Dr Heather Watkins

Lecturer

Psychology

+44 (0) 1792 513373

heather.watkins@swansea.ac.uk

Open plan office - 203
Second Floor
Institute of Life Science 2
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

About

I have been lecturing psychology in the higher education arena for many years and am continuously interested in developing innovative teaching practice as well as engaging students on a broader level, increasing inclusivity and enhancing the student experience. As part of this I work closely with the Psychology Society and our student representatives for Psychology at Swansea University to develop partnerships and the student community. My areas of interest include stress, anxiety and coping as well as positive psychology, health and well-being.

Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Swansea University
Staff-Student Liaison Academic Lead - Department of Psychology, Swansea University
Academic Member of Admissions Team - Department of Psychology, Swansea University

Areas Of Expertise

Psychological factors relating to recovery from illness
External and internal influences on mood, cognition and performance
Emotions, stress and coping
Understanding mental health and stigma
The application of positive psychology in enhancing well-being

Career Highlights

Research

I am interested in a number of areas for research, including: psychological factors relating to recovery from illness; external and internal influences on mood, cognition and performance; emotions, stress and coping; understanding mental health and stigma; and, the application of positive psychology in enhancing well-being.

Award Highlights

Taught Modules

PSY102 Introduction to Cognitive and Clinical Psychology

This module provides a broad introduction to psychology for first-year undergraduates. It will focus on cognition and individual differences factors in behaviour while incorporating how other key perspectives in psychology compare and contrast in their accounts. Students will be introduced to key topics in cognitive psychology, as well as the cognitive neuropsychological/psychophysiological approaches that link mind/brain and environment. In addition, the module will examine how we define `atypical¿ behaviour, along with the explanations of such behaviour including learning theory, biology and genetics, and psychoanalytic explanations. This module lays the groundwork for more advanced study in psychology by providing a coherent framework for understanding how modern methodologies can be used to probe mental capabilities and discover facts about the way our brains receive, process and act upon information from different sensory modalities.
PSY112 Social and Developmental Psychology

This module introduces students to the major theories and empirical issues in social and developmental psychology. The social psychology component of the module covers core contemporary issues in social psychology. The developmental psychology component addresses issues such as infancy and early social development, and theories of cognitive development in infancy and childhood.
PSY114 Individual Differences and Clinical Psychology

This module examines (i) individual differences and (ii) clinical psychology , or psychopathology. Theoretical accounts for psychological constructs relevant to individual differences and clinical psychology will be examined along with the psychological research of measurement and assessment of psychological constructs. Historical approaches to the measurement of individual differences in psychology will be critically explored, alongside a evaluative discussion of the role of genes and environment in shaping psychological outcomes. Then focusing on clinical psychology the module will examine how we define `atypical¿ behaviour, along with the explanations of such behaviour. The symptoms of some of the principle disorders of behaviour will be delineated.
PSY114I Individual Differences and Clinical Psychology

This module examines (i) individual differences in intelligence and personality and (ii) clinical psychology or psychopathology. Theoretical accounts of the structure of personality (trait vs factor approaches) will be examined along with the development of personality (learning vs psychoanalytic approaches) and personality assessment. Historical approaches to the measurement of intelligence and genetic and environmental determinants of intelligence will be covered taking a critical perspective. Then focusing on clinical psychology the module will examine how we define `atypical¿ behaviour, along with the explanations of such behaviour including learning theory, biology and genetics, and psychoanalytic explanations. The symptoms of some of the principle disorders of behaviour will be delineated including schizophrenia, mood disorders and personality disorders.
PSY214 From Individuals to Society

This module explores major theories and empirical issues in the areas of social psychology and individual differences. It focuses on the study of how individuals differ from each other (such as personality traits) and how individual and social factors affect behaviour (such as attitudes, and inter-personal/group processes). Classical and contemporary theory and research relevant to a range of social psychological and individual difference issues are explored such as group behaviour, motivation, and personality.

Career History

Lecturer, University of South Wales

2006 - 2011
Researcher, Cardiff University

2003 - 2006

Dr Heather Watkins

Telephone number

Email address

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Taught Modules

PSY102 Introduction to Cognitive and Clinical Psychology

PSY112 Social and Developmental Psychology

PSY114 Individual Differences and Clinical Psychology

PSY114I Individual Differences and Clinical Psychology

PSY214 From Individuals to Society

Career History

Lecturer, University of South Wales

Researcher, Cardiff University