Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title	Psychology Foundation
Module Code	PSY1
School	Oscail
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Mr James Brunton	Office Number	D102
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module provides a foundation for the areas of psychology encountered in later modules: biological; cognitive; developmental; organisational; personality; research; social. This module also introduces students to the essential study skills that students must attain to succeed at studying psychology at third level. These study skills are the building blocks of learning to "do" psychology, which is as important as learning about psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline, and describe, key historical and current perspectives in the areas of developmental psychology, personality, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, and social and organisational psychology.
2. Identify, and describe, the main psychological perspectives on and theories of human development and personality from birth through the lifespan
3. Describe methods and approaches used in psychological research, including basic statistical techniques and psychometric tests
4. Describe how biological and evolutionary factors influence behaviour.
5. Recount major developments in cognitive psychology, including relevant experimentation and theory in perception, thinking, and memory.
6. Describe key concepts and theories in social and organisational psychology, including how the influence of others affects the individual and the group
7. Personally reflect on learning and evidence academic skills development

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

Unit 1: Getting organised, Getting Familiar: Learning Skills for Higher Education.
Unit 2: A Short History of Psychology.

Unit 3: Approaches to Learning.
Unit 4: Gathering and Recording Information.

Unit 5: Investigating Development.
Unit 6: Preparing for Assessment.

Unit 7: Learning in Groups.
Unit 8: Preparing a Presentation.

Unit 9: Biological Processes.
Unit 10: Cognitive Development.

Unit 11: Language and Development.
Unit 12: Social Development - The Development of the Self.

Unit 13: Theories of Development.
Unit 14: Introduction to Individual Differences.

Unit 15: Personality Through Introspection - Theories of Kelly and Rogers.
Unit 16: The Psychoanalytic Model of Sigmund Freud.

Unit 17: Psychological Tests.
Unit 18: The Psychometric Model.

Unit 19: The Psychometric Model Applied to Abilities.
Unit 20: The Psychometric Model Applied to Personality.

Unit 21: Writing Skills - Making a Start.
Unit 22: The Writing Toolkit.

Unit 23: The Biological Approach.
Unit 24: Mechanisms of Underlying Evolved Behaviours.

Unit 25: Forces of Selection.
Unit 26: Mating Systems, Parental Care and Altruism.

Unit 27: The Human Species.
Unit 28: Referencing and Citing Sources.

Unit 29: Planning Writing.
Unit 30: Introduction to Human Cognition.

Unit 31: Perception and Action.
Unit 32: Memory.

Unit 33: Mental Representation and Thinking.
Unit 34: Cognition in Action.

Unit 35: Writing Assignments.
Unit 36: Social Context of Human Experience and Behaviour.

Unit 37: The Self and Others.
Unit 38: Social Perception.

Unit 39: Social Psychology of Groups in Organisations.
Unit 40: Review (Psychology Orientated Modules).

Unit 42: Where to from here.
Unit 43: Research Methods in Psychology: An Overview.

Unit 44: Survey Research.
Unit 45: Constructing Surveys.

Unit 46: Describing Data.

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.In this module assessments also focus on the development of appropriate study skills in order that students not only learn about psychology but also how to "do" psychology.	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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Gleitman, H et al: 2011, Psychology, Eighth,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

Diploma/BA in Humanities

BASM

BA Single Module

Timetable this semester: Timetable for PSY1

Archives: