Exceptional Pre-College Psychology January Program for Teenagers at University of Sydney in Australia

Lesson Plan

Our workshops are geared towards unlocking participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals. Build upon existing study skills to support future university-level learning.

These workshops explore a diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’. We’re sure that you’ll learn something completely new. Unlike traditional schools, this camp allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.

• Certificate & detailed participant evaluation
• All participants receive an individual report from their tutor
• Personal project
• Develop a personal project to present at the end of the course
• Live like a University of Sydney undergraduate
• An authentic experience of university life
• Admissions insight
• Interview skills, academic writing and presentations

Module 1 - An Introduction To Psychology

Psychology is surprisingly hard to define. Broadly speaking, it is the study of the mind and behavior, yet this definition raises more questions than it answers. Psychologists study how we think, feel, and make decisions, as well as the unconscious processes and the neural mechanisms that underpin them.

Module 2 - Behavioral Genetics: Nature Vs. Nurture

It is widely believed that psychological traits have a substantial genetic contribution. However, to what extent are they influenced by a person’s upbringing and social environment? In this module, you will see how advances in biotechnology have transformed the way we study behavior and genes.

Module 3 - Cognitive Psychology: Seeing And Remembering

We often think that our senses and memories reflect the truth, but a wealth of psychological research points in the opposite direction. In this module, you will see how our brains are sensitive to cognitive illusions, seeing things that aren't actually there, and missing things that are glaringly obvious.

Module 4 - Personal Project

This is one of the most exciting parts of the course. In the module, you will get the opportunity to give a presentation on an area of interest in the psychology program, engage in discussions with your peers, and receive important feedback from your tutor, an expert in the field of psychology.

Example tutor:

Benjamin F Ben F is a PhD Candidate and undergraduate supervisor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. His doctoral thesis is entitled "Evidence, Bias and Replication in Animal Intelligence" and examines the process by which researchers generate facts about animal minds. Ben has published 5 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and given invited lectures at the American Psychological Association and the Stockholm Cultural Evolution Symposium. He has taught on a range of undergraduate courses at Cambridge from the Natural Sciences and Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Triposes. Ben F graduated from the University of Cambridge with a 1st Class degree in Natural Sciences.

Guest speakers from previous summers

• Each week, Academic Insights participants will hear from an influential guest speaker from a variety of inspiring backgrounds. Meet some of our previous guests:

• Former Olympian Abi Oyepitan A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

• Philosopher, author & journalist Dr Nigel Warburton How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?

• Neuroscientist & entrepreneur Dr Lynda Shaw A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track

**PARTICIPATION CRITERIA ** [ ] **This program is suitable for students with at least a B2 level of English. Students aged 13-18 years old. **

[ ] Students are required to travel to Australia to join the program in person.