Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

The honours program in psychology aims to increase student understanding of theoretical and methodological aspects of research, to develop their analytic, research and communication skills, and to provide them with advanced knowledge in specific areas of the science and practice of psychology. In this program students complete coursework components designed to expand their knowledge of statistics and the ethics of psychological research and practice, and broaden their understanding of the discipline. Students also undertake a supervised research project which aims to provide training in both discipline specific and generic research skills. The research project forms the basis of a literature review and research paper presented at the end of the course.

On successful completion of the course the student will be expected to able to:

• describe and discuss theories and research, and investigate and critically evaluate issues in the core discipline areas of psychology
• contribute to discipline knowledge through research, including critical review of scientific literature, identification of research problems, design and conduct of research, application of statistical analyses to evaluate research outcomes, and clear communication of findings according to the professional requirements of the discipline
• describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and demonstrate an appreciation of the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession
• recognise the importance of the relationship between knowledge of the scientific discipline of psychology and the application of this knowledge in the practice of psychology, and to demonstrate this understanding across a number of applications of the discipline
• demonstrate the skills required to maintain professional competence by keeping up with recent developments and contemporary issues in the field and appreciate the importance of ongoing professional development and training and demonstrate a foundation knowledge in a selected range of related discipline areas that complement the theoretical and practical application of psychology.

Applicants must possess a bachelors degree and a major sequence in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), or qualification assessed as equivalent by the APAC. Ordinarily students would have completed course 3863 Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business or equivalent.

Admission to the honours year is determined solely by academic merit. The minimum requirement is an average grade of 70 per cent in core psychology units at the third year level, however in practice the cut-off has been in the 75-80 per cent range over the last five years. In addition the applicant must demonstrate a suitable background in research methods. Because of limitations in resources and availability of supervision, it may be necessary to limit entry.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and meets the requirements of the Australian Psychological Society for Associate Membership.

In this course students complete coursework components , undertake a supervised research project and produce a literature review and research paper.

Students complete:

• PSY4100 Psychology honours research project (24 points - full-year)*
• PSY4210 Statistics and research design for professional psychology
• PSY4220 Ethical and professional issues in psychology
• PSY4270 Psychological assessment

plus one elective unit from the following:

• PSY4230 Contemporary issues in psychobiology
• PSY4240 Contemporary issues in cross-cultural and Indigenous psychology
• PSY4250 Contemporary issues in psycholinguistics
• PSY4260 Contemporary issues developmental psychology

Part-time students complete all units (except PSY4100) in their first year, and undertake PSY4100 in their second year.

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

Honours degree of Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business