encouraged to participate in.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May and October 2012 and February 2013. We then expect it to be available twice a year, in February and October.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Psychology and Social Sciences.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | DSE141 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
I have done a few modules and would say this is a great Level 1 course with lots of fascinating ...
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A great course, would recommend this one. Very interesting too. You look at people and their behaviour in a new ...
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