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PSY10140

Academic Year 2025/2026

Mind and Brain (PSY10140)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Klaus Kessler
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will provide an overview of quantitative research on how the mind is implemented in the human brain. The delivered content will be based on the individual research portfolios of researchers based in the Affective Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience theme of the School of Psychology (https://www.ucd.ie/psychology/research/affectivebehaviouralcognitiveneuroscience)

Students will gain unique insights into ongoing research within the ABC-neuro theme, learning about state-of-the-art methods and experimental paradigms applied in cognitive neuroscience to understand mind and brain. Lectures will cover main functions such as memory, sleep, cognitive control, language/communication and social cognition, and tap into neurodiversity incl. dyslexia and ADHD.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the experimental methods and theories used to understand mind and brain
- Critically evaluate experimental work in this field of research
- Critically reflect on theories and models in this field of research

Indicative Module Content:

- Brief overview of methods in cognitive neuroscience
- Embodied theories of cognition and behavioural neuroscience findings
- Cognitive neuroscience and theory of high-level social cognition
- Cognitive Neuroscience of executive function
- False memories and memory distortion
- Neurodiversity and Dyslexia
- Neurodiversity and ADHD
- Brain and Sleep

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

33
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The content will be primarily delivered via lectures, complemented by self-directed learning based on required further reading for each lecture. Reflective learning will form part of the two assignments in weeks 6 and 12, where a brief research question will be proposed by each student based on the module content.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PSY10060 - Brain and Behaviour


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): In week 6 students will be asked to reflect on the content of the first 5 lectures and devise their own research question (with a short background incl. relevant literature). Week 6 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
15
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): In week 12 students will be asked again to reflect on the content of the module and elaborate on their own research question (previous assignment), by adding brief methods and predictions. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
25
 No
Exam (In-person): This end of term exam will consist of multiple choice questions (MCQs). The examination will be conducted in person at the exam centre. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The two assignments in weeks 6 and 12 will be assessed as pass/fail and include an element of self-assessment and reflection about the chosen research project. The exam will use automated feedback for MCQs.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Nuala Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jessica Bramham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sarah Cooney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Michelle Downes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Ciara Greene Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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