Bachelor of Psychological Science

This course is designed for students who wish to study psychological science and pursue a career in a diverse range of fields including research, clinical psychology, human resources, community services and counselling, education and health services.

In addition to studies in Psychology you will be introduced to knowledge and skills in other disciplines which inform the practice of psychology in society.

You will focus your study of psychology either on Psychology and its Application in a Global Context (Malaysia campus) or Neuroscience (Clayton campus).

Students focussing on Psychology and its Application in a Global Context will develop a detailed knowledge of the practice of psychology in society. The understanding you will gain will form the preparation toward a career in applied psychology fields or the basis of knowledge for the pursuit of further studies in diverse areas of psychology.

[Note: At the Clayton campus, the Bachelor of Psychological Science is available only as an exit award for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science Advanced (Honours)].

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that you will be able to:

1. describe and discuss theories and research, and investigate and critically evaluate issues in the core discipline areas of psychology perception, cognition, learning, motivation, emotion, language, social and biological bases of behaviour, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, individual differences, history and philosophy of psychology, testing, assessment, intercultural and indigenous psychology
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.

The course develops through three themes of psychology fundamentals and foundational skills, research methods and critical thinking, and psychology in practice and society. These together underpin the discipline of psychology.

Part A. Psychology fundamentals and foundational skills

These studies will develop your understanding of core areas of psychology, including knowledge of the theoretical and empirical basis of our current understanding of human psychology.

Part B. Research methods and critical thinking

These studies will assist you to develop an understanding of the scientific method and use this knowledge in order to critically evaluate contemporary and historical claims relating to human behaviour and mental processes and to apply this knowledge to the generation of new research questions.

Part C. Psychology in practice and society

This is the component of the course through which you will develop further skills and knowledge in psychology or study units in supporting disciplines that underpin your particular area of focus for practice.

Part D. Free elective study

This will enable you to further develop your knowledge of psychology through electives covering contemporary topics in the field, or to select units in which you are eligible to enrol from across the faculty or the University.

The course comprises 144 points, of which 126 points are focussed on the study of psychological science and 18 points are free electives.

The course develops through theme studies in: A. Psychology fundamentals and foundational skills, B. Research methods and critical thinking, and C. Psychology in practice and society.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-m2004.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Psychology fundamentals and foundational skills (72 points)

Students complete:

(a.) The following nine units (54 points):

• BIO1011 Biology I
• BIO1022 Biology II
• PSY1011 Psychology I A
• PSY1022 Psychology I B
• PSY2061 Biological psychology
• PSY2071 Developmental psychology
• PSY2042 Personality and social psychology
• PSY3032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY3051 Perception and cognitive psychology

(b.) One of the following sets of three units (18 points):

Global context stream (Malaysia campus)

• AMU1325 Contemporary worlds I
• AMU1326 Contemporary worlds II
• PSY3150 Contemporary social psychology

Neuroscience stream (Clayton campus, available only as an exit award)

• PHY2011 Neuroscience of sensory and control systems in the body
• MCB2011 Molecular biology and the cell
• PHY3012 Integrative neuroscience

Part B. Research methods and critical thinking (6 points)

Students complete:

• PSY3062 Research methods and theory

Part C. Psychology in practice and society (48 points)

Students complete:

(a.) The following four units (24 points):

• PMH1011 Mental health in the community
• PSY3041 Psychological testing, theories of ability and ethics
• PSY3130 Health psychology or PSY3180 Human neuropsychology: Developmental and neurodegenerative disorders
• PSY3120 Introduction to counselling

(b.) One of the following sets of four units (24 points):

Global context stream (Malaysia campus)

• SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication
• AMU2814 Transforming community: Project design and public relations for social campaigns
• AMU2625 Borders, people and identity: Migration in the 21st century
• PSY3250 Positive psychology

Neuroscience stream (Clayton campus, available only as an exit award)

• BMS1042 Biomedical sciences and society
• PHA2022 Drugs and society
• BME3032 Introduction to the health system
• PSY3190 Addiction studies

Part D. Free elective study (18 points)

Elective units may be chosen from psychology (code PSY) or across the University so long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) at level 1 can be credited to this course.

To be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia you must meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia. The first step to becoming a psychologist is to complete four years of approved study in psychology. This normally comprises a bachelor degree (or graduate diploma) that includes the three-year APAC accredited sequence of 10 units in psychology, followed by an accredited fourth year course in psychology. The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides the three-year APAC accredited sequence and the honours degree of the Bachelor of Psychological Science will provide this fourth year.

In order to be eligible for general registration as a psychologist, a further minimum two years of approved study must be undertaken at Masters or Doctoral level or alternatively two years of supervised practice.

By satisfying Victorian registration, students will comply with the registration requirements of other states in Australia.