PSY4111 - Psychology 1A - 2019

This unit provides students with an introduction to the broad foundations of psychology as a scientific discipline. Students will explore psychology's historical origins and be introduced to a series of core psychological topics including: learning, development, sensation and perception, personality and the neurobiological basis of behaviour. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding how theories within psychology are supported by scientific research. Topics will also be viewed through the lens of Australian Indigenous psychology, and the important role of cultural competency in understanding human behaviour will be examined. Finally, students will be introduced to academic writing and the process of conducting a literature review.

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

1. Summarise the major historical frameworks and discoveries that have shaped the modern scientific discipline of psychology.
2. Differentiate key psychological theories related to learning, development, sensation and perception, personality and the neurobiological basis of behaviour.
3. Compare and contrast Australian Indigenous psychologies and mainstream psychological understandings.
4. Apply psychological principles and theories to real-world situations.
5. Demonstrate communication and IT skills in the presentation of an oral report.
6. Research the literature on a topic of relevance and synthesise findings into a concise report.

• Critical evaluation tasks (10%)
• Article matrix (15%)
• Oral presentation (15%)
• Systematic review (20%)
• 6 x Secure online quizzes (40%) (hurdle)

Students should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes.

This time will cover:

1. video lecture materials;
2. synchronous & asynchronous discussion;
3. synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities;
4. weekly readings;
5. weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and
6. content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment.

See also Unit timetable information

Psychology