Course Title: Psychology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Psychology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1567

City Campus

Preparatory

TRN RMIT Training

Face-to-Face

 Term1 2023,
Term2 2023,
Term1 2024,
Term2 2024

Course Coordinator: Jo Bradley

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399256083

Course Coordinator Email: rmit.training.fs.team.leaders@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B85-03-001 (Melbourne City Campus)

Course Coordinator Availability: Mon- Fri, 9AM - 5PM (AEST)


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. It encompasses the biological influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel. Gaining a richer and deeper understanding of psychology can help people achieve insights into their own actions as well as a better understanding of other people.

This course is designed to introduce you to psychology as a systematic study of people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour with an emphasis on developing analytical and problem-solving skills in a range of situations involving human and animal behaviour. In this course, you will develop your oral, written and research skills in the context of psychology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

See Learning Outcomes.


Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Apply the rules of, and expectations for, academic study and assume responsibility for your own actions to work effectively as an individual and/or as a member of a group;
  2. Develop and express ideas through independent reading, the creation of images, and the collection and interpretation of data and information; 
  3. Communicate ideas with clarity, logic, and originality in both spoken and written English;
  4. Construct coherent arguments, narratives or justifications of issues, problems or technical processes when undertaking analytical, practical or creative tasks; and
  5. Use a range of contemporary digital and learning technologies, tools and methods common to the discipline.

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand the structure and function of the brain and human nervous system and analyse the impact of stress on the body.
  2. Evaluate consciousness, the purpose and nature of sleep, and the effects of sleep disruption on a person’s functioning.
  3. Analyse the concepts of mental health including approaches to management of a specific phobia.
  4. Apply research, analytical and reporting methods to the investigation of mental processes and psychological functioning.


Overview of Learning Activities

This course includes a blend of didactic, active, and collaborative learning activities designed to meet the needs of international students. The course encourages the process of inquiry, application, and reflection through student-centred learning and teaching activities including practical work in studio environments and laboratories. In doing so, there will be a focus on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills that promote problem-solving, independent research skills and group work. Students will develop their technology skills through engagement in formative and summative assessments. The course will maximise the use of the learning management system by incorporating flipped and blended methodologies. This may be complemented by guest lectures, excursions, and speakers with discipline-specific work-life expertise to further connect content to the professional world and generate opportunities for reflective practice.


Overview of Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available through RMIT’s learning management system,  Canvas. In addition to assessment details and a study schedule, you will also be provided with links to relevant course information, class activities and communication tools. 

Other learning resources are also available online through RMIT Library. Visit the RMIT library website for further details. Academic and learning support is provided through Study Success at RMIT Training. The Foundation Studies home group program will also provide support, navigating university systems, advice on living and studying in Melbourne as well as explaining RMIT university policy and procedures.

Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Type

Weighting

Assessment Task 1: Tests

50%

Assessment Task 2: Empirical Research Activity (ERA) Scientific Poster

30%

Assessment Task 3:

Group Presentation

20%