Handbook

The aims of this course are to develop knowledge of the factors influencing human behaviour and experience, and to provide skills for the application of this knowledge to issues in the real world. In the first three years of this course, graduates will develop core knowledge in psychological theory and research to prepare them for their final year in the Honours program in psychology. In the 4th (Honours) year, the aims are to build on earlier training to provide a broad base in contemporary psychological theory and research, to bring diverse psychology subject areas together by pointing to shared themes, issues, problems and techniques, and to enhance students' understanding of methodological and data analysis issues.

The course provides comprehensive knowledge of such fields as learning, motivation, personality, emotion, development across the lifespan, social and cultural influences, biological influences, and mental health. Also integral to the course is the development of critical thinking and research skills, and an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of researchers and psychoIogy clinicians. It also aims to better acquaint students with the actual process of research, to show how Psychology can contribute to understanding and solving real-world problems, and to promote critical or evaluative thinking (e.g., about theory, methods, applications). Finally it prepares them for further professional psychology training in post-graduates courses at the Masters or Doctoral level.

In order to progress to the third year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) a student must normally have achieved a GPA of 5 in all Second Year Psychology topics attempted. Failure to achieve the required GPA may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

In order to progress to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) a student must normally have achieved a GPA of 5.5 in all Second and Third Year Psychology topics attempted. Students who do not meet the requirement to enter fourth year will be able to exit with the Bachelor of Psychological Science on completion of 108 units according to the first three years of study in the degree.