BEHV 1018 Psychology: Human Behaviour

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101184

Coordinator David Arness 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 causes of behaviour. As a profession, psychology applies its knowledge to practical problems in human behaviour. This subject covers a range of topics in psychology at an introductory level including: the history of psychology, intelligence, social psychology, developmental psychology, Australian Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology, personality, and abnormal 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. Navigate information resources, to collect credible material.

2. Distinguish features of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology. 

3. Describe scientific techniques and methods used in psychology research.

4. Identify key elements of Indigenous psychology in Australia.

5. Summarise key topics of psychology adhering to the current APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines.

Subject Content

1. Introduction to the major perspectives in psychology and critical thinking/argument in psychology 
2. Individual Differences and assessment 
3. Intelligence and Personality 
4. Developmental Psychology 
5. Social and Cultural Psychology 
6. Abnormal Psychology 
7. 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 (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 Y
Final Exam 1 hour 30 N Individual Y

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

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 David Arness 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

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WSU Online TRI-3 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

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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 David Arness Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window