Core Module Information
Module title: Current Topics in Psychology (Singapore-MDIS)

SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: PSY10700
Module leader: Alex McIntyre
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

Current issues, debates, challenges and subjects in psychology are varied depending upon guest lecturer specialisms, and could include for example: methods and ethics of measuring creativity, effects of musical training on cognition, the publication bias and replication crisis, criminal profiling, understanding conspiracy theorists, recent developments in mental health support and suicide prevention, experiences of migration, understanding behaviours in relation to vaccine uptake/refusal, psychology of religion and extremism. Topics will be underpinned by theoretical explanations and/or applied research. The module content will flexibly adhere to developments at a national and international level.This module will support you in building/gaining important employability skills such as: public (in-class) speaking, delivering presentations, pitching ideas, giving and receiving feedback, meeting new people (guest speakers) and making a good impression, time management and task prioritisation, and engaging with debates/Q&A sessions. This module will provide an opportunity to study psychological topics that are not delivered elsewhere on the programmes.The module will be delivered through seminars led by the invited guest speakers and staff members, each focusing on a specific theme in theoretical and/or applied psychology. After each presentation, the Q&A session will be held to allow you to critically engage with the features, boundaries, and issues related to the specific topic covered (LO 1, 3, 4). You will therefore be required to ask questions and contribute to class discussions. The format allows for you to encounter currently debated topics falling within the theoretical or research/practical expertise of guest speakers and staff members. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in writing for a non-expert audience by completion of a 'Conversation' essay (LO 1, 2). You will also choose and present one current issue/debate/challenge/subject in psychology that has not been covered on the module, which you will pitch to the class and later present (LO 2, 3, 4).

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate an advanced ability to recognise, interpret, and detail specific theoretical/research related topics in the field.

LO2: Develop and demonstrate skills in science communication.

LO3: Critically engage with discussions and debates through communication with speakers and classmates.

LO4: Conceptualise and critically appraise a current issue, debate, challenge, and/or controversy in theoretical/applied psychology not covered on the module.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: SINGAPORE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Alex McIntyre
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 22 Seminar session in weeks 2-9 inclusive. We will cover essential module content and skill development in the first 45-60mins. Skill development topics will be student led and aligned with graduate employability skills such as: public (in-class) speaking, delivering presentations, pitching ideas, giving and receiving feedback, meeting new people (guest speakers) and making a good impression. Most weeks will feature a speaker who will present for 40-50 mins, followed by Q&A session.
Online Guided independent study 178 You will prepare for each class before attending, and carry out independent reading and assessment preparation.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 1~2 Week 12 , WORDS= 800 words Creation of a Conversation article covering one of the topics on the module, written for a lay audience (“intelligent 16-year-old”). This should follow The Conversation - Global Edition conventions, including embedded references, max. 800 words, and relevant media. A complete APA reference list should also be provided. This assessment measures LO 1 & 2.
Oral Presentation 50 2~3~4 Week 10 HOURS= 15 minutes You must prepare and deliver a 15-minute presentation on one current issue/debate/challenge/subject in psychology that has not been covered on the module or your programme. Your verbal presentation to classmates and the module team should be accompanied by visual aids (such as slides, images, infograph), and should conceptualise the key issues and critically appraise the theory and research in the area, leaving the audience with an understanding of the topic. This assessment measures LOs 2, 3, 4.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100
2026/7, Trimester 2, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: SINGAPORE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Alex McIntyre
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 22 Seminar session in weeks 2-9 inclusive. We will cover essential module content and skill development in the first 45-60mins. Skill development topics will be student led and aligned with graduate employability skills such as: public (in-class) speaking, delivering presentations, pitching ideas, giving and receiving feedback, meeting new people (guest speakers) and making a good impression. Most weeks will feature a speaker who will present for 40-50 mins, followed by Q&A session.
Online Guided independent study 178 You will prepare for each class before attending, and carry out independent reading and assessment preparation.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 1~2 Week 12 , WORDS= 800 words Creation of a Conversation article covering one of the topics on the module, written for a lay audience (“intelligent 16-year-old”). This should follow The Conversation - Global Edition conventions, including embedded references, max. 800 words, and relevant media. A complete APA reference list should also be provided. This assessment measures LO 1 & 2.
Oral Presentation 50 2~3~4 Week 10 HOURS= 15 minutes You must prepare and deliver a 15-minute presentation on one current issue/debate/challenge/subject in psychology that has not been covered on the module or your programme. Your verbal presentation to classmates and the module team should be accompanied by visual aids (such as slides, images, infograph), and should conceptualise the key issues and critically appraise the theory and research in the area, leaving the audience with an understanding of the topic. This assessment measures LOs 2, 3, 4.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader