Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is one of two introductory units in psychology for commencing students. Along with PSYC5172 Foundational Psychological Processes Advanced and MULT1025 Professions and Society this unit builds foundational knowledge relevant to the history and philosophy underpinning the scientific study and profession of psychology. In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches are presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of this unit are to set the foundation for understanding research design and methods in psychology and to develop skills relevant to critiquing research, which involves developing knowledge and skills in research thinking, research doing and research consuming. The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts, such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology and ethics. Content related to introductory concepts in the history of philosophy of psychology are also covered, along with content on the application of psychology in current professional and social contexts. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit. This unit is the first in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Synthesise and critically apply key developments in the discipline of psychology in their historical, cultural and social context

b. Appraise the epistemological and ontological bases of common research approaches in psychology

c. Critique scientific method to critically evaluate claims that arise from myths, stereotypes, pseudoscience or untested assumptions

d. Analyse and apply the structure and content of a standard research report

e. Critically evaluate key ethical principles and their applications to research and interdisciplinary professional practice to protect public safety

f. Communicate key psychological findings applying academic by acknowledging sources using APA (7^th edition)

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute lectures

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute tutorials

In addition, the Unit Coordinator will be available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 100

Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

Opening up possibilities for developing multidisciplinary knowledge and practice, ACAP draws on the 4 Disciplines in the College to develop three integrative units that are core to first-year Undergraduate courses. These inquiry-driven units lay the groundwork for engaging students with multidisciplinary thinking, discourse and initiative in their fields of endeavour and in their future profession /vocation.

This unit will introduce the student to the notion of human rights and the rights and obligations placed upon students, professions, and professionals. The human rights framework in Australia and Indigenous peoples and rights will be explored. This unit will also provide an overview of the rights available to students and responsibilities placed on students through various requirements such as ethical research, inherent requirements and fitness to practice. An overview of ethics and ethical behaviour and professional codes of conduct will also be provided.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Describe and analyse the contribution of concepts such as gender, class, power and race to social inequality

b. Describe and analyse the role of discipline knowledge and evidence in addressing contemporary social and health issues

c. Explain the systems and policy frameworks that contribute to Australian community wellbeing, particularly in respect of vulnerable populations

d. Recognise the structure, functions and purposes of codes of professional conduct and ethics in academic and professional contexts

e. Demonstrate skills in critical analysis, reasoning and argument about the character and role of human rights, professional practice and ethics in contemporary and future society and practice.

Unit workload:

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is a level 500 core and along with the PSYC5162 Psychology: History, Science and Application 1 Advanced and MULT1025 Professions and Society it provides an initial introduction to psychology. This unit will introduce fundamental psychological processes including principles of human learning, personality, motivation and emotion. The unit will provide a foundation for future study in psychology, including an introduction to the key processes of human cognition, human emotion, and human behaviour. Students will engage with empirical research as a means of evaluating competing theories and learn to engage in critical analysis of research findings. Culturally responsive approaches to the study of psychology are emphasised with the development of skills in communication of psychological processes across diverse contexts. Students will acquire skills in critical thinking and research communication that are necessary to progress through advanced and applied studies in psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Explain and analyse foundational concepts in human learning, personality, motivation, and emotion, through the lens of different theoretical perspectives in psychology

b. Apply foundational processes in psychology to everyday situations or issues, and demonstrate ability to communicate this knowledge using appropriate interpersonal skills within diverse groups

c. Conduct searches of the psychological literature to identify and analyse relevant empirical research that conveys current scientific understanding of foundational psychological concepts

d. Critically apply knowledge of psychological principles underpinning human learning, personality, motivation, and emotion to identify effective study skills and strategies to maintain one’s own health and wellbeing

e. Exercise critical thinking in evaluating and applying approaches to psychology that are culturally responsive and ethically appropriate with a focus on public safety

f. Communicate knowledge of fundamental psychological processes through the writing and reading of scientific research, showing integrity in communication by acknowledging sources using APA 7 style

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute interactive self-directed learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute lectures

c. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute tutorials

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: PSYC5162 Psychology: History, Science and Application 1 Advanced (Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science only)

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core Level 500 units in the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science. In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches is presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of the unit are to develop an understanding the role of quantitative data analysis and statistical testing (using the SPSS data analysis package) and qualitative approaches in answering research questions in psychology, which involves developing knowledge and skills s in research thinking, research doing, and research consuming. The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts, such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology and ethics. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit. This unit is the second in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Reflexively and comprehensively analyse social, cultural and historical influences on psychological research and its application to local and global issues

b. Critically evaluate the rigour of research designs and methods used in psychology, their epistemological and ontological bases, limitations and implications for psychological research and practice

c. Evaluate and critique the strengths and limitations of contemporary psychological and other forms of knowledge in upholding cultural safety in practice and research

d. Effectively conduct, report and interpret quantitative and qualitative analyses, including using statistical software

e. Communicate effectively and with integrity for relevant audiences

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.