PCI Psychology Courses at Level 8 (NFQ)

Module Code: PSY101 Title: Introduction to Psychology Credits: 10

Module Code: PSY102 Title: Biological & Neuropsychology Credits: 10

Module Code: PSY103 Title: Cognitive & Sport Psychology Credits: 10

Module Code: PSY104 Title: Social & Criminal Psychology Credits: 10

Module Code: PSY105 (M) Title: Personality & Abnormal Psychology Credits: 10

Module Code: PSY106 (M) Title: Health & Wellbeing Psychology Credits: 10

Certificate in Psychology Total Required Credits: 60

If six of these are taken together, it is intended that these individual modules provide the basis to a Level

8 Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology. Aiming at Level 8, the overarching learning outcomes for this

certificate would be:

Knowledge:

Detailed specialised knowledge across the core areas of psychology.

An understanding of the theory, concepts, and methods pertaining to the field of

psychology.

Recognition of limitations of current knowledge.

Familiarity with sources of new knowledge and some cutting edge research across the

core areas of psychology.

Integration of concepts across the core areas of psychology.

Skills:

Critically evaluate of a wide range of sources.

To act in variable and unfamiliar learning contexts.

To take responsibility for achieving personal and group outcomes.

To exercise judgement in planning, design, and supervisory functions related to tasks.

To take initiative to interact effectively in a learning group.

Module Code: PSY101

Title: Introduction to Psychology: A Unified Perspective

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To familiarise students with the scientific basis to Psychology. To introduce key

concepts in biological, cognitive, social, developmental, personality, and abnormal

psychology. To give them an understanding of how the brain and mind work as a

unitary system. To familiarise students with what types of aptitudes are best suited

to studying Psychology, and what type of technological competencies are required.

To instruct students on the role and importance of research in psychology. To

familiarise students with the various research methodologies and statistical

approaches employed by psychologists and to give instruction on basic statistical

procedures. To make students aware of the various psychological professions, their

nature, and what type of qualifications and work/life experience they require. It is

intended that this course will provide a strong basis for degree level studies in

Psychology or Psychology related subjects.

Syllabus

What is Psychology?

Studying Psychology in the Modern World

Psychology as a Science: History of Presupposition, Schools, and Approaches

Psychology from the Ground Up I: Biology to Cognition to Social.

Psychology from the Ground Up II: A Unitary System

Lifespan Development: From Infancy to Old-age

Psychological Research I: The Role of Research

Psychological Research II: Research Methods & Basic Statistics

Professional Issues I: Education, Career, Clinical

Professional Issues II: Coaching, Counselling, Forensic

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion students will be able to:

Illustrate the scientific nature of psychology with examples.

Define commonly used terms in each of the core psychology subjects: cognitive psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and personality psychology.

Outline and discuss at least two experiments or demonstrations in each of the core subjects of cognitive psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and personality psychology.

Discuss and contrast theories in each of the core subjects of cognitive psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and personality psychology.

Show an understanding of research design, the nature and appropriate statistical analysis of data, psychometrics and measurement techniques, and quantitative and qualitative methods.

Recognise limitations of Psychology as a science.

Skills

On completion students will be able to:

Critically evaluate psychological research.

Approach the study of the mind from a scientific standpoint.

Carry out basic statistical analyses of data.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form.

Use learning resources and technology that are typically used in the undergraduate and postgraduate study of Psychology.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M. (2009).

Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International Edition). McGraw-Hill:

New York. 9780077118365

Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall: London.

0273745751

Eysenck, M., & Keane, M. (2010). Cognitive Psychology: A student’s handbook (6th

Ed.) Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press. 1841695408

Hogg, M. & Vaughan, G. (2010). Social Psychology (6th Edition). Prentice Hall:

London. 0273741144

Gillibrand, R., Lam, V., & O’Donnell, V.L. (2011). Developmental Psychology. Prentice

Hall: London. 0273742620

Larsen, R. J. & Buss, D. M. (2009). Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge

About Human Nature. McGraw-Hill: New York. 0070164991

Kring, A., Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Johnson, S. (2009) Abnormal Psychology

(International Student Version). John Wiley & Sons. 0470413344

Module Code: PSY102

Title: Biological & Neuropsychology

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To introduce key concepts in biological and neuropsychology. To familiarise

students with the brain as the organ of the mind. To examine the biological bases of

behaviour. To introduce students to basic neurochemistry and neurophysiology of

nerve transmission. To explain the structure and organisation of the nervous

system. To identify and explain the cortical location of typical cognitive function and

those areas of the brain normally involved in abnormal behaviour. To introduce

students to biological aspects of learning, memory, motivation and emotion. To

provide evolutionary explanations of behaviour.

Syllabus

Introducing Biological & Neuropsychology?

Introduction to Neurological Structure

The Nervous System

Cortical Structure & Function – Which areas do what?

The Biology of Hunger & Thirst

The Biology of Emotion

The Psychology of Learning I – Classical Conditioning

The Psychology of Learning II - Operant Conditioning

Brain Injury

The Evolution of Behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion students will be able to:

Define commonly used terms in biological and neuropsychology.

Illustrate the scientific nature of contemporary psychology with examples from research into biological and neuropsychology.

Describe at least five experiments or demonstrations in biopsychology.

Describe and contrast at least five theories in biopsychology

Describe cutting edge neuropsychological research with examples.

Recognise limitations of current knowledge in the field.

Understand the range of methodologies used in bio and neuropsychological research.

Skills

On completion students will be able to:

Critically evaluate psychological research.

Approach the study of the mind from a scientific standpoint.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M. (2009).

Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International Edition). McGraw-Hill:

New York. 9780077118365

Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall: London.

0273745751

Ormond, J.E. (2008). Human Learning (5th Edition). Prentice Hall: London.

0137006020

Breedlove, S. M.Watson, N.V., Rosenzweig, M.R. (2010). Biological Psychology: An

Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience (6th Edition).

Sinauer Associates. 0878935630

Kalat, J.W. (2009). Biological Psychology. Wadsworth. 0495790818

Module Code: PSY103

Title: Cognitive & Sport Psychology

Status: Mandatory

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To introduce students to key concepts in traditional areas of cognition. To introduce

students to key concepts in high-level cognition such as language, awareness,

planning, selfhood, free-will, and cognitive control. To familiarise students with both

traditional and cutting edge approaches to Cognitive Psychology. To build on that

platform of knowledge and give students a cognitive/mechanistic/scientific

understanding of the factors that affect athletes’ training and competition. To

address the divisive issue of consciousness vs. automaticity in the context of sport

performance. To acquaint students with cutting edge psychological research and

theories concerning sport and exercise.

By bringing Cognitive and Sport Psychology together in the one course, we are

aiming to firstly, provide an applied context which can be used to more fully

elucidate the mechanisms of cognition. Sporting contexts are arguably the perfect

applied context from where to study cognitive psychology because they act as real-

world laboratories. Secondly, we are aiming to gives those with an interest in the

field of Sport Psychology a comprehensive knowledge base from which they can

more fully understand athletes’ cognition.

Syllabus

Perception

Representation & Memory

Attention & Automaticity

Problem Solving & Judgement Making

Consciousness

Sport Psychology: A Real World Laboratory for Cognitive Psychology

Skill Acquisition & Sport Performance

Motivation & Sport Performance

Mental Imagery, Mental Rehearsal, & Sport Performance

Self-Regulation, Self-Control, & Sport Performance

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion participants will be able to:

Define commonly used terms in the subject areas of cognitive psychology and cognitive science.

Discuss and contrast both traditional and contemporary theories in those same areas.

Outline and discuss traditional and cutting edge experiments or demonstrations in those same areas.

Define commonly used terms in the area of sport psychology.

Describe and explain psychological aspects to training and competition.

Understand the range of methodologies used in modern cognitive and sport science research.

Recognise limitations of current knowledge in the fields of cognitive and sport science.

Skills

On completion participants will be able to:

Synthesise literature from the two key areas of cognitive and sport psychology.

Approach conceptual cognitive issues from an applied basis.

Approach applied cognitive issues from a scientific basis.

Critically evaluate traditional and cutting edge research into high and low level cognitive abilities.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Eysenck, M., & Keane, M. (2010). Cognitive Psychology: A student’s handbook (6th

Ed.) Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press. 1841695408

Sternberg, R.J., (2011). Cognitive Psychology. Wadsworth. 1111345392

J.L. Bermudez (2011). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind.

Cambridge University Press. 0521708370

Moran, A.P. (2010). Sport and Exercise Psychology: A critical introduction. Rutledge:

London. 0415434319

Weinberg, R. & Gould, D. (2010). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Human Kinetics Publishers: Illinois. 0736083235

Module Code: PSY104

Title: Social & Criminal Psychology

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To review methods, theories and approaches to social psychology. To acquaint

students with traditional and cutting edge approaches to understanding why and

how people behave in groups and to ground this understanding in a mechanistic

notion of social cognition. To address issues of selfhood by examining what it is to

be an individual in a group dynamic. To look at the proposed causes of prosocial and

aggressive behaviour. To build on that platform of knowledge and give students a

legitimate psychological understanding of the social and personal factors that

influence criminal behaviour using key findings from both case studies and other

research methodologies. To familiarise students with the leading theories and

perspectives of criminal behaviour and its treatment.

Syllabus

Introducing Social Psychology

The Social Self vs. The Personal Self

Social Cognition : Social Perception & Thinking

Conformity & Group Processes

Prosocial & Aggressive Behaviour

Introduction to Criminal Behaviour & Forensic Psychology

Theories of Criminal Behaviour: Nature vs. Nurture

The Psychology of Detection, & Prosecution: Profiling & Eye-Witness Testimony

The Psychology of Punishment & Rehabilitation

Motivational Interviewing with Criminal & Justice Populations

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion participants will be able to:

Define commonly used terms in social psychology.

Describe and contrast the major theories in social psychology.

Describe at least two experiments or demonstrations in each of the covered

areas of social psychology.

Understand the range of research methodology in social psychology and the

ethical issues involved.

Illustrate how social psychological theories and research are applied in different

real-world and professional contexts.

Define commonly used terms in criminal psychology.

Describe and contrast the major theories of criminal psychology.

Illustrate the weaknesses of criminal psychology.

Skills

On completion participants will be able to:

Synthesise literature from the two key areas of social and criminal psychology.

Critically evaluate social psychological research.

Approach the study of both observable human behaviour and criminal

behaviour from a scientific standpoint.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist

and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2010). Social Psychology (6th Edition). Prentice

Hall: London. 0273741144

Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2010). Essentials of Social Psychology.

Prentice Hall: London. 0273734598

Augoustinos, M., Walker, I., & Donaghue, N. (2006). Social Cognition: An

Integrated Introduction. Sage. 076194219X

Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.

(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International

Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365

Pakes, F. & Pakes, S. (2009). Criminal Psychology. Willan Publishing: Devon.

1843923645

Bull, R., Cooke. C, Hatcher, R., Woodhams, J, Bilby, C., Grant, T. (2009)

Criminal Psychology: A Beginner’s Guide. Oneworld Publications: Glasgow.

1851687076

Miller, W. & Rollinick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing for

Change. Guilford: NY. 1572305630

Module Code: PSY105

Title: Personality & Abnormal Psychology

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To introduce students to the areas of individual differences in personality and

abnormal psychology. To introduce students to the history of research and

thinking on personality. To acquaint them with different models of personality.

To use a grounding in the area of personality to give students a more

comprehensive understanding of personality disorders and abnormal psychology

in general. To identify the nature, symptoms, and treatment of the major forms

of psychological disorders.

Syllabus

What is Personality?

Psychodynamic Perspectives I

Psychodynamic Perspectives II

Phenomenological-Humanistic Perspectives I

Phenomenological-Humanistic Perspectives II

What are Psychological Disorders?

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Schizophrenia & Personality Disorders

Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion participants will be able to:

Highlight and summarise the historical and current trends within the

personality literature.

Define commonly used terms in personality and abnormal psychology research.

Describe and contrast the major theories in social psychology.

Illustrate the nature and symptoms of at least four major psychological

disorders.

Illustrate some treatments of at least four major psychological disorders.

Understand the types of assessments used to identify psychological disorders.

Skills

On completion participants will be able to:

Synthesise literature on key areas in Psychology.

Critically evaluate personality research.

Show sensitivity to the difficulty in distinguishing psychological disorders.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist

and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Larsen, R. J. & Buss, D. M. (2009). Personality Psychology: Domains of

Knowledge About Human Nature. McGraw-Hill: New York. 0070164991

Kring, A., Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Johnson, S. (2009) Abnormal

Psychology (International Student Version). John Wiley & Sons.

0470413344

Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall:

London. 0273745751

Ormond, J.E. (2008). Human Learning (5th Edition). Prentice Hall:

London. 0137006020

Breedlove, S. M.Watson, N.V., Rosenzweig, M.R. (2010). Biological

Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical

Neuroscience (6th Edition). Sinauer Associates. 0878935630

Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.

(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International

Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365

Module Code: PSY106

Title: Health & Wellbeing Psychology

Credit Level: 10

Total Contact Hours: Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)

Aims

To give students an insight into the factors that influence health, well-being, and

illness. To familiarise students with those measures that can be taken to

promote health and prevent illness. To demonstrate to them how Psychology

has informed and helped perspectives on health by identifying psychologically

demanding and/or threatening situations.

Syllabus

Biological vs. Psychological Health

Stress & Well-Being

Coping with Stress

Pain & Pain Management

Attitudes Towards Health & Healthy Behaviour

Psychoneuroimmunology

The Role of the Psychological Therapies in Health Psychology

Psychosomatics & Somatic Movement

Addiction & Its Implications for “Health Psychology”

The Role of Social Policy in Construing the Scope of Health Psychology

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Attitudes

On completion participants will be able to:

Define commonly used terms in health psychology.

Understand the range of psychological factors that influence well-being and

illness as well as the measures that can be taken to promote health and prevent

illness.

Describe and contrast the major perspectives in the areas of coping with stress,

pain management, and the treatment of addiction.

Describe key findings from at least two experiments or demonstrations in each

of the covered topics.

Understand the range of research methodology in health psychology and the

ethical issues involved.

Understand the relevance of social policy in shaping the focus of health

psychologists with particular relevance to addiction and its historical, current,

and future place within health psychology.

Skills

On completion participants will be able to:

Critically evaluate health psychological research.

Meta-analyse the subject of Health Psychology and how it both affects and is

affected by wider forces.

Approach the study of psychological health from a scientific standpoint.

Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist

and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.

o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.

o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.): Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available. Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction. 15 days + = 0 marks.

o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%. o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5

Questions – Answer 2. o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits

Bibliography

Morrison, V. & Bennett, P. (2009). An Introduction to Health Psychology.

Pearson: London. 0273718355

French, D., Vedhara, K., Kaptein, A.A., & Weinman, J. (2010). Health

Psychology. Wiley-Blackwell: London. 140519460X

Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.

(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International

Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365

Miller, W. & Rollinick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing for

Change. Guilford: NY. 1572305630