Level: 100 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 PSYC1052 Foundational Psychological Processes and the three interdisciplinary units (MULT1015 Applications in Context, MULT1025 Professions and Society and MULT1035 Sustainability in Helping Professionals) this unit builds foundational knowledge relevant to the history and philosophy underpinning the scientific study 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. Explain key developments in the discipline of psychology in their historical, cultural and social context

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

c. Apply the scientific method to question claims that arise from myths, stereotypes, pseudoscience or untested assumptions

d. Identify and describe the structure and content of a standard research report

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

f. Communicate key psychological findings applying academic integrity by acknowledging sources using APA (7th 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 level core

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 students the issues of sustainability on a personal, professional and community level. We will examine individual and group practices that can meet the needs of current generations without compromising our or future generations ability to meet their own needs through a transdisciplinary perspective. This will encompass evidence-based approaches to promoting sustainability in the context of study, professional work and within our communities.

The unit provides students with an opportunity to explore, analyse and reflect on the contribution of human behaviour to the sustainability of individuals and communities, and apply this to their personal, educational and future professional lives.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Explain current sustainability challenges in personal, professional and community contexts

b. Define practice that promote personal, professional and community sustainability

c. Explain contemporary evidenced-based approaches to taking action for social sustainability development

d. Illustrate the role of the helping professions in fostering sustainable communities

Unit workload

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.

Level: 100 level core

Credit Points: 6

Prerequsites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is a level 100 core and along with the interdisciplinary level 100 units and PSYC1052 Psychology: History Science and Application 1 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. Describe foundational concepts in human learning, personality, motivation, and emotion, through the lens of different theoretical perspectives in psychology

b. Identify the relevance of 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 basic searches of the psychological literature to identify and summarise relevant empirical research that conveys current scientific understanding of foundational psychological concepts

d. 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 identifying and evaluating approaches to psychology that are more and less culturally responsive and ethically appropriate, including 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: 100 level core

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 students the issues of living and working in a culturally diverse professional and social environment. We will examine interactions between our own and others’ personal cultural identities, and how these shape our experience of relationships personally and professionally. The unit provides students with an opportunity to explore, analyse and reflect on the cultural context in which you will study and practice your chosen profession, and to develop the foundational critical thinking and reflective skills required for this.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

a. Think critically, analyse, interpret, process and communicate information

b. Demonstrate an understanding of culture, cultural identity and cultural influence as an essential element of human behaviour, including wellbeing and relationships

c. Comprehend that constructions of ‘normality’ are culturally, socially and historically situated, and how their own cultural lens may impact on their personal and professional interactions with others

d. Critically explore how disciplines and professions and their associated theories and practices as constructed, with alternative views and perspectives in the context of cultural histories, practices and processes

Unit workload:

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.

Textbook

The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: http://www.acap.edu.au/current-students/managing-my-course/order-course-materials-and-text-books/

Academic misconduct

Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.

Disclaimer

Unit information may be subject to change prior to the teaching trimester commencing. Once term has commenced please review the Unit Outline in your class space to ensure your trimester study plan is correct.