The Clayton section of the department offers a laboratory-based major sequence in psychology which is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society and approved for registration purposes. The section also offers a non-laboratory course in psychology for students specialising in another subject for whom a sound knowledge of psychology is either required or desirable, and for those who have a general interest in the content and methods of contemporary psychology.
Laboratory sequence
Students majoring in psychology will take the following semester-length subjects:
* PSY1011 Foundations of psychology
* PSY1022 Processes and applications of psychology
* PSY2011 Cognitive psychology and the origins of behaviour I
* PSY2022 Cognitive psychology and the origins of behaviour II
* PSY3011 Advanced experimental psychology I
* PSY3022 Advanced experimental psychology II
Each of these semester-long subjects must be taken in the order listed and each is examined at the end of the semester in which it is undertaken.
The subjects in the first two semesters (PSY1011 and PSY1022) are carefully designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to contemporary psychology emphasising its empirical origins and character, and its biological and social foundations. The subjects in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth semesters (PSY2011, PSY2022, PSY3011 and PSY3022) are designed to develop and extend the introduction in the first and second semesters. At the second-year level, courses are unitised, with separate lecture and laboratory units.
Entry into the second-year sequence will be subject to a quota, and a quota may also apply to the third-year sequence.
The laboratory course in psychology, with its strong emphasis on the experimental study of mental processes and behaviour and on quantitative procedures, is well suited to students who have completed a science-oriented program in the final years at school, particularly in Year 12.
Completion of the laboratory sequence with at least a credit grade in PSY3011 and PSY3022 is necessary to qualify for entry into PSY4000 (Psychology honours). PSY4000 is undertaken over two semesters and involves an introduction to independent research in psychology and instruction in advanced aspects of modern psychology.
While laying a firm foundation for a professional career in psychology, the laboratory sequence is not intended to equip the student fully with professional skills and knowledge for psychological practice. In this regard the course is in accord with all other courses in psychology in Australia leading to a first degree in psychology.
Non-laboratory sequence
Students who do not wish to complete a full laboratory sequence will complete PSY1011 and PSY1022 and then choose from certain designated units to make up the sequence PSY2031 (Introduction to contemporary psychology I) and PSY2042 (Introduction to contemporary psychology II). These two subjects may be followed by PSY3031 (Advanced contemporary psychology I) and PSY3042 (Advanced contemporary psychology II). The sequences PSY2031 and PSY2042 and PSY3031 and PSY3042 are not accredited by the Australian Psychological Society, will not allow for registration as a psychologist, and do not lead on to honours in psychology.
Further information about these undergraduate programs may be obtained from the Clayton section - telephone 905 3968.
Subjects