Key facts

UNE unit code: PSYC101

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - Online
  • Trimester 3 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Are you interested in the human mind and its function? This introductory unit provides you with a broad foundation in the concepts and methods underpinning modern psychology.

Outlining major theoretical perspectives that inform various fields of psychology, the unit will introduce you to nine psychology topics. You will learn about the history and science of psychology, research methods, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, perception, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, lifespan developmental psychology, and consciousness.

You will also critique different research approaches, identifying strengths and weaknesses. This is an invaluable skill, whether you wish to pursue a psychology specialisation or have a general interest in psychology.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2Online
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
PSYC100

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

John Scott-HamiltonLecturer - Faculty of Medicine and Health; School of Psychology
Melissa Cox
To be advised

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate foundation knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts of: a) the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology, b) neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, c) lifespan developmental psychology, d) learning, e) memory, f) perception, g) motivation and emotion, and h) consciousness;
  2. apply the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to explain psychological phenomena, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
  3. view and examine various research methods used by psychologists and identify the utility and shortcomings of several types of research methods (descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research);
  4. analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written format;
  5. demonstrate foundation knowledge of appropriate values and ethics in psychology; and
  6. correctly employ the American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes20%All offerings

Two (2) online quizzes comprising multiple choice, matching exercises and fill-in blanks. Each quiz is worth 10%. It is mandatory to complete this assessment task.

No. Words: 400 per quiz

Assessment 2Yes35%All offerings

Written assignment. Topic area is Motivation and Emotion. It is mandatory to complete this assessment task.

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 3No5%All offerings

Research Participation Opportunities (RPOs). Participation in research studies within the discipline (or alternative readings and multiple choice quiz). It is a non-mandatory assessment task.

No. Words: 200

Final ExaminationYes40%All offerings

Exam paper comprising multiple choice questions. This a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. It is mandatory to complete this assessment task.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Bundle: Psychology 6th Australian and New Zealand Edition (2023) and An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology, 5th Edition (2021)

ISBN: 9781394176625

Burton, L.J. et al., , John Wiley & Sons 6th ed. 2023

Note: This book bundle is also available as a digital bundle (ISBN: 9781394176632). Burton Digital Pack (Psychology 6e + WG 5e). This package includes two books – Psychology, 6th Edition Wiley E-Text and An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology, 5th Edition Wiley E-Text. If desired, students can also purchase these texts separately: 'Psychology', 6th ed. Australian and New Zealand Edition by Burton, L. J., Westen, D. and Kowalski, R. (ISBN: 978-0-730-39664-2 [print book], ISBN: 978-0-730-39665-9 [E-Text]) and 'An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology', 5th ed. by Burton, L. J. (ISBN: 9780730389439 [print book], ISBN: 9780730389453 [E-Text])

Text refers to: All offerings

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