Why Study Psychology at Sunway University? Psychology

Transcription

1 Psychology

2 Why Study Psychology at Sunway University? Psychology The study of human behaviour and the application of psychology is one of the fastest growing careers in the developing world today. It has applications in medicine, education, business, social policy and technology. As societies advance, intelligent lifestyles require greater control over emotional, behavioural and mental abilities. An undergraduate degree in Psychology is the first step towards personal and career advancement. In offering this programme, Sunway University strives to produce graduates who have a thorough understanding of the principles of human behaviour and are able to apply these principles in dealing with real-life issues and enhancing human potentials. Sunway University is an elite Tier 5 member in the 2011 MQA Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (SETARA 11) that measures quality of teaching and learning at the undergraduate level in universities and university colleges in Malaysia. It is another way of recognising our excellent academics and graduates. Critical Thinking Communication Independent Research Skills Leadership We want you to be more than just a well-versed talking head on psychology, we make sure you acquire skills that truly enable you to connect and communicate. A psychology graduate of Sunway will develop skills in: Administering basic psychological tests Running basic group programmes Understanding the principles of child behaviour control Designing and carrying out investigations to understand problems Analysing and interpreting data Being able to develop structured lesson plans and instruct a group Being able to critically examine ethical problems from various philosophical orientations Our students learn practical skills in community, health and corporate settings through: Community and clinical work where students get hands-on experience working with children and families Internships Local and international research collaborations At Sunway, psychology students are trained using the most professional facilities for practical learning. A specialised psychology laboratory is used to teach science-based psychology subjects along with: Computing facilities with statistical software, psychological experiments and simulations Observation rooms to conduct child development assessments, interviewing techniques and small group work Unlimited access to Online Electronic Psychology Journal Databases Practical Learning Facilities Specialised research facilities Observing and learning to analyse about psychological behaviour in Observation Rooms

3 International Connection: University Partner Education Pathway Success is a culmination of teamwork and strong partnerships. We have long been in alliance with some of the most accomplished institutions of higher learning to ensure that our students get the best in education. PhD in Psychology (3-5 Years) Employment Opportunities MSc in Psychology / Other Master in Psychology Programme (1-2 Years) BSc (Hons) Psychology (3 Years) Lancaster University Sunway University is in partnership with Lancaster University, UK, a world-class institution of higher learning which has consistently maintained its high rankings over the years in numerous reputable league tables. photographed by Jill Jennings SAMPLE Sunway Foundation in Arts A-Level / Australian Matriculation / Canadian Matriculation / Monash University Foundation Year / STPM / UEC or equivalent (1 Year) SPM / O-Level / Equivalent Established by Royal Charter in 1964, Lancaster University enjoys a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching, scholarship and research. The institution is currently ranked 12th out of over 100 universities in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013, 9th in the Independent s Complete University Guide 2013, 7th in the Guardian University Guide 2012, 131st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings , and 153 out of 300 Universities in QS World University Rankings 2011, making it within the top 1 per cent of the universities in the world. Lancaster University is also a member of the prestigious N8 Group which consists of eight of the most research intensive universities in northern England. The institution continues to sustain its reputation for teaching and research excellence both nationally and internationally by bringing universities, businesses and communities together. An example of this is the InfoLab21 at Lancaster University, which is an award-winning international centre of excellence for research in information and communication technologies and has a successful history of working with Microsoft, BT Labs, Orange, Cisco, Nokia and Ford. Additionally, the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is a triple-accredited, world-ranked management school, consistently among the UK s top five. The degree programmes developed and conducted at Sunway University are validated by Lancaster University, UK. Our students who successfully complete these undergraduate programmes will be awarded two certificates, making them graduates of both Sunway University and Lancaster University. SAMPLE Psychology Psychology Teaching & Assessments Students are expected to spend time on lectures, tutorials, guided reading and report writing. They are guided through project work which emphasises problem definition, solution generation, statistical evaluation and programme development, preparing them to meet the demands of working life.

4 BSc (Hons) Psychology Entry Requirements This degree programme provides a strong theoretical foundation and subsequently, equips students with the basic skills in the science of human behaviour. Academic materials for the programme are based on scientific principles that are the results of decades of experimentation and study. Course subjects have been chosen based on their relevance to practising psychologists and with regards to requirements for psychology. What is this programme about? The study of human behaviours. Doing research and analysing behaviour pattern. Understanding emotional, behavioural and mental abilities. Career Prospect Students study both psychological and social science subjects so that they are trained in their critical thinking, independent research ability, communication skills and relationship. When they graduate, they are equipped with highly sought after skills that employers look out for especially in research and human relationships related jobs. Teaching Children with Special Needs Child Development Mental Health Aid in a Psychiatric Clinic Special Needs Resource Market Research Find out if you re suitable for Psychology are a good listener enjoy observing and analysing people are patient and caring intrigued by the behaviours of people and animals are a people person like to devise and research to explore human behaviour and personalities want to develop a range of skills for a range of careers Advertising Public Relations Statistical Research Human Resource Management Consulting This programme is a prerequisite for those planning to pursue Psychology at the postgraduate level. Students may decide to pursue Master or Doctoral degrees in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental, sports or neurological psychology. Programme Structure - Indicative Subjects Academic Requirements STPM Average C+ or CGPA 2.33 (Minimum 2 principals) A-Level CC / CDE (Minimum 12 points) Australian Matriculation ATAR 60 Canadian Matriculation 60% MUFY 240 Sunway Foundation in Arts 60% UEC Maximum 26 points from 5 subjects (all Grade B) IB Completed with minimum 25 points (excluding bonus points) Other Qualifications Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-to-case basis Mathematics and Science Requirements SPM / O-Level Mathematics Science English Language Requirements Credit Credit in 1 Science subject TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 internet-based IELTS 6.0 MUET Band 5 SPM English A2 or A- UEC English B3 O-Level English (1119) B3 Sunway Intensive English Programme Pass Level 4 with minimum 65% ESL / English Satisfactory level in Pre-University programmes, where the medium of instruction is English English Language Assistance Sunway University welcomes students who want to work hard and try their best to become professional psychologists. For students who have met all the academic entry requirements but may still have some difficulties with English, additional classes and remedial help in the English language can be arranged through Sunway University s English Language Department. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Introductory Psychology English for Psychology Social Psychology Community Mental Health Developmental Psychology Research Methods Organisational Psychology Introduction to Statistics Motivation and Emotion Psychology of Learning and Education Brain & Behaviour Personality Psychology Psychological Testing Theories of Counseling Cognition & Perception Abnormal Psychology Cross-Cultural Psychology Applied Developmental Psychology Communication Skills Advanced Topics in Psychology Psychology Seminars Behaviour Modification Learning Disabilities History of Psychology Research Project Internship Academic Calendar Intakes January, March & August Duration 3 Years ACADEMIC YEAR STRUCTURE Two long semesters (14 weeks) and one short semester (7 weeks) Breaks Several mid-semester and end-of-semester breaks each year Additional MOE compulsory General Studies subjects For Local students: Islamic and Asian Civilisations, Community Service, Ethnic Relations, Bahasa Kebangsaan A (applicable to students who did not sit for SPM or did not obtain a Credit in SPM Bahasa Melayu) For International students: Malay Language for Communication 2, Community Service, Malaysian Studies 3 JPT/BPP (U)(KA10607/A5452) 07/14

5 Graduate Students (Where Are They Now) Contributing to Society The study of human behaviour, thoughts and personality has adequately prepared me for the role of HR Specialist in a global organisation, particularity in the area of Learning & Organisation Development, Talent Management, Leadership and Teambuilding. I am also able to interact and engage effectively with employees from diverse backgrounds. Foo Min Yi, Human Resources Adviser at Global Foundries Singapore My programme had great lecturers who would go the extra mile to help us understand complicated concepts using different teaching methods. The biggest takeaways for me personally are the critical and analytical thinking skills acquired throughout my years at SunU. These skillsets allow me to question the most basic things in our work and life, play a role in my daily decision-making processes, and explain difficult concepts in the simplest way. The Student Services at SunU also did a great job in enabling us to join various student bodies as a platform for our active and creative expression. Gerard Goh Nai King Towers Watson International Survey Research I learnt to appreciate diversity in the values and behaviour of others and embrace cultural differences at the work place. Jolyn Sia Human Resource Manager, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) At Sunway University, staff and students are encouraged to get involved in a variety of community projects. They do this either via providing community information, research or through skills training workshops. The following are some of the projects that staff and students have been involved in: IT Shared Services Dr. Lin Mei-Hua and colleague conducted a survey to analyse the reasons for effective performance among employees, especially in terms of increasing motivation and lowering the turnover intentions. The survey was carried out with a sample of 60 employees on various organisational concepts and employees reaction and well-being. Concepts which affect turnover intentions, work motivation and job satisfaction were identified and a detailed report was prepared and presented to the Director of the organisation. Wellness Project Dr. Lin Mei-Hua and colleague were involved in a wellness intervention programme for employees of a hospitality organisation. The client is concerned by the high medical claims and increased level of job turnover among their employees, therefore, as consultants, Dr. Lin and colleague conducted a careful, thorough observation of the work setting and conducted focus groups. To follow is a survey to be administered to all employees. Based on the survey results, a suitable intervention programme will be recommended. Diversity Awareness Programme Dr. Alia Azalea and colleague conducted a Diversity Awareness Programme for a major pharmaceutical organisation. An assessment and training was conducted to address the issue of stereotyping and unconscious biasness among the employees of the organisation. Such programme will help the organisation to understand the possible process of their hiring decisions. ParenThots Ms. Woo Pei Jun is serving in the panel of experts for this online Star Publications to answer questions about community health problems, particularly on issues related to child and parenting issues. Each class at Sunway Psychology taught me a lesson but what made me stand out during my Masters and now PhD studies are statistics and the department s emphasis on research. When my classmates complain about SPSS and conducting research, I feel thrilled, smile and say bring it on! Sunway Psychology has created in me a desire for research and publishing articles which are very valuable. Samira Behiyat PhD in Counselling Psychology at Assumption University, Thailand Stress Management Workshop Dr. Alia Azalea and Dr. Lin Mei-Hua conducted stress management workshop for a major pharmaceutical organisation and its subsidiary. This is an effort made by the organisation to help their employees identify causes of stress and make a conscious effort to deal with everyday stress. Pitter Patter Ms. Elaine Yong is a contributor for this online column that discusses issues related to parenting.

6 Research Investigating the parenting styles and life skills of young adults Does a person s perception regarding their parent s parenting behaviours influence their own perception of life skills development? This study will include 500 first year students from five universities and colleges in the Subang area, Malaysia. The study suggests certain parenting styles predict the development of life skills more than others. The study is important as life skills help young adults understand who they are, what types of relationships are healthy and how to solve problems and make decisions. These skills can either enhance or impede the lifestyle of young adults. Influence of Cultural Cognition, Social Aspect of Culture and Personality on Trust Trust is found to be a critical factor driving human behaviour in both work and interpersonal interactions. Previous research by Mayer, Davis and Schoorman (1995) has found three trustworthiness elements of trust (i.e. ability, benevolence and integrity) which influence the development of trust in interpersonal situations. Yet, few studies have looked at how culture may shape trust perceptions of an information source on the three trustworthiness indicators. This research compares North Americans, Australians and Malaysians on three cultural aspects (cognitive, social and personality differences) that can affect trust and trustworthiness. Understanding the complexity of how these factors combine to affect trust is essential for international collaboration in various settings such as business and commerce, global communication, humanitarian effort and military collaboration involving multinational teamwork. Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction and Job Performance: Public and Private Full-Time University Lecturers Job satisfaction has been the focus of many researchers around the world; however, most research focused on individuals in corporate settings. With the growing educational market, universities in Malaysia have become more competitive. It is essential for any organisation including universities to keep their employees satisfied while expecting an effective level of job performance. This study investigates whether there are differences in the level of job satisfaction and performance of public and private lecturers. This study also focuses on personality factors, job characteristics of lecturers and perceived university organisational support in affecting job satisfaction, job performance and turnover intention of university lecturers. It is important to explore the comprehensive factors affecting job satisfaction of lecturers as employee training and re-training can be costly for the university and a lecturer s well-being may influence the well-being of students. Discrimination of lexical tone and tone languages by monolingual and multilingual infants Over 70% of languages around the world are tone languages including (i.e. Mandarin, Thai) English and Malay languages, on the other hand, are considered non-tone languages. Tone languages use lexical tone at the syllable level to contrast word meaning and different tone languages differ in the number and type of tones (i.e. there are four tones in Mandarin, nine in Cantonese and five in Thai). The study investigated whether bilingual tonal babies (babies who are mainly exposed to two tone languages i.e. Mandarin and Cantonese) and mixed babies (babies exposed to tone and non-tone languages i.e. Mandarin and English) are able to distinguish familiar (i.e. Mandarin) and unfamiliar (i.e. Thai) tones at 6 months and 9 months old. The study found that babies in mixed language environment are able to distinguish familiar tone (i.e. Mandarin) but not unfamiliar tones (i.e. Thai). These indicate that babies retain language information that they are exposed to within their environment. The present study also found that bilingual tone babies are unable to distinguish both familiar and unfamiliar tones, indicating that their developmental course of tone perception is delayed as they need to process more complex information when they are exposed to two or more tone languages. In addition, these babies have to process tone languages which have different tone systems. This may further explain the delay in tone perception in bilingual tone babies. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Sexual Attitude and Knowledge as Predictors of Safe-Sex Behaviour among University Students Sexual health issues have always gained silent treatment in Malaysia. The importance of looking into this research area is necessary with the increasing numbers of baby dumping and teenage pregnancy reported within the past few years. Young people face serious implications when they are not empowered with knowledge and appropriate attitudes to foster safesex practices. The study aims to look into differences in sexual knowledge and attitude held by sexually-experienced and sexually inexperienced university students and to compare sexual experience and safe-sex behaviour between genders. It will also investigate sexual knowledge and attitude as predictors of safe-sex behaviour among sexually-experienced students. The findings of the study will contribute to the understanding and development of sex education programmes catered to advocate safer-sex practices among university students.

7 sunway.edu.my/university SUNWAY UNIVERSITY (KPT/JPT/DFT/US/B15) Owned and governed by Jeffrey Cheah Foundation ( T) No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia. +6 (03) (03) This brochure is valid for our 2014 intakes. All information is correct at the time of printing (Nov 2013)