Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC101
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Are you interested in the human mind and its function? This introductory unit provides you with a broad foundation in the concepts and methods underpinning modern psychology.
Outlining major theoretical perspectives that inform various fields of psychology, the unit will introduce you to nine psychology topics. You will learn about the history and science of psychology, research methods, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, perception, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, lifespan developmental psychology, and consciousness.
You will also critique different research approaches, identifying strengths and weaknesses. This is an invaluable skill, whether you wish to pursue a psychology specialisation or have a general interest in psychology.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate foundation knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts of: a) the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology, b) neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, c) lifespan developmental psychology, d) learning, e) memory, f) perception, g) motivation and emotion, and h) consciousness;
- apply the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to explain psychological phenomena, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
- view and examine various research methods used by psychologists and identify the utility and shortcomings of several types of research methods (descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research);
- analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written format;
- demonstrate foundation knowledge of appropriate values and ethics in psychology; and
- correctly employ the American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Two (2) online quizzes comprising multiple choice, matching exercises and fill-in blanks. Each quiz is worth 5%. It is mandatory to complete this assessment task. No. Words: 400 per quiz |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Written assignment. Topic area is Motivation and Emotion. It is mandatory to complete this assessment task. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | No | 5% | All offerings | Research Participation Opportunities (RPOs). Participation in research studies within the discipline (or alternative readings and multiple choice quiz). It is a non-mandatory assessment task. No. Words: 200 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Exam paper comprising multiple choice questions. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Bundle: Psychology 6th Australian and New Zealand Edition (2023) and An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology, 5th Edition (2021)
ISBN: 9781394176625
Burton, L.J. et al., , John Wiley & Sons 6th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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