PSYC06012 2022 Introduction to Lifespan Development
This module aims to introduce students to the language of psychology. It will familiarise students with different perspectives in psychology and help students understand how psychology is applied at a simple level. Students will learn how psychology influences everyday activities and they will be provided with a broad overview of introductory topics in psychology. The module specifically introduces the student to the literature on cognitive, emotional and social development. Furthermore, it seeks to familiarise the student with the biological aspects of behaviour. Students will gain a basic understanding of the internal and external factors that shape who we are and the psychological variables that influence the choices we make in our lives.
This module maps to the CORU Standards of Proficiency below:
Domain 1: Professional Autonomy and Accountability
Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking
Domain 3 Safety & Quality
Domain 4: Professional Development
Domain 5: Professional Knowledge and Skills
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Demonstrate an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology. (Domain 2.17, 3.6, 4.4, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9)
Describe the development of cognitive, emotional and social abilities form birth to old age. (Domain 1.23, 2.17, 5.4, 5.7, 5.8,)
Explain the relationship between biology on behaviour. (Domain 5.4, 5.7)
Examine theories of attachment for child, adolescent and adult mental health.(Domain 4.4, 5.4, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 )
Identify how social psychological concepts apply to the work of the social care professional.(Domain 3.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.19)
Teaching and Learning Strategies
2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module assessment allows for the assessment of CORU standards of proficiency as follows:
Psychology Essay summative assessment, (Domain 1.23, 2.17, 3.6, 4.4, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.19)
Formative assessment is provided in every tutorial through topic summary sheets, assessing the domains above.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat requirements will be determined based on failed components and will be recorded at Progression and Award Boards.
Indicative Syllabus
What is psychology? A brief introduction to the different theoretical perspectives in psychology, psychoanalytic, behavioural, cognitive, social learning, humanistic and positive psychology.
Cognitive development Piaget’s theory: Vygotsky’s theory;
Social/emotional development Attachment and friendships. Strange Situation test: different attachment styles, Ainsworth, Bowlby, effect of deprivation, maternal deprivation hypothesis: evidence, deprivation and privation, reasons for deprivation, irreversibility of damage, group socialisation theory, the psychoanalytic approach, Erikson’s theory, relationships in adolescence, with parents, with peers. Group processes, Adulthood.
Classical and operant conditioning basic findings, explanations of classical conditioning, classical conditioning in real life. Operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment, schedules of reinforcement, shaping, , learned helplessness.
An introduction to the biological aspects of Psychology Overview of brain, neurons and synapses, neurotransmitters, genes, the biological and medical model, the Bio-psycho-social approach. Plasticity studies.
Abnormal psychology Psychopathology, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, psychosis, mood disorders, eating disorders, treatments.
Social psychology Attribution, groups, body language, altruism, social influence.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Anthology of learning | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 13 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Essay | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 70 % | Week 13 | 3,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List

2006-12-18 Essentials of Psychology Wadsworth Publishing
ISBN 0618713123 ISBN-13 9780618713127
In a concise and accessible 14-chapter format, Essentials of Psychology, 4/e, retains key features of Bernstein's, Psychology, 7/e, including Thinking Critically, Focus on Research, and Linkages. Combining extensive pedagogical support and emphasis on active learning, the text challenges students to "learn by doing"--to actively participate using materials from the text and to think about what they're learning as opposed to passively receiving written information. The Fourth Edition includes the latest information on research in the field. The text's integrated pedagogical system helps students master the material by supporting the elements of the PQ4R (Preview, Question, Read, Recite, Review, and Reflect) Study System.

2014-04-06 Introduction to Psychology Cengage Learning
ISBN 1408089025 ISBN-13 9781408089026
Now in its sixteenth edition, Atkinson & Hilgard's Introduction to Psychology has been fully revised and updated to reflect all recent research developments, theories and ideas, whilst also retaining all of the qualities which have established it as a leading undergraduate psychology textbook over the past five decades, including its highly accessible and engaging student-centred approach. The established author team of Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Barbara Fredrickson and Geoffrey R. Loftus has been joined by Christel Lutz (University College Utrecht), who has helped to add a fresh European influence, and thereby create a truly international introductory textbook. The 'Cutting Edge Research' box features and 'Seeing Both Sides' essays which conclude each chapter have been fully updated and replaced throughout, using contributions from a range of experts across the globe, and really help to bring the text to life for students.
Module Resources
Online Psychology textbook available in library.
As a 5 credit module, the total student independent effort hours for this module are 3 hours per week.