Work and organisational psychology (BPS210)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Facts
Course code
BPS210
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Time table
Content
The course sheds light on human behaviour, interaction and experiences in the workplace and in organisations. The students learn about different theoretical perspectives on personality in a work and organisational context. The course focuses on the individual employee, including: selection, motivation, performance, stress and development; how work and tasks are organised; relationships in the workplace; dyadic interactions, team relationships and leadership; organisations, their structure, culture, dynamics and development.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
On successful completion of this course, students will
- have knowledge of a selection of concepts, theories and empirical data from the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology
- have knowledge of theories, concepts and empirical data that are relevant to elucidate a given problem related to working life and organisations
- have knowledge of the causes and effects of problems in working life and organisations
- have knowledge of relevant interventions and preventive measures in the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology for described problems
- have knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of various interventions and preventive measures in the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology
Skills
On successful completion of this course, students will
- be able to provide an account of a selection of concepts, theories and empirical data from the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology
- be able to discuss key similarities and differences between the concepts, theories and empirical data covered in the course
- be able to identify and discuss the causes and effects of problems in working life and organisations
- be able to provide an account of various relevant interventions and preventive measures in the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology
- be able to explain and discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of various interventions and preventive measures in the fields of work psychology and organisational psychology
General competencies
On successful completion of this course, students will
- be able to discuss key similarities and differences between various concepts, theories and empirical data
- know how to, through practice, work and collaborate with others in a workgroup and constructively contribute to and evaluate the group’s collective work
- be able independently write a cohesive academic text.
Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Recommended prerequisites
BPS110 Introduction to psychology, BPS120 The History and Method of Psychology, BPS130 Personality psychology, social psychology and psychological methods, BPS140 Biological psychology, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam at home | 1/1 | 1 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
Scope:
• Maximum 3500 words excluding the bibliography.
• Referencing and citation style: APA 7th
Students who have not passed either the ordinary or the new and postponed exam, are referred to the next ordinary exam. Students must take the exam according to any new and revised course description for the course. Students may choose to write in English or Bokmål.
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Ons Zelfani PriottiCourse teacher:
Alberto Danilo GarciaStudy Program Director:
Muriel Marisa Katharina BruchhageMethod of work
The teaching consists of lectures and seminars:
- The student is expected to prepare for the lectures through literature studies. Recommended literature is indicated in the lecture plan.
- At the seminars, different theoretical directions and methods are dealt with via different learning activities. In the seminars, role plays and cases can also be used and relevant presenters from various workplaces and in organisations might be invited to the seminars.
Open for
Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Social Sciences
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1 - 7, Master
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1 - 7, Master, Part-Time
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5 - 10, Master
Advanced teacher education for levels 8-13
Advanced teacher education for level 8-13 in science
Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme
Half Year Intermediate Program in English
Half Year Intermediate Program in History
Christianity/Religion - Half Year Intermediate Programme
Half Year Intermediate Program in Nordic Languages and Literature
Educational Theory and Practice
Educational Theory and Practice
Educational Theory and Practice in Performing and Creative Arts
Educational Theory and Practice in Performing and Creative Arts
Exchange programme at Faculty of Social Sciences
Drama and Theatre Communication- One-year programme
English - One-year programme
Outdoor Education
Offshore Wind Energy - One-Year Programme
History - One-year programme
Sports Science- One-year programme
Communication - One Year Study Programme
Religious Studies - One-year programme
Arts and Crafts - One-year programme
Learning and Psychology, a one-year course
Mathematics - One-Year Programme
Primary and Secondary School Music Education
Nordic Languages and Literature - One-year programme
Psychology - One-year programme
Science and Technology - One-Year programme
Tourism in change - One - year Programme
Sociology - One-year programme
Political Science - One - year Programme
One year study programme - Music Performance
Økonomi og ledelse - årsstudium
Course assessment
The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.