Psychology

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 Biology and Biochemistry of the human brain. We will also study research methods and learn to apply statistical tests. 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 gender, schizophrenia and aggression and will discuss issues and debates within Psychology, for example, the nature-nurture debate.

How will you be assessed?

Three 2-hour written examinations at the end of year 2:

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, gender, 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 long essays, so your written English must be strong.

What syllabus do you follow?

AQA 7182