Welcome to Psychology Capstone PY490 at UAB with Dr. Bredemann!!!

 
Psychology Capstone provides a summative opportunity for students to draw upon, synthesize, and apply what they have learned in psychology to an orginal research project. Thus, the synthesis of knowledge and research skills expected of a graduating senior serve as a major component in this course.   Importantly, the capstone is an enriching bridge experience between your undergraduate education and your post-graduate lives. 
 
Psychology Capstone includes 4 components:

Literature Review

Psychology Ethics

Post Graduation Preparation

Psychology Service Learning

 

As a professor in the Psychology deparment, I am extremely proud of the academic accomplishments that have brought you this far to become a senior and ready complete your undergraduate degree!  Congratulations!!  

 
My mission is to treat you as an educated adult that is capable of the self discipline, efficiency, 
and determination needed
to complete a written project independently.  
 
My role is to provide direction, guidance, and several resources to be succesful in this course.  These resources include, but are not limited to: 
 

1) Weekly informational seminars, handouts, and chapter overviews.

2) Exposure to UAB Writing Center tutors.

3) Exposure to graduate faculty from mutiple departments.

4) A class teachers aide for additional consultation.

Your role is to be proactive and have personal integrity in the work that you produce.  If you invest yourself in this course, you will not only earn a grade that you can be proud of, and also prove to yourself that you have what it takes to accomplish your goals after undergraduate studies. 

UAB Course Catalog

    "Capstone emphasizes the synthesis of knowledge and research skills expected of the undergraduate Psychology major.

Students are guided in conducting research within a specific content area. Use of computers in statistical analysis of psychological research data. Also includes class readings and discussions on ethical issues. Observation or community service in selected social service agencies is an integral part of the course. Ethics and Civic Responsibility, Writing and Quantitative Literacy are significant components of this course (QEP). This is a designated service-learning course integrating academic learning, civic learning and meaningful service to the community." 2015

 

Class Materials

  1. An electronic device (BYOD) that is capable of searching the internet and reading PDF files online. 
  2. 3 ring binder with dividers for journal articles and homework assignments.
  3. Textbook: Practical Ethics for Pyschologists (2012) Knapp and VanderCreek. APA publishing
  4. Textbook: "The Literature Review" 2nd ed. (2012) Machi and McEvoy. Corwin publishing.
 
 

 

Last Update Feb 11: Added "HigherED.com Resume advice"

Last Update Jan 27: Calendar correction, HH CH4 updated, Journal club grading rubric added.

Last Updated Jan 25: Several

Last Updated Jan 20: Added current calendar to calendar tab.

Last Updated Jan 20: Added Journal presentations tab to homepage.

 

Spring 2016. Classes will meet from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Assignment Late Policy

There will be a 5 pt deduction for each day any assignment is submitted late, and after 2 days past the due date, assignments will no longer be accepted.  No assignments will be accepted through email.

Course Grade Calculation

20%  LR Textbook Assignments

20%  Final Literature Review 

15%  Journal article presentation

15% Ethics Online Discussion

15% Team journal presentation

5%  Service Learning Report

5%  Resume & Personal Statement