The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with an introduction to several key discipline areas in the field of psychology, thus establishing a solid basis for further, more in-depth study in subsequent years. This unit covers topics including the research enterprise in psychology; neuropsychology; memory; language and cognition; learning; motivation and emotion; interpersonal relationships; and personality. Classes involve activities and discussion of research papers that foster understanding of theoretical content by focusing on specific topics and applications of research and knowledge in psychology.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
APP1012

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Examine current issues in psychology and how theories within the topic areas covered have evolved over time;  
  2. Assess the basic principles of methodologies employed in psychological research;  
  3. Evaluate research literature relating to the topic areas covered;  
  4. Perform an independent literature search on a psychological topic using online databases;  
  5. Apply knowledge of research methodologies to a specific research topic and collect data for a research project;  
  6. Produce a laboratory report written in formal academic style and conforming to APA formatting conventions.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Journal Journal related to workshop readings (600 words) 30%
Laboratory Work Lab Report related to theoretical content (1500 words) 50%
Test Tests - multiple choice and short answers 20%

Required reading

Further readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

Psychology 4th ed.
Burton, L, Westen, D & Kowalski, R., (2015)
Australia: Wiley

An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology 3rd ed.
Burton, L., (2010)
Australia: Wiley

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.

Course Study as part of
Bachelor of Arts Psychology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Criminology Psychology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science Psychology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education (P-12) Psychology (Education Minor) - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education Studies Psychology (Education Minor) - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education (P-12) Psychology (Education) - Major
Bachelor of Music The Musical Mind - Discipline Minor

Study a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree. Learn more about single units of study at VU.

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