coursemapLoading course
School of Medicine and Psychology · ANU College of Science and Medicine
In this course three key areas of psychology will be introduced: social psychology, personality psychology & developmental psychology. The course will chart key developments, theories and foundational research that continues to have an impact on current approaches. The course will address the big questions in psychology, such as: How does the social environment influence the way people think, feel and behave? Are there stable personality traits that determine people’s behaviours across time and different situations? What are the psychological requirements for using and understanding language? What are the key developmental stages from birth to young and then late adulthood and how is psychological functioning impaired if these developmental stages are disrupted? Honours Pathway Option: Students enrolled in the Honours pathway option (HPO) will be required to do some alternative assessment (as listed in the Indicative Assessment). The material will be set at a higher conceptual level, requiring more advanced and extensive research. Participation in the HPO must be approved. Students opt in to the HPO by registering on the Learning Management System (LMS). Details of the HPO requirements and approval process for each course will be provided on the LMS at the start of the semester.
Question Generation and Review
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research Participation
Learning outcomes 4, 6
Reflective Unessay
Learning outcomes 4, 6
Research Essay
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
End of semester exam (Hurdle)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
The HPO assessment varies from year to year but is designed to build and strengthen basic research skills and will be worth 5% of the final mark. It will replace 'question generation and review' in the course.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 3 hours of lectures per week (1 x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour lecture) plus 7 x 2 hours laboratory classes spread across the semester plus 5 hours research participation. - Approximately 75 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Other Information Final exam is a hurdle. A Pass mark (50%) or greater is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole. Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies: As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, group tasks assess the required demonstration of teamwork skills, and participation assesses the required demonstration of oral communication skills. Spme students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained. For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2022). Psychology: Sixth Australian and New Zealand Edition (6th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.