A smiling woman with curly hair holding a pen and clipboard, looking towards the right hand side of screen | Bachelor of Psychological Science

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Bachelor of Psychological Science

  • Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
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Bachelor of Psychological Science
Duration
3 Years Full Time
Bachelor
CRICOS Code: 071878B
Australian Qualification Framework: 7
Available at
Adelaide*, Brisbane*, Melbourne, Perth*, Sydney, Online*
*Course available to domestic students only
Study modes
Entry requirements
Fees
FEE-Help Available
Start dates

Be intrigued by the human mind

Overview

What to expect when studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science with ACAP University College

 

Intrigued by the human mind? Eager to learn why we think and act the way we do? Discover how thoughts influence behaviour and develop in-demand practical skills with our Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Whether you’re taking the first step towards becoming a registered psychologist or looking to forge a career in another people-focused profession, your knowledge of human behaviour will be applicable to more job opportunities than you can imagine.

Begin your studies by exploring key foundational psychological processes and how these can be applied in a professional context, before diving deeper into cognition, lifespan development and biological bases. Examine abnormal psychology and intervention strategies, individual differences and assessment, and social and community psychology.

Develop your clinical speciality by studying elective units across psychology, counselling, criminology and social welfare. Explore psychology as it relates to crime and justice, delve into the world of forensic psychology, enhance your trauma-informed counselling skills, or discover your passion for social work and community welfare.

Whether you choose to study the Bachelor of Psychological Science online* or on-campus, your experience will always be hands-on. Put your skills into practice through real-world case studies and project-based learning throughout your course, building your confidence as a practitioner.

This course is conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It has also been accredited by ACAP under its self-accrediting authority.

*International students: This course is available to international students studying on campus in Melbourne or Sydney only. It is not available to be studied online.

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Potential Careers

Once you graduate from the Bachelor of Psychological Science, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider:

  • Clinical Psychologist (upon further studies)
  • Psychometrists
  • Substance Abuse Counsellor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Human Resource Manager

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

ACAP’s Bachelor of Psychological Science online* gives you deep insight into why we think and act the way we do, with an understanding of the connection between an individual, society and culture. Among the units of this course are:

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Foundational Psychological Processes

Discover fundamental psychological processes, including principles of human learning, personality, motivation and emotion. Strengthen your critical thinking and research communication skills, essential for progressing through advanced studies in psychology.

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Cognition

Learn to apply cognitive psychology across the lifespan. Key topics include learning and memory, academic performance, eyewitness testimony, neuropsychological disorders, resilience and wellbeing. Explore the origins of knowledge, including Indigenous knowledge, and its contribution to the processes of learning.

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Lifespan Development

Explore psychological development across the lifespan. Key topics covered in this unit include: physical and biological development; social, emotional, and moral development; gender and sexuality; and ageing, death, dying, and bereavement.

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Abnormal Psychology and Intervention

Examine how behaviour is categorised as abnormal and examine how mental health problems are diagnosed and managed across the lifespan. Explore cultural perspectives, history, classification, causes and treatment of psychological disorders.

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Social and Community Psychology

Gain insight into applications of social and community psychology. Explore the history and crises of Indigenous psychology and culture, self-identity and knowledge, prejudice, acculturation, aggressive and pro-social behaviour, and social justice.

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Electives in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology and Social Welfare

Tailor this degree to your unique interests by studying electives in psychology, counselling, criminology or social welfare. Explore topics including: stress, trauma and resilience; mental health and criminal justice; counselling and neuroscience; and social work theory and practice.

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WHY CHOOSE THE BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE AT ACAP

At ACAP, our uniquely practical approach to learning ensures you will graduate feeling confident, competen and career-ready to take on the industry of your choice. Discover the ways we support you throughout your education journey.

Professionally accredited courses
Industry-specific accreditations ensure our course content is relevant to your career
Graduate industry-ready
Gain industry experience and establish contacts through professional placement opportunities
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Benefit from a tailored learning experience and dedicated support
Study your way
Full-time or part-time, online, on campus or by blended delivery – the choice is yours
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Receive mentorship from academics with relevant industry experience
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Course structure

The Bachelor of Psychological Science course is comprised of 13 core units and 11 elective units, which are level 100, 200 and 300 units. Electives may come from the disciplines of Psychology, Social Welfare, Criminology and/or Counselling.
To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.

The course duration is 3 years full time or up to 8 years part time. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.

Level: 100 level core

Credit points: 6

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Pre-requisites: None

Unit Description

This is the first of three inquiry-driven, multidisciplinary units in our undergraduate courses, which build upon one another to introduce key academic skills and an understanding of critical concepts relevant to the professions and careers into which our graduates progress. It will introduce you to higher education study, including key knowledge about the nature of higher education and how to navigate it successfully. It will help you develop critical thinking and communication skills, including reading and evaluating sources of information, summarising them effectively, and communicating your understanding to others. We will examine interactions between our own and others’ personal cultural identities, how they shape our experience of relationships personally and professionally, and their implications for future study and career. Finally, it will ensure that you understand the concept of cultural safety both as it applies to higher education and the workplace. The unit lays the groundwork for all of your future studies and will help you understand both yourself and others better.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Identify, summarise and communicate concepts from credible sources of information

b. Explain the role of culture, cultural identity and cultural influence in higher education and professional practice

c. Evaluate and apply theories and evidence related to culturally safe practices in professional practice


Unit workload:

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.


Textbook

The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: https://www.acap.edu.au/student-resources/student-central-your-studies/textbooks-and-course-materials/


Academic misconduct

Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy on Policies & Procedures webpage for full details.


Disclaimer

Unit information may be subject to change prior to the teaching trimester commencing. Once term has commenced please review the Unit Outline in your class space to ensure your trimester study plan is correct.

Level: 100 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is a level 100 core and along with the interdisciplinary level 100 units and PSYC1052 Psychology: History Science and Application 1 provides an initial introduction to psychology. This unit will introduce fundamental psychological processes including principles of human learning, personality, motivation and emotion. The unit will provide a foundation for future study in psychology, including an introduction to the key processes of human cognition, human emotion, and human behaviour. Students will engage with empirical research as a means of evaluating competing theories and learn to engage in critical analysis of research findings. Culturally responsive approaches to the study of psychology are emphasised with the development of skills in communication of psychological processes across diverse contexts. Students will acquire skills in critical thinking and research communication that are necessary to progress through advanced and applied studies in psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Describe foundational concepts in human learning, personality, motivation, and emotion, through the lens of different theoretical perspectives in psychology
b. Identify the relevance of foundational processes in psychology to everyday situations or issues, and demonstrate ability to communicate this knowledge using appropriate interpersonal skills within diverse groups
c. Conduct basic searches of the psychological literature to identify and summarise relevant empirical research that conveys current scientific understanding of foundational psychological concepts.
d. Apply knowledge of psychological principles underpinning human learning, personality, motivation, and emotion to identify effective study skills and strategies to maintain one’s own health and wellbeing.
e. Exercise critical thinking in identifying and evaluating approaches to psychology that are more and less culturally responsive and ethically appropriate, including a focus on public safety,
f. Communicate knowledge of fundamental psychological processes through the writing and reading of scientific research, showing integrity in communication by acknowledging sources using APA 7 style.

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute interactive self-directed learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 120-minute lectures

c. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute tutorials

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 100 level core

Credit points: 6

Pre-requisites: MULT1015 Applications in Context

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

Opening up possibilities for developing multidisciplinary knowledge and practice, ACAP draws on the four disciplines in the college to develop three integrative units that are core to first-year undergraduate courses and a postgraduate course. These inquiry-driven units lay the groundwork for engaging students with multidisciplinary thinking, discourse and initiative in their fields of endeavour and in their future profession.

This unit introduces the student to academic skills and reflective writing practices. The unit develops the student’s understanding of ethical practice across multiple disciplines. The human rights framework in Australia and its relation to ethics and ethical behaviour in professional practice is also explored.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Demonstrate effective information literacy skills when identifying and assessing the credibility of sources

b. Demonstrate reflective thinking skills in constructing arguments about ethics in contemporary society and their value in their chosen profession

c. Describe, explain and reflect on the key parts of relevant professional codes of conduct and ethics and their role in professional life

d. Identify ethical dilemmas and apply ethical frameworks to guide practical decision making

e. Demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness and emerging reflective practices in personal and professional development

Unit workload:

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.

Level: 100 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: None

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is one of two introductory units in psychology for commencing students. Along with PSYC1052 Foundational Psychological Processes and the three interdisciplinary units (MULT1015 Applications in Context, MULT1025 Professions and Society, and MULT1035 Sustainability in Helping Professionals) this unit builds foundational knowledge relevant to the history, philosophy, and methods underpinning the scientific study of psychology. In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches are presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of this unit are to set the foundation for understanding research design and methods in psychology and to develop skills relevant to critiquing research, which involves developing knowledge and skills in research thinking, research doing, and research consuming. The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology, and ethics. Content related to introductory concepts in the history of philosophy of psychology are also covered, along with content on the application of psychology in current professional and social contexts. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit. This unit is the first in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Explain key developments in the discipline of psychology in their historical, cultural, and social context.
b. Describe and differentiate the epistemological and ontological bases of common research approaches in psychology.
c. Apply the scientific method to question claims that arise from myths, stereotypes, pseudoscience, or untested assumptions.
d. Identify and describe the structure and content of a standard research report.
e. Explain key ethical principles and their applications to research and interdisciplinary professional practice to protect public safety.
f. Communicate key psychological findings applying academic integrity by acknowledging sources using APA (7th edition)

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly pre-recorded 120 minute lectures

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute live tutorials

For live tutorials, students will be enrolled to attend a regular class either a) on campus or b) online via Zoom.

In addition, the Unit Coordinator will be available for live online consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

 

Level: 100 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: MULT1015 Applications in Context
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

Opening up possibilities for developing multidisciplinary knowledge and practice, ACAP draws on the 4 Disciplines in the College to develop three integrative units that are core to first-year Undergraduate courses. These inquiry-driven units lay the groundwork for engaging students with multidisciplinary thinking, discourse and initiative in their fields of endeavour and in their future profession/vocation.

This unit will introduce students the issues of sustainability on a personal, professional and community level. We will examine individual and group practices that can meet the needs of current generations without compromising our or future generations ability to meet their own needs through a transdisciplinary perspective. This will encompass evidence-based approaches to promoting sustainability in the context of study, professional work and within our communities. The unit provides students with an opportunity to explore, analyse and reflect on the contribution of human behaviour to the sustainability of individuals and communities, and apply this to their personal, educational and future professional lives.

Please note: There are slightly different expectations in MULT1035 for Graduate Certificate of Psychological (GCPS) Science students. If you are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Psychology there are modified versions of Learning Outcome [c], the Assessment 1b rubric, and the Assessment 2 rubric in the relevant sections below. If you are not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science, you can ignore these sections.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Define sustainability in personal, professional and community contexts (undergraduate)

b. Apply the principles of sustainability to personal, professional and community contexts (undergraduate)

c. Demonstrate how evidenced-based approaches can be used to take action to support sustainability (undergraduate)

Unit workload

The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.

Level: 200 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC1042 Psychology: History, Science and Application 1

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is one of the four core second year units in all Psychology degrees. The unit builds upon foundational level knowledge of the history and philosophy underpinning the scientific study of psychology introduced in PSYC1042 Psychology: History, Science and Application 1. The unit also complements other units at this level that explore core perspectives that inform contemporary psychology (e.g., PSYC2112 Foundational Perspectives: Cognition, PSYC2122 Foundational Perspectives: Biological Bases, and PSYC2132 Foundational Perspectives: Lifespan Development) and includes a focus on the application of psychology to everyday lives. This unit is the second in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.

In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches is presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of the unit are to develop an understanding of the role of quantitative data analysis and statistical testing (using the SPSS data analysis package) and qualitative approaches in answering research questions in psychology, which involves developing knowledge and skills in research thinking, research doing, and research consuming. The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts, such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology, and ethics. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous, yet culturally responsive, and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Reflexively analyse social, cultural, and historical influences on psychological research and its application to local and global issues
b. Evaluate the rigour of research designs and methods used in psychology, their epistemological and ontological bases, limitations, and implications for psychological research and practice
c. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of contemporary psychological and other forms of knowledge in upholding cultural safety in practice and research
d. Conduct, report, and interpret quantitative and qualitative analyses, including using statistical software
e. Communicate effectively and with integrity for relevant audiences

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

b. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute asynchronous lectures

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 200 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC2102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 2

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is one of the core Level 200 units in the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling and Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology course. This unit will introduce students to theory and research in cognitive psychology. An emphasis of this unit is on the application of cognitive psychology to everyday life across the lifespan. Topics include learning and memory, academic performance, eyewitness testimony, neuropsychological disorders, resilience and wellbeing. We will also consider the origins of knowledge and consider Indigenous knowledges and their value in contributing to processes of learning, individual and community wellbeing, resilience and cultural safety.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Explain key theories, principles and research findings in cognitive psychology
b. Communicate key theories and research findings in cognitive psychology to a range of audiences, applying academic integrity using APA (7th edition).
c. Analyze the strengths and limitations of contemporary psychological perspectives on cognition as applied across the lifespan and to different cultures
d. Apply knowledge of cognitive psychology to enhance cognitive performance in the real world
e. Evaluate the implications of cognitive psychology to the protection of public safety

Learning and Teaching Process

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 200 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC2102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 2

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is a core subject in the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, and Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology programs. This unit will introduce students to the biological bases that contribute to our understanding of human behaviour. It will provide an in-depth understanding of the anatomical, biochemical, genetic and physiological bases of brain function and dysfunction, current neuroscientific approaches to brain function and behaviour, including detailed knowledge of the processes of perception by the senses. This foundational knowledge will then be applied to current understandings of neuropsychological disorders.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Identify and apply a coherent knowledge of biological theories, principles and scientific methods to understanding human behaviour
b. Critically analyse historical trends in biological psychology and their impact on understanding human behaviour in diverse communities
c. Apply knowledge of biological psychology to understanding of variations and disorders of behaviour
d. Evaluate the application of key ethical principles to biological psychology research and its applications to protect public safety
e. Communicate theories and evidence in biological psychology to diverse audiences applying principles of academic integrity

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 200 level core

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC2102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 2

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is one of the core Level 200 units in the undergraduate psychology course. This unit will introduce theory and research related to major themes of psychological development across the lifespan. The aim of the unit is to provide a solid understanding of issues and methods used in the psychological study of human development across the lifespan. Topics covered in the unit include: theoretical perspectives on lifespan development; physical and biological development; the development of cognition, intelligence, and language; social, emotional, and moral development; contexts for development; love and intimacy; gender and sexuality; and ageing, death, dying, and bereavement.

In this unit, students will develop the capacity to view key psychological processes from a lifespan perspective, adding to the breadth of knowledge of psychology provided by other Level 1 units, laying the foundation for further studies in developmental and professional psychology. The unit will emphasise skills required to comprehend and critically analyse psychological research in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive. Further development of effective written communication skills in this unit will also provide framework for application of these skills across diverse groups in later professional contexts. The unit also emphasises understanding and demonstration of key elements of public safety including informed consent, equity and inclusion, and social sustainability. Students will have the opportunity to practice reflexivity through applying knowledge obtained in this unit to themselves and wider real-world contexts, providing foundational skills towards further professional development and practice in a culturally safe manner, to maintain personal and professional resilience across the lifetime.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Compare and contrast the key theoretical psychological perspectives of lifespan development and their application to diverse others
b. Critically evaluate scientific methods from a position of reflexivity when applied to explore local and global lifespan issues
c. Synthesise theoretical approaches and empirical evidence from a search of the literature and effectively communicate findings applying academic integrity in all communications
d. Identify and analyse key ethical issues inherent in lifespan psychological research and their application to maintaining public safety
e. Apply knowledge of health and wellbeing across the lifespan to develop strategies and skills to facilitate working with others, to effectively negotiate life transitions, in order to promote resilience and wellbeing

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 300 level core
Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC2102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 2

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the four core level 300 units in Psychology. The unit builds upon foundational level knowledge of the history and philosophy underpinning the scientific study of psychology as was introduced in PSYC1042 and PSY2102. This unit also complements other units at this level where there is a significant and advanced focus on the application of psychology in other core units (e.g., PSYC3112, PSYC3132) and electives. In this unit, the history and philosophy of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches is presented within the broader historical and philosophical themes of psychology as a discipline. The goals of the unit are to further student’s knowledge and skills in research methods used in psychological research and the application of this research, with a specific emphasis on qualitative research and advanced statistics (e.g., ANOVA and Regression). The unit considers the application of these research methods within the context of important concepts, such as the scientist-practitioner model, evidence-based practice, ontology and epistemology and ethics. This material will be presented in a manner that is scientifically rigorous yet culturally responsive and informs a broader discussion of psychology as both a professional practice in Australia and as an agent of social benefit. This unit is the third, and final unit, in a scaffolded series of units that, taken together, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge associated with research methods in psychology, the history and philosophy of psychology, and their contribution to the application of psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Apply effective written and oral communication skills consistent with research and professional standards in psychology
b. Apply an ethical, critical, and reflexive standpoint to uphold cultural safety in the application of psychological knowledge to practice and research
c. Critically evaluate and apply robust and rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate contemporary issues in psychological research and practice
d. Apply skills in conducting, reporting, interpreting, and critiquing qualitative and quantitative psychological research in contemporary issues

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week. Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

b. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 300 level core
Credit Points: 6
Pre-requisites: PSYC3102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 3

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is a level 300 core unit in fulfilment of the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling and the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology.

This unit will introduce key concepts pertaining to individual differences and assessment. It will provide students with an understanding of the psychological characteristics that distinguish and define individuals and how to use assessment of psychological characteristics appropriately. More specifically, this unit will introduce and discuss intelligence, personality, aptitude and values. This unit further examines key concepts of psychological assessment and its psychometric properties and assessing in different settings. Beginning with the history and development of psychological assessment and test theory, the unit will further examine theoretical and methodological issues in the measurement of intelligence, cognition, psychosocial functioning, adaptive behaviour, attitudes, and values. This unit further looks at norms and bias and its link to cultural sensitivity in the use of psychological assessment. Tests of special abilities are also considered, along with measures developed for different settings. Through practical work, students will develop an understanding of the way in which psychologists use the outcomes of psychological assessments.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Compare and contrast major theories of individual differences and their underlying features, as well as their application to culturally responsive psychological assessment.
b. Identify, explain, and differentiate the factors associated with individual differences including personality, intelligence, aptitude and values.
c. Explain and apply test theory and psychometrics to the safe use of common psychological measures
d. Explain and evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychological assessment and the impact these have on culturally responsive testing practices
e. Effectively interpret and communicate results of psychological assessments for diverse audiences with academic integrity

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90 minute tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 300 level core unit

Credit Points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC3102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 3

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core Level 300 units in the undergraduate psychology course. This unit will extend students understanding of psychological processes provided by other level 2 and 3 units by introducing theory and research related to abnormal psychology and interventions for mental health disorders. The aim of the unit is to introduce students to how behaviour is categorised as abnormal and to examine how mental health problems are diagnosed and managed across the lifespan. The unit explores cultural perspectives, history, classification, causes and treatment of psychological disorders. Students will critically examine the contribution of psychological, biological, and socio-cultural factors to the expression of psychopathology. Students will explore how psychological problems are defined and understood by other mental health professions and will learn skills on how to communicate and work with other health professionals. Ethical and legal issues relevant to the provision of mental health services and how professional psychological practice can inform the health sector and increase public safety will also be explored and critically analysed.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Critically evaluate and apply different systems of classification and formulation of psychological disorders, including their strengths and shortcomings
b. Critically integrate and apply theoretical frameworks and empirical research findings from biological, socio-cultural and psychological perspectives concerning the causes, management and impact of major psychological disorders
c. Critically evaluate the application of treatments for psychological disorders and how they may be implemented in a range of contexts and diverse populations to promote cultural safety.
d. Critically apply relevant legal, ethical and professional standards to ensure the protection of individuals experiencing psychological disorders and the public
e. Demonstrate and apply effective written and spoken communication skills to effectively work with diverse groups and interprofessional teams.

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute live tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

For live tutorials, students will be enrolled to attend a regular class either a) on campus or b) online via Zoom.

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

Level: 300 level core unit
Credit points: 6

Pre-requisites: PSYC3102 Psychology: History, Science and Application 3

Mode of delivery: On-campus and online

Unit description:

This unit is one of the core Level 300 units in the undergraduate psychology course. This unit will introduce theory and research related to major themes of social and community psychology. The aim of the unit is to provide a solid understanding of the theoretical underpinnings, empirical evidence, and applications of social and community psychology. Key theories and research methods in social psychology are examined across a broad spectrum of issues and topics. The unit explores the history and crises of social psychology, Indigenous psychology and culture, self-identity and knowledge, attributions and attitudes, social influence, prejudice, acculturation, aggressive and pro-social behaviour, and social justice. The unit has a focus on the applications of social and community psychology including the impact of culture on social behaviour.

In this unit, students will develop the capacity to view key psychological processes from a social and community psychology perspective, adding to the breadth of knowledge of psychology provided by other Level 200 and 300 units, laying the foundation for further studies in social and community psychology. The unit will emphasise skills required to comprehend and critically analyse psychological research in a manner that is scientifically rigorous, yet reflexive and culturally responsive. The development of oral communication, interpersonal and reflective skills in this unit will also provide a framework for the application of these skills across diverse groups in later professional contexts and help to prepare students for further study in psychology. The unit also emphasises understanding and demonstration of key elements of public safety including equity and inclusion, and social sustainability. Students will have the opportunity to practice reflexivity through a reflective assessment task, as well as applying knowledge obtained in this unit to themselves and wider real-world contexts, providing foundational skills towards further professional development and practice in a culturally safe manner, to maintain personal and professional resilience.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

a. Critically evaluate and apply the social and community psychology perspective, including key theories, methods and evidence
b. Evaluate cultural influence, including minority groups, within the fields of social and community psychology
c. Display effective and culturally responsive interpersonal communication in written, visual, and oral formats for a range of audiences consistent with standards of academic integrity
d. Apply an ethical, critical and reflective standpoint when applying social and community psychology concepts and methods to real world issues
e. Apply psychological knowledge and skills to effective participation in groups

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals approximately 10 to 12 hours of learning activities per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

a. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute pre-tutorial learning activities

b. Twelve (12) weekly 90-minute live tutorials

c. Twelve (12) weekly online 120 minute post-tutorial learning activities

For live tutorials, students will be enrolled to attend a regular class either a) on campus or b) online via Zoom.

In addition, Coordinators are available for consultation for an hour on a weekly basis.

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WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY ABOUT ACAP

Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
I’ve always been interested in human behaviour, personality differences and the abnormal psychology topics we hear about in popular culture. I began my study at a mainstream university, but their timetable didn’t support my part-time requirements. ACAP’s blended learning was perfect so I could manage content at my own pace. I also wouldn’t have been comfortable asking those ‘stupid questions’ in a massive lecture theatre. ACAP’s smaller classes gave me all the confidence I needed. Neil, Bachelor of Psychological Science
Michelle, Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
Personalisation makes the course and enhances learning. As a result I’ve done so much better at ACAP – both personally and academically. The lecturers are relatable, honest and supportive of leading you in the right direction. Michelle, Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

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