Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC102
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Equip yourself with research and analytical skills that are invaluable in many contexts and build a broad foundation in the principles and methods of the science of psychology.
Studying this introductory psychology unit, you will explore the concepts, methods and major theories of the discipline, gaining insights to explain different psychological phenomena.
A range of core topics in psychology are examined, including cognition and language, intelligence, personality and individual differences, psychological health and wellbeing, psychological disorders, evidence-based interventions, social psychology and cross-cultural psychology.
You will also have an opportunity to develop transferrable skills in data analysis, critical evaluation, communication and referencing.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| 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:
- apply the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to explain psychological phenomena, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
- develop foundation knowledge in the following core topics in Psychology: a) cognition and language, b) social psychology, c) cross-cultural psychology, d) cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, e) psychological health and wellbeing, f) intelligence, g) personality and individual differences, and h) psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions
- demonstrate foundation skills of data analysis relating to psychological research, and specifically: a) identify independent and dependent variables in research design, b) describe measures of central tendency and how to calculate them, c) describe measures of dispersion and how to calculate them, d) describe the basic inferential statistical tests, and e) recognise how statistics and their presentation may be deliberately manipulated for the purposes of persuasion;
- independently experience and describe the empirical method as it applies to areas of psychological research;
- analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology, interpret, and report data using appropriate statistical strategies to address specific research hypotheses and communicate these in written formats; 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 Psychological Health and Wellbeing. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | No | 5% | All offerings | Participation in research methodology readings and a multiple choice quiz. It is a non-mandatory assessment task. No. Words: 200 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final 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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