Laurea (First cycle degree/Bachelor - 180 ECTS) in Sciences of Behaviour and Social Relations

This degree programme aims to promote the acquisition of some macro-areas of knowledge required to the 2nd cycle, which will lead Sciences of Behaviour and Social Relations graduates to become psychologists, and to achieve the following learning outcomes:
a) development of transversal skills for the diagnosis of both academic and professional situations and contexts in which students will find themselves during their study programme;
b) development of pre-vocational skills (management of interviews, management of small groups, production of technical reports, etc.);
c) acquisition of monitoring and competence evaluation skills required for the effective management of students' own study programme and the design of future developments in terms of academic and professional careers;
d) knowledge of the different features of working contexts in which the psychologist operates in order to develop a specific professional path, too.
Considering these complex objectives, the study programme is divided as follows:
• the first year enhance the acquisition of general knowledge in the psychology field, while some basic skills in the English language (Level B1) and study methods are reinforced;
• the second year focuses on the further study of course units in the various M-PSI disciplinary areas;
• finally, the third year offers the chance for further study both considering the interests and preparatory choices for continuation on to the 2nd cycle degree programme and to complete some general areas of knowledge.
The study programme is completed over the three year period by the acquisition of conceptual frameworks and intervention techniques which are specific to related and supplementary subject areas of psychology, moving from the general to the specific and from metacognitive consideration towards experimental application. A further core feature of the study programme is the activation of laboratories with different purposes (reinforcement of study methods, testing of software for data processing, knowledge of psychologist's working environments), which involve both students' active participation and the contribution of significant external speakers.
Sciences of Behaviour and Social Relations graduates complete their studies with knowledge of the English language to level B1. Study may include both the acquisition of the four linguistic skills (reading, writing, listening and dialogue) and compulsory attendance of lessons, in line with the criteria specified by the study programme coherently with the instructions of the Academic Bodies.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
At the end of the study programme graduates are expected to:
- possess basic knowledge in a range of psychology fields and have acquired theoretical and methodological foundations which are useful and suited to the continuation of vocational training in the 2nd Cycle Degree Programmes;
- possess knowledge in similar and complementary areas of psychological sciences, specifically in the areas of physiology, psychiatry and other anthropological, pedagogical and sociological subjects;
- have developed transversal skills through the study of specific knowledge sectors, the analysis of professional contexts and the familiarisation with instruments and methodologies of the professional environment.
The achievement of this knowledge and skills will be developed using integrated teaching methods: lectures, exercises in small groups, discussion with experts, testimonials from professionals and self-study.
The knowledge and understanding will be verified mainly through individual written and/or oral tests, case studies both during the programme and at the end of the learning activity.

ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
At the end of the study programme graduates are expected to:
- be able to use their knowledge of psychology and related subjects with an integrated approach
- be able to access to scientific literature;
- be able to apply data analysis techniques in the psychology field;
- be able to use and interpret diagnostic tests and psychometric tools;
- be able to manage groups with differentiated purposes and to conduct observations using different methods;
- know how to apply basic computer knowledge.
The ability to apply the knowledge mentioned above is achieved through the critical reflection on texts proposed for self-study, classroom activities, research of case studies and applications presented by professors, practical laboratory works, computer exercises, bibliographic investigations, researches in the field and the preparations of the final examination.
The knowledge and understanding will be verified mainly through individual written and/or oral tests, case studies both during the programme and at the end of the learning activity.
These tests imply the execution of specific tasks which aim to demonstrate the student's command of tools, methods and critical autonomy. During the learning activities, verification will take the form of the assessment of a report presented by the students.

JUDGEMENT SKILLS:
Graduates are able:
- to develop autonomous judgement skills concerning problems and situations through the use of the acquired knowledge and information, to formulate priority judgements and relative motivations, to anticipate the outcome of their own choices against the possible consequences/effects and to draw up strategies to redefine objectives/behaviour on the basis of monitoring results;
- to operate confidently in a globalised society and to use the skills professionally in the 2nd cycle degree programme.
Judgement skills are developed in particular through practical exercises, seminars organised by the professors and the preparation of papers, above all on the subjects of the core and supplementary psychology course units and similar subjects, as well as through the activities assigned by the supervisor professor in preparation of the final examination.
The acquisition of judgement skills is assessed through the evaluation of the students' ability to work autonomously as well as in groups during classroom activities, seminars and laboratory situations as well as through the evaluation of the final examination

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
At the end of the study programme graduates:
- are able to explain contents, information and ideas concerning the field of study using appropriate forms of communication according to the interlocutors;
- are able to interact with other professional figures;
- possess basic English language skills (level B1).
These communication skills will be acquired in various forms during the learning activities and will be verified by written and multimedia productions, oral presentations, group work, participation in seminars and by assessing the understanding of texts in a foreign language.
To achieve these objectives there are a number of verification procedures, including interviews, preparation of written papers and seminars on advanced topics.

LEARNING SKILLS:
At the end of the study programme graduates:
- are able to apply the methods and learning tools developed to update and deepen the contents studied, even in professional contexts, and to undertake further studies;
- are able to use technological instruments;
- know the tools of scientific update on psychological disciplines.
The learning skills are developed in all learning activities through different strategies: tutorial support to self-study, initiatives supporting the planning and organisation of study time, learning activities delivered in blended learning, bibliographical research and study and seminar activities.
All autonomous activities (carried out without the guidance of the professor) foreseen in the three year programme contribute the to achievement of these objectives.
Learning skills are assessed through continuous verification forms during the training activities by individual written and/or oral tests.