PSYC6000
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
Psychology is a diverse and fascinating area of study. This course helps you understand human behaviour and mental processes and allows you to better interpret how we think, act, and feel. It also helps you to develop interpersonal skills and abilities that are transferable to the workplace. The course provides an introduction of the key areas of psychology for students with no prior background in the discipline.
There are five main psychological perspectives used to study different aspects of human behaviour and mental processing: biological; cognitive; behavioural; socio-cultural and developmental. Biological, cognitive and behavioural perspectives will be covered in Module 1, where you will examine how a person’s perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence how we interact with the world around us.
Other perspectives in psychology focus on individuals and groups in society, and how social and cultural factors can influence and shape our thoughts and behaviour. Some perspectives are clinical in nature and can be related to psychological therapy. Developmental perspectives aim to understand how thoughts and behaviours change over time. You will learn about these perspectives in Module 2. In this module you will also learn about how psychology can be used to inform our understanding of human behaviour in forensic contexts.
This course is not part of an APAC accredited sequence.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Online
- Trimester 1 - 2024
- Trimester 3 - 2024
Singapore NAIHE
- Trimester 3 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe and identify the major fields of psychology and understand the core concepts and theoretical approaches relevant to each of these;
2. Apply the principles of psychology in personal and professional contexts to develop a better knowledge and understanding of other people;
3. Explain basic and foundational elements of neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, memory, and thinking and intelligence.
4. Explain basic and foundational elements of, personality theories and assessment, social psychology, Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, and abnormal psychology.
5. Organise and communicate information using professional formats.
Content
Module 1
- Neuroscience
- Sensation and perception
- Learning
- Memory
- Thinking and intelligence
Module 2
- Personality theories and assessment
- Social psychology
- Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Abnormal psychology
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quizzes
Online Learning Activity: Conversation Piece
Presentation: Oral Presentation
Contact hours
Trimester 1 - 2024 - Online
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Online 4 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Trimester 3 - 2024 - Singapore NAIHE
Online Activity-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Trimester 3 - 2024 - Online
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Online 4 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- PSYC6000 - Trimester 3, 2023 (Online) (PDF, 334.2 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.