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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Intro to lifespan Psychology as applied to Nursing
Module Code PSY1006 (ITS: PSYC101)
Faculty Psychology School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

To provide a fundamental introduction to core concepts, theory, and principles, as well as research within psychology and its applications to nursing and health care across the life span. This core module will form the basis for further psychology education as applied to nursing within the programme.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define and illustrate key concepts, theoretical frameworks and principles in psychology.
2. Identify how key psychological concepts, theory and principles can be applied to nursing and health care.
3. Identify and evaluate key psychological research findings as applied to nursing and health care.
4. Recognise the value and challenges of applying psychological principles to nursing and health care.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture21No Description
Seminars1Discipline-specific seminar
Independent Study63Independent learning; Associated Reading; Self-Directed Reading
Assignment Completion24Essay Preparation
Assignment Completion16Preparation for In-Unit test
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20958Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorCiara MahonModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay60%n/a
Formal Examinationn/a40%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:
Defining psychology and its relevance to nursing and health care

Historical and contemporary conceptual ideas
Historical and contemporary conceptual ideas in psychology as applied to nursing and health care

Learning and behaviour
A focus on biological and behavioural psychology

Cognitive psychology
A focus on perception, sensation, consciousness, memory, and decision making

Individual differences
A focus on emotion, distress, motivation, and psychological assessment

Health psychology
A focus on stress and coping; the psychological impact of altered health and hospitalization; psychosocial basis of pain; psychology of acute and chronic illness and disability

Developmental Psychology
A focus on development and change across the life span (childhood, adolescence, adult life and older age)

Social Psychology
A focus on attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, stigma, group interaction, social influence, organisations

Specialist topics
These may include: health promotion (General Nursing); psychology of play and the importance of the family (Children’s Nursing); psychological distress and psychological interventions (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing); psychology of communication (Intellectual Disability Nursing).

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Gross, R.D.: 2015, Psychology: the science of mind and behaviour, Hodder Arnold, London, UK.,
  • Rana, D. & Upton, D: 2013, Psychology for Nurses, Pearson Education Ltd,, Harlow (UK).,
  • Ogden, J.: 2019, Health Psychology, 6th edn., McGraw-Hill, London,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for PSYC101