Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Psychology is a broad-ranging and multifaceted discipline which encompasses the scientific study of human behaviour, and the systematic application of knowledge gained from psychological research to a broad range of applied issues. The goal of this unit in Psychology is to introduce you to major subfields and perspectives in Psychology, and to develop your understanding of the research methods used in psychological research. The unit is designed to increase your understanding of human behaviour and interactions, including the areas of individual differences, psychopathology, the biology of behaviour, health psychology, and cross-cultural issues in psychological research and theory and provides a basis for future learning in the discipline.

Aims

This unit aims to introduce students to the theories, concepts, methods, and basic findings in the areas mentioned above. In addition to acquainting you with the major theories and knowledge gained from psychological research in these areas, the program aims to foster an appreciation of how psychological knowledge is acquired; that is, to increase your understanding of the scientific method, and to develop your critical thinking skills.

Objectives

1. A sound knowledge of the major concepts, issues, and theories in the areas of individual differences, biology of behaviour, psychopathology, health psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and cross-cultural issues in psychological research and theory.



2. Knowledge of the basic principles of the scientific method and the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of basic research designs in psychology.



3. The ability to access and evaluate research reports and other relevant information about topics in psychology.



4. Effective written communication skills, including introductory skills in writing psychology research reports.

Content

The unit provides an introduction to the science of psychology. Topics include the evolution of the major perspectives in psychology, psychological research, biological and cognitive psychology and learning, personality and individual differences, including intelligence and intelligence-testing, social and developmental psychology, psychological disorders and their treatment.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The lectures will introduce you to the theories, concepts, methods, and basic findings in the areas named above. The unit is supported by a Blackboard site which has weekly postings of power point slides prior to the lecture (in most cases), announcements about the unit, assessment details, and a link to resources from the textbook including quizzes, stories, and videos.
You are also expected to attend one tutorial each week, beginning in Week 2. The tutorial program is an essential component of the unit. In some tutorials, you will participate in exercises and activities designed to clarify and deepen your understanding of important concepts covered in the lectures. In others, we will discuss essential information to help you complete the research report. Tutorials also provide a valuable opportunity for discussion, allowing you to work cooperatively and to share ideas and experiences with other students.

Assessment

Assessment in PYB100 comprises a psychology research report and a final examination. The research report weighted at 40% of the total unit mark is an important piece of assessment. It introduces you to a main method of communication in our discipline in the real world. This report will be discussed in detail during tutorials as we coach you through learning how to write such a report.

The other piece of assessment is a final examination held in the formal examination period at the end of semester. It comprises 100 multiple choice questions and makes up the remaining 60% of your unit mark. You will be provided with a series of online quizzes, progressively available throughout the semester, which will give you the chance to test your knowledge in preparation for the final exam.

There is also an opportunity to earn bonus percentage points (up to 5%) by participating in approved school-based research projects.

In addition to submitting hard copies of your assessment you are required to electronically submit all written assignments through SafeAssign for content matching checks.

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: Students will be coached through the tutorial program in writing a research report from data that we will collect in class.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: 100 multiple choice questions on all information covered in the unit, held in the central examination period.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Burton, L., Weston, D., & Kowalski, R. (2011). Psychology: Australian and New Zealand edition (3rd ed.). Milton, QLD: John Wiley and Sons.

Shakespeare-Finch, J. (2010). A guide to formatting in psychology (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Pearson Education.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-Jan-2013