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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Introduction to Psychology
Module Code PSYC100 (ITS) / PSY1005 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Psychology
Module Co-ordinatorLisa Fitzgerald
Module TeachersLorraine Boran
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Array
Description

To introduce the student to the scientific study of human behaviour and cognition, and to basic psychological theories and principles. The module covers a range of theoretical approaches used in psychology to try to explain human cognition and behaviour. This module offers students an overview of the history, current status, and future directions of scientific and applied psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define psychology, identify its subject matter and approaches and distinguish key psychological methods
2. Demonstrate awareness of the major aspects of behaviour and cognition investigated by psychologists
3. Describe the theories and contributions of major figures in the field
4. Identify key research findings and theories of the field
5. Recognise methodologies within psychology and their limitations
6. Relate psychological theory to real-world situations
7. Apply a critical perspective to psychological knowledge and evaluate research findings and theories.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture30Taught lectures
Independent Study71Independent study
Independent Study24Examination preparation and specified learning activities
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to psychology

Historical and conceptual ideas

Studying behaviour ethically and scientifically

Developmental theories in psychology

The study of sensation, perception, and consciousness

The psychology of learning

Theories of memory and attention

Social psychology

The psychology of health and wellbeing

The psychology of Motivation

Psychological disorders: overview, diagnosis & treatment

The psychology of happiness and human strengths

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight100%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Nigel Holt,Andy Bremner,Ed Sutherland,Michael Vliek,Ronald Edward Smith,Michael Passer: 2020, Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour, 4e, 2nd ed., 0077189620
  • Gross,J., Schmader,T., Martin Hard, B., & Anderson, A.: 2019, Interactive Psychology People in perspective, Norton, 9780393421
  • Schacter,D., Gilbert,D., Wegner, D.,& Nock,M.: 2020, Introducing psychology, 2nd ed., Macmillan Learning, 9781319403393
  • Phelps,E., Berkman,E.T., & Gazzaniga, M.S.: 2021, Psychological Science, 7th, Norton, 9780393884937
  • Goldstein, B.E., & van Hooff, J.C.: 2020, Cognitive Psychology, 2nd, Cengage, 9781473774360
  • Smith, E.R., Mackie., D.M.,& Claypool, H.M.: 2014, Social Psychology, 2nd, Routledge, 9781848728943
  • Jane Ogden: 2019, Health Psychology, 6e, McGraw Hill, 1526847124
  • John W. Santrock: 2019, Life-span Development, Mheducation, 1259922782
Other Resources

None

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