BEHV 1016 Psychology: Behavioural Science

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101183

Coordinator Liquan Liu Opens in new window

Description This subject expands on the nature and history of psychology as a scientific discipline by focussing on the study of the biological bases of human behaviour, memory, language and thought, sensation and perception, motivation, emotion and learning. Research methods to scientifically study behaviour are introduced, including ethical research and practice with reference to diverse cultural contexts.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Restrictions

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Identify major issues and debates in the nature and history of psychology.
  2. Recognise the key theoretical concepts and major empirical findings in the domains of psychology covered in the subject.
  3. Describe the methods used by psychologists in their research, including an evaluation of ethical practice in culturally diverse contexts.
  4. Construct a partial research report conforming to current APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines.

Subject Content

  1. Introduction to the Subject
  2. Research Methods
  3. Cross-cultural Psychology
  4. Aboriginal Psychology
  5. Sensation & Perception
  6. Genes & Environment
  7. Biological Bases of Mental Life & Behaviour
  8. Learning
  9. Applied Psychology
  10. Language & Thinking
  11. Emotion & Motivation
  12. Consciousness

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report 1700 words 40 N Individual
Participation 5 hours of research participation 5 N Individual
Quiz 1 hour 10 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 45 N Individual

WSU Online Trimester 3

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report 1500 words 40 N Individual
Quiz Plagiarism and referencing quiz (4 quizzes in total) S/U Y Individual
Participation Five hours of research participation 5 N Individual
Quiz 4 quizzes 10 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 45 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Burton, L. J., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2023). Psychology: Sixth Australian and New Zealand edition. John Wiley &; SonsAustralia, Ltd.

Teaching Periods

Spring (2023)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

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Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

WSU Online TRI-3 (2023)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

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WSU Online TRI-2 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2024)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Liquan Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window