These lectures are designed for post 16 students and will last 1 hour. Where applicable, each session has been aligned with content delivered on the A Level syllabus but is designed to give students an idea of how the subject would be taught at the university level.
Typical lecture content could include:
1. 'Beyond words': Creative approaches in qualitative Psychology.
The talk introduces creative approaches to the study of subjective experiences in Psychology. From pain to positivity, human experiences are embodied in ways which can appear 'beyond words'. Using examples from advances in qualitative methods in Psychology approaches including haptics, scrapbooking and crafting as research will be explored as techniques to enable expressivity and expand our understanding of what counts as 'data.'
2. Neuropsychology: Functional Neurological Disorder.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a hidden condition which affects any area of sensory, motor or cognitive functioning in the absence of any organic dysfunction. It affects many people yet is often not discussed, misunderstood and under-recognised. This talk focuses on understanding FND and how this sits between the realms of psychology and neurology and emphasises the importance of discussion and awareness of hidden disorders whilst introducing contemporary research from a researcher who specialises in this topic.
3. Sustained attention and Touchscreen Play.
Joint attention is a psychological concept that has been established in the literature for over forty years. This has gone relatively unchallenged due to the extensive research demonstrating the importance of joint attention for later development. Modern research is now suggesting it is sustained attention, not joint attention, that explains these relationships. Kim is a psychologist with specialties in developmental psychology and presents her research which aims to explore these ideas further, and in relation to how young infants engage in touchscreen play in comparison to traditional toys.
4. Careers in Psychology.
Psychology is one of the most popular degrees to take at university. There are many more exciting career pathways in the field of psychology than you can imagine – and far more than we can squeeze into this talk. The talk focuses around the main and emerging career options in psychology and explores different routes that people can take. During this talk we will discuss some of the essentials you need to consider when applying for degrees in psychology, as well as discuss avenues and career pathways post degree. Our diverse psychology team will also be able to discuss with you their own experiences and interests and highlight how the range of courses that we offer at BGU can support you in beginning your career journey.
5. Biopsychology: a history and contemporary topics.
Biopsychology is an area of psychology which has a dark past with multiple unethical studies which contributed toward the ill treatment of those with mental (and physical conditions). Though from this dark history, have stemmed some brilliant insights into the human mind, behaviour and our success in supporting those with ill mental health today. This talk discusses the history of biopsychology and can be delivered alongside key areas in contemporary biopsychology including stress, AD/HD, FND, schizophrenia, depression or diet and nutrition.
6. Research Ethics.
Arguably the discipline of psychology is built upon research that has challenged standards of acceptable behaviour. Can we develop phobias? Can we encourage people to change their behaviour? Should we be able to blame a person for their own actions? This subject presentation will demonstrate how our understanding of ethical standards has developed over the years, what our current practices are, and how training and working ethically is a core component of research and practice in Psychology. This all starts with knowing how to collect data and undertake research ethically and with integrity.
7. An Introduction to the imperfect mind: Errors in Thinking.
This talk will look at a variety of cognitive biases discovered in psychology. A cognitive bias is a systematic error in processing information that almost all humans are susceptible to. Understanding such biases helps us to understand how the human mind works under normal conditions as well as and circumstances of uncertainty.
8. It is a Laughing Matter: Humour, Health & Psychological Well-being.
“We don’t laugh because we are happy, we’re happy because we laugh.” William James. This lecture introduces contemporary research and theory underpinning our growing understanding on the impact of humour and laughter on physical health and psychological wellbeing. Laugh along and learn about the ways in which humour and play a crucial role in our development and ongoing social connectedness and consider what a world without laughter would be like.
9. The Psychology of Sleep & Dreaming.
This session will provide an overview of the importance of sleep for our mental and physical health, whilst considering ways psychologists can offer solutions to improving sleep quality and quantity. Furthermore, we will consider what happens to our consciousness and cognition during sleep, and what dreaming may tell us about the brain and our behaviour.
10. Mindfulness & Wellbeing.
This talk highlights research to show how Buddhist techniques, such as meditation, can have multiple benefits for our psychology, health, and wellbeing.
How to book: Please contact [email protected] if you would like to book a session.