Module: Introduction to Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Psychology
Module Code	PSY1005 (ITS: PSYC100)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Taught lectures
Independent Study	71	Independent study
Independent Study	24	Examination preparation and specified learning activities
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11462	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lisa Fitzgerald	Module Teacher	Lorraine Boran

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination.	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None