The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton Sixth Form New Course for 2015 New A Level Psychology The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX Tel: 016973 42160 Fax: 016973 49160 Email: [email protected] www.nts.cumbria.sch.uk Psychology AS/A Level Exam Board - AQA Introduction Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It encompasses many different areas of study such as human development, social behaviour and cognitive processes. The human mind is the sometimes described as the most complex machine on Earth. It is the source of all thought and behaviour. It is not possible to directly see the mind working and psychologists often rely on observations of the consequences of these thought processes. This is very similar to the situation faced by scientists in other fields. Nuclear physicists interested in the structure of atoms cannot observe protons, electrons and neutrons directly but instead, they predict how these particles should behave and devise experiments to confirm or refute their expectations. This is exactly the approach taken by psychologists and it is why, of all the social sciences, psychology is the most scientific. Course Outline Topics covered in the one year AS course include how psychology developed as a science, social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology (the study of abnormal behaviour) and research methods. For those who choose (at the end of Year 12) to study for the A-level qualification additional topics include biopsychology, issues and debates in psychology and also one topic chosen from stress, eating disorders or Schizophrenia. AS assessment consists of two exams and A2 consists of three exams, one of which relates to the optional topic. What kind of person would be suited to this course? Students who have an interest in how the mind works or in social behaviour are likely to enjoy the course. You will also learn how to conduct research, apply scientific theories and extract information from case studies. Potential opportunities at the end of the course Clinical psychology is a growing area of the NHS (this requires a degree in psychology followed by postgraduate training) but a background in psychology can be beneficial to anybody interested in pursuing a career in teaching, business, social work, policing or the social sciences. The broader study skills and research methods will also benefit anybody interested in studying sciences at university. At least an average of a grade B from AQA Biology 2, Chemistry 2 and Physics 2 GCSE is required (or the equivalent from different exam boards). For further information see Miss J Southwell, 3rd in Science; Mr A.Heyes, Head of Science or Miss N Hayton, 2nd in Science