Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Cognitive & Physiological Psychology
Module Code	PSY4A
School	Oscail
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: James Brunton Semester 2: James Brunton Autumn: James Brunton
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	PSY1
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Part 1 of this module covers attention, perception and memory, language, intelligence and problem solving, representations of knowledge, and neuropsychology. Part 2 introduces the neurological basis of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction. Part 3 focuses on statistics and research methods.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how knowledge of the structure and function of the brain and the nervous system contributes to our understanding of cognitive processes
2. Analyse the psychological theories and models that explain how we attend to, perceive, learn and process information with which we work everyday
3. Evaluate the theoretical approaches associated with mental imagery and knowledge representation
4. Assess the research on language processing and its fundamental importance to human cognition
5. Examine how the study of amnesia and dyslexia can contribute to our understanding of normal, intact cognitive processes
6. Analyse the effect of knowledge on reasoning and problem-solving performance
7. Critically appraise how knowledge of the structure and function of the brain and the nervous system contributes to our understanding of the pharmacological effects of particular drugs
8. Critically examine the symptoms and methods of treatment for mental health problems such as schizophrenia and depression
9. Critically evaluate, and appropriately utilise, methods and approaches used in psychological research, including analysis of nominal data and correlations

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Tutorial	15	No Description
On-line learning	15	No Description
Independent learning	345	No Description
Total Workload: 375

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

Part 1: Cognitive Psychology.
Unit 1: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology.

Unit 2: Cognitive Neuropsychology.
Unit 3: Attention.

Unit 4: Perception.
Unit 5: Memory: Structure and Processes.

Unit 6: Memory: Theories.
Unit 7: Mental Representations.

Unit 8: Mental Imagery.
Unit 9: Language 1: Structure and Abstractions.

Unit 10: Language 2: Words and Reading.
Unit 11: Logic and Decision Making.

Unit 12: Problem Solving and Creativity.
Part 2: Physiological Psychology.

Unit 13: Structure of the Human Brain and the General Layout of the Nervous System.
Unit 14: Nerve Cell and Synaptic Conduction.

Unit 15: Anxiolytics.
Unit 16: The Opiates.

Unit 17: Schizophrenia and its Treatment.
Unit 18: Depression and its treatment.

Unit 19: Substance abuse – Designer Drugs.
Unit 20: Substance abuse – Hallucinogens.

Unit 21: Stimulants – Amphetamines.
Unit 22: Stimulants – Cocaine.

Part 3: Statistics and Research Methods.
Unit 23: Statistical Inference and Hypothesis Testing.

Unit 24: Analysis of Nominal Data: Chi-Square Test.
Unit 25: Correlation.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays, reports, learning journals, presentations and group assignments.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Solso, R. L., MacLin, O. H. and MacLin, M. K.: 2008, Cognitive Psychology, Eighth Edition, Pearson,
Foster, J. and Parker, I.: 1995, Carrying Out Investigations in Psychology: Methods and Statistics, John Wiley & Sons,
Grilly, D. M.: 2002, Drugs and Human Behaviour, Fourth Edition, Allyn & Bacon,
Pinel, J. P. J.: 2010, Biopsychology, Eighth Edition, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

Diploma/BA in Humanities

BASM

BA Single Module

Timetable this semester: Timetable for PSY4A

Date of Last Revision

09-NOV-12

Archives: