Overview

Students will develop a range of transferable communication skills on this module. The module will include the following components:

• Writing for Science (WfS): Students will participate in workshops to further develop their science writing skills

• Dissemination of Information (DoI): Students will hear a series of research talks and will communicate the content of these in writing

• Psychology Oral Presentation Practice Skills (POPPS): Students will take part in peer led small group practice sessions for developing oral presentation skills

A typical curriculum will include workshops and lectures on: Essay planning, thesis statements, using feedback effectively, credible sources and advanced referencing and critical thinking skills.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D- - A basic knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A description of research presented, with some sections covered clearly - Some structural issues and only some of the relevant information within the field covered. - Little demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings - Few logically presented and factually correct arguments, mostly undefended by sound scientific evidence - Little original interpretation applied to problems, with few synthesis and critical thinking skills shown - Weak presentation of material, with little adherence to APA standards and lack of clear communication of scientific content. - Adequate oral presentation skills shown

-good -B+ to B- - A good knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A scientific description of research presented, with most sections covered clearly and succinctly - Well-structured and mostly relevant coverage of the current field. - A demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings - Mostly logically presented and factually correct arguments, often defended by sound scientific evidence - Some original interpretation applied to problems, with good synthesis and critical thinking skills shown - Good presentation of material, mostly adhering to APA standards and communicating scientific content well - Good oral presentation skills shownC+ to C- range answers will reflect the same criteria but to a somewhat lower standard

-excellent -A** to A- - A comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of topic areas presented. - A highly scientific description of research presented, with all sections covered clearly and succinctly. - Well-structured and highly relevant coverage of the current field. - A clear demonstration of independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Logically presented and factually correct arguments, defended by sound scientific evidence - Original interpretation applied to problems, with excellent synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Excellent written presentation of material, fully adhering to APA standards and clearly communicating scientific content. - Excellent oral presentations skills shown.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a clear understanding and/or application of the APA formatting rules and scientific writing style and conventions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in science.

• Demonstrate competent science writing, using format, language, and style appropriate for scientific discourse.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific research in both written and oral formats

• Develop confidence and scientific style in oral presentation of psychological material

• Discuss and evaluate some of the critical and contentious issues currently being debated in the field of psychology.

• Present information about one or more of the major areas of psychology in a logical, informative and scientifically appropriate manner.