BEHV 1018 Psychology: Human Behaviour

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101184

Coordinator Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

Description Psychology is a field of scientific inquiry that uses a set of scientific techniques and methods to explain and understand the context and processes of mind and behaviour. As a profession, psychology applies this understanding to practical problems in all domains of human experience, aiming to promote individual and social wellbeing. Together with its companion subject, BEHV1016 Psychology: Behavioural Science, this subject provides a comprehensive introductory foundation in contemporary psychology. Topics covered in this subject introduce and contextualise the field of psychology and human behaviour, including: the history of psychology, consciousness, personality, intelligence, developmental psychology, social psychology, positive psychology, as well as Australian Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology.

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. Select information resources to collect credible material (APAC 1.3, 1.6).
  2. Identify major theoretical perspectives in psychology (APAC 1.1, 1.3, 1.6).
  3. Describe scientific techniques and methods used in psychology research (APAC 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6).
  4. Identify key elements of Indigenous psychology in Australia (APAC 1.1, 1.2, 1.4).
  5. Summarise key topics of psychology adhering to the current APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines (APAC 1.1, 1.3, 1.6).

Subject Content

  1. Introduction to the major perspectives in psychology
  2. Critical thinking/argument in psychology
  3. Consciousness
  4. Personality, Individual Differences and their assessment
  5. Intelligence and its assessment
  6. Developmental Psychology
  7. Social Psychology
  8. Positive Psychology
  9. Australian Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology

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 Mandatory
Summary 1500 words (750 words for each Topic Summary-summary 1 x 15% and summary 2 x 20%) 35 N Individual N
Participation 5 hours of research participation 5 N Individual N
Participation 5-10 minutes per week/tutorial 10 N Individual N
Final Exam 2 hours 50 N Individual N

WSU Online Trimesters

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 Mandatory
Literature Review 1,500 words 35 N Individual Y
Quiz 20 questions 0 Y Individual Y
Participation Research participation or alternative task 5 N Individual N
Quiz Four quizzes of 20 questions 30 N Individual N
Final Exam One hour 30 N Individual Y

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 Mandatory
Summary 1500 words (500 words for each Topic Summary) 40 N Individual Y
Multiple Choice 20 multiple choice questions 5 N Individual Y
Participation 5 hours of research participation 5 N Individual N
Quiz 20 multiple choice questions 20 N Individual N
Final Exam 1 hour 30 N Individual Y

Prescribed Texts

  • Burton, Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2022). Psychology (Sixth Australian and New Zealand edition.). John Wiley & Sons.

Teaching Periods

WSU Online TRI-1 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Autumn (2024)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

WSU Online TRI-3 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Autumn (2025)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

WSU Online TRI-2 (2025)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window