Introductory Research Methods and Statistics

This course is an introduction to the theory and application of research design and statistics in psychology. For psychological science, understanding good research design and how to interpret statistical results are key for making rational decisions on the basis of research and data. The course will emphasise the concepts of valid and reliable research, research ethics, and the interpretation of statistical results using real-life examples from the psychological literature. An important theme is that anyone can learn statistics - no math beyond basic algebra is required and you are not required to hand-calculate the statistical outputs. Instead, the focus of the statistical content of the course will be on interpreting outputs from software such as MS Excel and jamovi. This course is a prerequisite to advancing in psychology beyond PSYC 200-level.

15 points

At least 15 points in 100-level Psychology and at least 45 points overall

Developmental Psychology

This course will examine human development from conception to late adolescence, and will cover neuropsychological, cognitive, biological, behavioural and socio-emotional development. Emphasis will be given to major theoretical influences that have shaped current thinking about child and adolescent development, as well as research methods and techniques that are used to study development. Key developmental issues will be considered in relation to both typical and atypical patterns of development.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106

Cognition

This is an introductory course in cognitive psychology: the science of how the mind and brain are organised to produce intelligent human thought processes. Topics include visual cognition, attention, memory, problem solving and expertise, reasoning and decision making, and language comprehension.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106, or with the approval of the Head of School, a pass in a professional year of Engineering, or in approved courses in Computer Science, Linguistics, or Philosophy

Sensation and Perception

A broad overview of sensation and perception. The goal is to develop both an understanding of the field and an interest in pursuing some aspects of it in the future. The emphasis will be on visual perception but perception in other senses will also be covered briefly. There is a laboratory component that will let you experience some of the classic phenomena in the discipline for yourself.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106, or with the approval of the Head of School, a pass in a professional year of Engineering, or in approved courses in Art, Art History, or Computer Science

Personality

This course provides an introduction to classic and contemporary theory and research in personality psychology. Lectures and readings will cover a variety of perspectives on personality, such as: psychoanalytic, genetic and evolutionary, cultural, biological, humanistic, trait and behavioural. In the laboratory sessions, students will take various personality assessment instruments and participate in experiments to gain first-hand insight into cutting-edge personality research. PSYC211 is recommended preparation for PSYC379 Introduction for Psychopathology, and PSYC336 Industrial & Organisational Psychology.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106

Introduction to Social Psychology

Social Psychology is the scientific study of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others. This course provides a broad overview of topics in social psychology. The lectures will cover a range of topics illustrating the impact of social context on the individual by focusing on topics such as the self-concept, social perception, intergroup bias, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, group processes, close relationships, prosocial behaviour and aggression. The course also contains a laboratory component in which students work in small groups conducting social psychology research projects.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106

PSYC332

The Science and Practice of Wellbeing

The Science and Practice of Wellbeing will introduce you to the psychological science and practice of wellbeing. It will draw on psychological theory, research evidence, and practical techniques to help you understand the factors that create flourishing individuals, communities, and societies. Psychological models of wellbeing will be introduced and critically evaluated. The course will teach about empirically validated holistic methods of improving mental wellbeing. This course will provide you with an understanding of current theoretical models and research evidence regarding the factors that promote the capacity for people to thrive. This course diverts from a more traditional focus on illness to one on health, from what causes us to experience distress and suffering to what protects us against distress and assists with flourishing, and from a focus on eliminating problems to cultivating strengths.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106; or 60 points at 100 level from any subject.

Introductory Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience

This course will introduce the disciplines of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience in addition to covering relevant aspects of developmental neuroscience and neuropharmacology. We will cover how the brain develops and changes with sensory inputs and experiences as we learn and update information, navigate the environment, make decisions, and produce actions. Different neuroscience techniques will be introduced, and we will reflect on how changes in perceptual processing, as well as our genetics and environment influence our brain development. This course will also cover the regulations associated with the ethical treatment and welfare of animal models and humans involved in neuroscience research.

15 points

P: PSYC105 and PSYC106 RP: PSYC107 or ARTS102

PSYC333

Psychology and Law

This course is a broad overview of the intersection between psychology and the law, with a focus on how psychological scientific principles can be applied to real-world issues in the criminal justice system. This course draws on contemporary research in cognition, perception and behaviour to explore topics within the legal system, such as offending, risk assessment, eyewitness memory, detection of deception, false confessions, forensic science decision-making, jury deliberation, and mental health and crime.

15 points

PSYC105 and PSYC106

Psychology of Language

This course is designed to provide you with a basic knowledge of psycholinguistics. We will look at language from a psychological standpoint, learning about scientific methods that researchers use to study the mental processes involved in language use. We will focus on three sets of processes - language comprehension (how we perceive and understand speech), language production (how we combine words to convey non-linguistic thoughts), and language acquisition (how we acquire language). This course will help you understand how language functions as one component of the general cognitive system. The course readings will be drawn from textbooks and other sources such as news articles.

15 points

LING101, PSYC105, or PSYC107

LING221