Psychology (Undergraduate Programmes)

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY Private Bag X17, BELLVILLE, South Africa Tel: (021) /2453/2283 Fax: (021) Psychology (Undergraduate Programmes) INFORMATION BOOKLET Revised in

2 PSYCHOLOGY 1 st YEAR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME The following undergraduate programme is offered in the department of Psychology, viz.: (i) BA Degree (Majoring in Psychology) duration of 3 years. 1.1 Admission requirements for applicants who matriculated from 2008 (a) The National Senior Certificate (NSC) for Bachelor s Degree study plus a score of no less than 32 points calculated according to the University s approved points system, as well as the following specific subject requirements: Programme Minimum NSC Requirements for 2015 Faculty of Arts Course Code English (Home or 1 st Additional Language) Another Language (Home or 1 st Additional Language) Subject Specific Requirements for the following programmes: Geography, Tourism, Information Systems or Psychology Designated Subjects Point Score Bachelor of Arts (BA) (50-59%) 3 (40-49%) Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy 3 (40-49%) OR 4 (50-59%) Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) 32 (b) Students will be required to write The National Benchmark Test (NBT). OR (c) A qualification level of competence which the Senate of the University has deemed to be equivalent to the requirements stipulated in (a) and (b) above. 1.2 Admission requirements for applicants who matriculated before 2008 (a) A Matriculation Exemption with a minimum aggregate of a D symbol. (b) Students will be required to write The National Benchmark Test (NBT). OR (c) A qualification level of competence which the Senate of the University has deemed to be equivalent to the requirements stipulated in (a) and (b) above. 2

3 1 ST YEAR CURRICULM FIRST SEMESTER (i.e. first and second term) 1. Psychology (PSY111) the history of psychology locally and internationally Registration categories and fields in psychology Personality theories Theories of learning Themes in psychology (socio-historical context, theoretical diversity, role of culture etc.) Stress and coping 2. Brain & Behaviour (PSY112) Psychophysiology: the brain, the unbalanced brain and it is link to psychological disorders, the nervous system, visual sensation and perception, hearing sensation and perception. Memory Thinking Language SECOND SEMESTER (i.e. third and fourth term) 3. Psychology of Child Development (PSY121) Theorists such as Freud, Erikson and Piaget will be introduced Physical, personality, cognitive, moral, social and gender role development Perceptual and motor development. Childhood in South Africa 3

4 4. Research Methods (PSY123) General introduction to the field of research Scientific approach to behaviour Experimental research Descriptive / correlational research Grouped & ungrouped frequency distributions Measures of central tendency Measures of variability Measures of position Most Frequently asked Questions Q1. Are there any special requirements for this course? A. Other than the admission requirements, there are no other special requirements. Q2. Will I be a Psychologist after completing my BA degree? A. No, after completing all three years with Psychology as a major subject, need to apply (within their third year) for the Honours programme. Only after completing their Honours year as well as a further six-month internship can one register as a counsellor. You will be required to write a board examination set up by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). After completing this successfully you will then be recognised as a registered counsellor. Only after completion of Masters can you then be recognised as a psychologist. Q3. What is the difference between the B. Psych and the BA Psychology Degree? A. The B. Psych programme is unfortunately phased out. It was a 4-year programme, inclusive of a 6-month internship, which led to (after the written HPCSA examination) registration as a counsellor. The BA psychology programme is a 3-year degree programme offered at our University in the Arts Faculty. As already mentioned, you can then apply for Honours in your third year. Your six month internship will commence after your Honours year has been completed. CONTACT PERSON: Mr Lito Daniels [ ledaniels@uwc.ac.za, tel: ] 4

5 PSYCHOLOGY 2 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME The following Psychology undergraduate modules are offered as part of the Baccalaureus Artium (BA) degree in the Department of Psychology. There are four modules which are open to all and if you wish to major in psychology, will have to do all four. COURSE MODULES The course consists of: Module code Module Terms offered No of credits PSY 211 Human Development 1 st and 2 nd term Semester one 10 Open to all PSY 214 Psychological Intervention 1 st and 2 nd term Semester one 10 Open to all PSY 213 Psychopathology 3 rd and 4 th term 10 Open to all Semester two PSY 221 Qualitative Research Methods 3 rd and 4 th term Semester two 10 Open to all 5

6 Module Course Module Main Focus Areas & Outcomes PSY211 Human Development The aim is to interpret, systemise and explain developmental changes and the various factors that influence human development from adolescence until death. PSY214 Psychological Intervention This course will provide you with a broad overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the various therapeutic approaches used to help people change by gaining personal insight. You will also get an understanding of what makes the process of therapy effective, as well as what the characteristics of an effective therapist are! Finally, you will learn how to apply intervention approaches to certain target populations such as those infected with HIV. PSY213 Psychopathology The course will introduce the student to the area of psychopathology by looking at different definitions of psychopathology. Different models of psychopathology and symptomatology will also be explored as well as classification systems and the link between culture and pathology. PSY221 Qualitative Research Methods The aims are to: Develop understanding of how knowledge is created through qualitative research methods and techniques; stimulate an appreciation of different methodologies and debates in researching psychological and social reality; engage at a reflective level in respect of their own knowledge; promote an appreciation of and expertise in research and theory; start on talking about the creation of knowledge. * General Admission Requirements * For General admission Requirements, please consult the Faculty of Arts, Senior Student Guide for Undergraduate Students. CONTACT PERSON: Mrs Bronwyn Mthimunye [ brooi@uwc.ac.za, tel: (021) ] 6

7 PSYCHOLOGY 3 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME The following Psychology undergraduate modules are offered as part of the Baccalaureus Artium (BA) degree in the department of Psychology: Module PSY311 Course Module Psychopathology Main Focus Areas & Outcomes Revision of diagnostic classification system in order to enable to understand the: Diagnosis; Aetiology; Treatment of the mental disorders studied. PSY312 Personality Theory Provide the student with an integrated view of key psychological theories that underpin Personality Formation, Motivation for Behaviour and Psychopathology. Aim(s): To enable to understand the implications of each of these theories regarding Psychopathology formation, Psychotherapy and Psychometry PSY321 Quantitative Research Methods for Community & Health Sciences To introduce the student to a range of techniques for analysing data quantitatively as well as to show them how to interpret statistics yielded by the computer when using the SPSS package. Content includes: Basic Analytical skills; computerized analysis packages and understanding of research literature. Correlation, Regression, One, Two & more than Two sample tests. Aim(s): The purpose of this module is to equip the student to be able to do quantitative research at a post graduate level. PSY322 Psychology of Social Identity & Oppression To facilitate engagement with the social aspects influencing identity construction within a contemporary South Africa. It encourages to critically examine the social and contextual issues in South African society, introducing to themes and concepts such power, oppression, ideology, racism, identities, etc., in order to celebrate diversity and to effect social change in society. * General Admission Requirements * For General admission Requirements, please consult the Faculty of Arts, Senior Student Guide for Undergraduate Students. The above-mentioned modules provide a sound basis in preparation for the Psych Honours degree course. In order to be eligible for selection for Honours, applicants must obtain a minimum of 65% as an overall average for all Psychology THREE modules. CONTACT PERSON: Mr Brendon Faroa [ bfaroa@uwc.ac.za, tel: ] 7