Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Forensic psychology deals with the application of psychological principles to problems of law enforcement and the courts. This unit includes areas such as eyewitness and expert testimony, jury selection and decision-making, screening and training of police, handling of situations such as hostage taking and suicide threats, and the construction of personal profiles of criminals.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. evaluate the role of research and theory in the advancement of knowledge within the field of forensic psychology;

2. demonstrate an understanding of how the theoretical foundations of areas such as memory and decision making processes can be applied for forensic purposes;

3. communicate their own and others research ideas effectively in written and verbal reports

Assessment

Major assignment (2500 words): 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

George Vandoorn

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour laboratory) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Psychological studies
Criminal justice

Prerequisites

48 points of study in any discipline

Prohibitions

BHS3718