Course Title: Foundations of Psychology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Foundations of Psychology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BESC1124	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2016
BESC1125	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2010
BESC1125	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015
BESC1125	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023
BESC1126	City Campus	Undergraduate	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 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016
BESC1126	City Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024, Sem 1 2025
BESC1381	City 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 1 2013, Sem 1 2014
BESC1538	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet1 2022, Viet3 2022, Viet1 2023, Viet3 2023, Viet2 2024, Viet3 2024
BESC1551	RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet3 2022, Viet3 2023, Viet2 2024, Viet3 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Robin Laycock

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7400

Course Coordinator Email: robin.laycock@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course is one of two introductory psychology courses accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC). The course will provide you with foundational knowledge of the primary areas of psychology. Topics covered include biological bases of behaviour; learning and memory; emotion and motivation and developmental psychology. Basic aspects of research methods as well as the theory and philosophy of science and psychology will also be covered.

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.
PLO4: Communicate to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats and employing professional integrity, inclusivity and culturally-safe practices.

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

1. Demonstrate in an applied context your understanding of psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour.
2. Identify key principles of biological bases of behaviour.
3. Interpret major theories of learning and memory.
4. Distinguish major theories of motivation and emotion.
5. Recognise major theories in the key stages of human development.
6. Demonstrate effective written communication skills, including skills in APA style (including referencing).
7. Apply critical thinking skills to the appraisal of academic literature and other sources.

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. 

Through participation in lecture material you will acquire a framework of relevant knowledge and an understanding of underlying theoretical and conceptual material. Tutorial activities provides you an opportunity to engage in critical analysis of theoretical and 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 short tasks; a major written assessment 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.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

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

Assessment Task 2: Minor Written Assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 4 & 5

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

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.