Core Module Information
Module title: Advanced Forensic Psychology

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: PSY11103
Module leader: Marc Kozlowski
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:

This module addresses three areas of advanced forensic psychology:1) The development of neuroethics as a body of work to understand and monitor the implications of neuroscience in terms of legal and social responsibility.2) A critical appreciation of some of the ethical dilemmas that are faced by forensic psychologists in their practice within criminal and civil contexts, and an understanding of how research has informed changes in specific aspects of forensic psychology practice over the last 50 years.3) Biological aspects of criminal behaviour including the role of epigenetics in the development of psychopathology and offending, and how catathymic processes and crises drive an individual towards criminal action.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse historical and ethical contexts in forensic psychology.

LO2: Evaluate the utility of biological theories to explain criminal behaviour.

LO3: Evaluate the development of neuroethics and its role in forensic contexts.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Marc Kozlowski
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 6 Three 2-hour lectures on: the historical and ethical contexts of forensic psychology; the utility of biological explanations for criminal behaviour; and the development of neuroethics and its role in forensic contexts.
Independent Learning On-demand Webinar 4 On-demand webinar for provision of guidance on, and answering your questions about, the three assignments.
Online Guided independent study 190 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete reading around the topics covered in the guest lectures. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 35 3 Week 9 , WORDS= 1,200 words Students to write a 1,200-word essay demonstrating a critical understanding of EITHER how ethical thinking in relation to neuroscience has developed over recent decades OR how our understanding of the neurological basis for ethical thinking / morality has evolved over recent decades. In both cases the implications for forensic psychology practice must be identified.
Oral Presentation 30 2 Week 5 HOURS= 8-10 minutes Submit a video-recording of yourself responding to some TV interview-style questions on the topic of the biological bases for violent offending. The video lasts 8-10 minutes, and the questions to which you need to respond are provided in the assessment brief. You must also submit a written transcript of your interview responses on Turnitin, including a link to your video.
Essay 35 1 Week 11 , WORDS= 1,200 words An 1,200-word essay demonstrating:1. A critical historical narrative of what interventions have been used over recent decades to treat men who have convictions for violence.2. A critical awareness of any ethical concerns relating to treating men who have convictions for violence.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY11103 Advanced Forensic Psychology