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:
- Select information resources to collect credible material (APAC 1.3, 1.6).
- Identify major theoretical perspectives in psychology (APAC 1.1, 1.3, 1.6).
- Describe scientific techniques and methods used in psychology research (APAC 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6).
- Identify key elements of Indigenous psychology in Australia (APAC 1.1, 1.2, 1.4).
- Summarise key topics of psychology adhering to the current APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines (APAC 1.1, 1.3, 1.6).
Subject Content
- Introduction to the major perspectives in psychology
- Critical thinking/argument in psychology
- Consciousness
- Personality, Individual Differences and their assessment
- Intelligence and its assessment
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- 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
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Penrith (Kingswood)
On-site
Subject Contact David Arness Opens in new window
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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