Course Title: Principles of Psychology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Principles of Psychology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BESC1121	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014
BESC1122	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2010
BESC1122	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
BESC1122	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022
BESC1123	City Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
BESC1123	City Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023
BESC1380	City Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014
BESC1525	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2022, Viet2 2023
BESC1554	RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2023

Course Coordinator: Dr Mark Lee

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2906

Course Coordinator Email: mark.lee@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 12.07.016B-1

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.

Course Description

This course is one of two offered at first year level in a program of study accredited by Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) and will introduce you to four areas of psychology. These areas include individual differences, psychopathology, social psychology and cross-cultural psychology. Specific topics covered in this course will provide an introduction to psychology and its scientific nature; the theories of personality; the theories of psychological abnormality and classification of disorders; social psychological areas of social influence and pro-social behavior; and the consideration of cultural differences as it applies to psychological theory and practice.  Within this course, you will also be introduced to the basic elements of research methods.

 

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO1: Apply breadth and depth of psychology theories, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.

PLO2: Apply evidence-based knowledge to conceptualise safe and effective practice in a variety of contexts, independently and collaboratively, with emerging technological advancements.

PLO3: Demonstrate the ability to generate and evaluate solutions to all aspects of disciplinary practice while complying with ethical, legal and regulatory standards.

PLO6: Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member in diverse settings with commitment to First nations and/or globally-inclusive perspectives.

On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate your understanding of psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour.
2. Describe and compare the major theories of personality.
3. Explain and contrast the major theories of abnormality.
4. Elaborate and distinguish the major theories of social psychology.
5. Demonstrate your understanding of some of the cross-cultural differences in aspects of personality, social and abnormal psychology.
6. Recognise basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics and differentiate experimental from non-experimental research designs.
7. Apply critical appraisal skills to evidence and demonstrate skills in APA style referencing.

    

Overview of Learning Activities

Activities associated with this course will take a blended approach to learning, involving face-to-face and online interactions. Learning activities will primarily focus on lectures, lectorials and tutorials. These face-to-face interactions are supplemented by online and text material. Students will also have the option to engage in face-to-face equivalent material through online learning. Through participation in lecture material you will acquire a framework of relevant knowledge and an understanding of underlying theoretical / conceptual material. Tutorial activities provides you an opportunity to engage in critical analysis of relevant knowledge and underlying theoretical / conceptual material. You will also be required to undertake reference and computer based learning, developing a broad range of research skills including critical thinking, knowledge of research methods, and development of skills to reflect on your own learning.

The assessment associated with this course will comprise formative and summative elements and incorporate a variety of assessment modes. Your assessments will be spread throughout the semester and include quizzes; reflective and critical thinking assignments and examinations. Assignments may be prescribed as individual or group assignments. These assessments may also include use of online technology and are designed to require students to demonstrate a critical analysis of the core principles presented in the course.

Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from a range of both primary and secondary sources. Material chosen may be digitally available to you. Lecture material will be delivered via Echo Recordings, and Discussion Board interaction. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A Library Subject Guide is available at http://rmit.libguides.com/psychology.

Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements. 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Practical Knowledge Application Assessments
Weighting 40%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 2: Minor Written Assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 6 & 7

Assessment Task 3: Major Written Assessment
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 6 & 7