Module Code - Title:
PS3001
-
APPLYING THEORY AND METHOD IN PSYCHOLOGY 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module provides students with a broad introduction to the historical evolution, issues, debates, themes and theories in psychology. The course will provide a a good grounding in a range of theoretical perspectives in psychology including attention in particular to personality and biological psychology.
Syllabus:
This module is the first of two modules which provide a broad introduction to the discipline of psychology. This module will begin with a brief historical and philosophical overview of the roots of psychology and then move on to cover the psychodynamic perspective, behaviourism and learning theory, the biological basis of behaviour, and cognitive psychology. Within the biological perspective the focus will be on stress and and emotion, and within cognitive psychology the focus will be on memory.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the historical roots of psychology as a science.
2. Recognise the importance of biology and personality to psychology.
3. Discuss the nature vs nurture debate in explaining human behaviour.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Value psychology as a scientific discipline.
2. Accept that biology is a core component for understanding some human conditions.
3. Acknowledge the role of nurture in explaining human behaviour.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered online and it will have independent reading on research papers, current debates and lecture formats which will instill knowledge, encourage creativity, collaboration through online forums and group work. Students will learn about taking responsibility for their own learning through independent reading and enhanced articulation through their assessments.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Carlson (2018)
Psychology: The Science of Behavior
, Pearson
Gross (2020)
Gross (2005) Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour
, Hodder
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
david.d.hayes@ul.ie