| Module Title |
Competencies and Skills in Psychology |
| Module Code |
PSY1111 |
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Faculty |
Psychology |
School |
Science & Health |
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NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
15 |
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Description
The aim of this module is to equip students with essential skills and competencies relevant to the field of psychology through providing an introduction to transversal skills in: information searching, critical reasoning and argument analysis, writing skills, identification of biases, and data literacy topics such as big data analytics, data protection and ethics. Students will engage with core academic and transversal skills in psychology and demonstrate their application.
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Learning Outcomes
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| Lecture | 18 | Online distance learning classes and workshops | | Online activity | 60 | Student-Staff and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media | | Independent Study | 297 | Using self-directed learning module resources, textbooks and other resources |
| Total Workload: 375 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 12096 | Part of Term | Semester 1 & 2 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Aoife McNicholl | Module Teacher | James Brunton |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Assignment | Writing task: Students will be set a short writing task on how psychology is relevant to the sustainable development goals. | 35% | n/a | | Assignment | Develop an argument map on a psychological topic supporting your claims with research evidence. Reflect on the process of developing the map. | 35% | n/a | | Assignment | Writing task: Students will be set a writing task which will assess knowledge across the areas of data literacy, data protection and ethics | 30% | n/a |
| 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
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
APA conventions for referencing and citations
Critical reasoning, argument analysis and mapping tools
Information search and source analysis
Academic and reflective writing skills
Cognitive biases and flaws in reasoning
Reflecting on our personal attributes
Data literacy, analytics and big data
Data Protection and Ethics
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- Maducchanda Sen: 2011, An Introduction to Critical Thinking, 1st, Pearson Education India, 9788131734568
- Stella Cottrell: 2023, Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection, 4th, Bloomsbury Study Skills, 9781350322585
- M. Browne, Stuart M. Keeley: 2015, Asking the right questions: A guide to critical thinking, 11th, Pearson Higher Ed, 9781292068718
- Matthew Allen: 2012, Smart thinking: Skills for critical understanding and writing, Second Edition - Re-issue, 2nd, Oxford University Press, 9780195524055
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
- 2: Website, Purdue University, APA formatting and style guide,
- 419462: 2, Document, Psychological Society of Ireland, 2025, Code of professional ethics,
- https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/source/Governance/Code%20of%20Professional%20Ethics%20(Aug%202025).pdf:
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