PSY1011 - Psychology 1A - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

School of Psychological Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Shruti Mujumdar (Australia)

Dr Miriam Park (Malaysia)

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Clayton

  • First semester 2017 (Day)
  • Summer semester A 2017 (Off-campus)

Malaysia

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an introduction to the discipline of psychology as a behavioural science.

The key topics explored in this unit include personality, the biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, an introduction to theories of learning and development, introduction to the historical origins of the discipline, and cross cultural psychology. Consultation classes enhance students' understanding of the lecture material and provide training in research techniques.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Identify key historical and philosophical developments which have resulted in the modern discipline of psychology;
  2. Identify and describe key concepts underlying biological, developmental and cross-cultural psychology, sensation and perception, personality and learning;
  3. Apply the knowledge and concepts of biological, developmental and cross-cultural psychology, sensation and perception, personality and learning to assessable quizzes and critical thinking assignment;
  4. Outline the need for an objective understanding of human behaviour;
  5. Prepare written technical and scientific documentations and present key findings.

Assessment

  • 5 x Lecture topic quizzes (15%)
  • Oral paper report (video) and written summary (1,000 words) (20%)
  • Critical evaluation exercise (1,000 words) (15%)
  • Examination (2 hours) (50%)

Hurdle: Students must pass the examination to achieve a pass for this unit.

Workload requirements

  • 5 hours per week
  • 1x1 hour online preparatory videos per week
  • 1x2 hour Lectorial per week
  • 1x2 hour consultation (tutorial) per week
  • Plus 7 hours of self-directed study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Off-campus attendance requirements

Online preparatory videos: 1 hour per week

Participation in (live) online lectorials: 1 x 2 hour weekly

Online lectorials are live (i.e., real-time), web-based classes run by teaching staff that replace traditional lectures and tutorials. These interactive classes provide students with an opportunity to apply and explore concepts in an active, engaging manner, whilst at the same time developing practical skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Participation in online lectorials is required in order to complete class participation assessment. It is common practice, where possible, to schedule at least two participation options for off-campus students in each core unit of psychology.

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

Prohibitions

APY1910, ATS1359, ATS1840, AZA1020, PSS1711, PSS1712.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at: