Students

PSYC104 – Introduction to Psychology I

2019 – S3 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Mem Mahmut
Contact via mem.mahmut@mq.edu.au
Alissa Beath
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the discipline of psychology through a focus on the physiological bases of behaviour; learning; motivation; the nature of personality and psychopathology; and cross-cultural and Indigenous psychology. The unit conveys information about substantive material, and assumptions of theory associated with the science and profession of psychology through lecture and tutorial/practical classes. The unit introduces students to research methods in psychology through a series of methodology lectures. A further important aim of the unit is to develop students' competency in critical thinking and essay writing in psychology.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Essay 25% No January 3, 2020
Research Participation 5% No End of session
Resarch Design Quizzes 10% No Weekly
Examination 40% No Session 3 exam period
Tutorial Particicpation 10% No Weekly
Lecture Quizzes 10% No Week 3 and 5 (may change)

Essay

Due: January 3, 2020
Weighting: 25%

An essay examining a key concept in psychological research.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Research Participation

Due: End of session
Weighting: 5%

Four hours of research participation in studies being conducted by staff members, research assistants, postgraduate students and honours students in the Department.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Resarch Design Quizzes

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

A series of 10 weekly quizzes (2 per week) examining research design content. Each quiz is worth 1% of the total grade.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).

Examination

Due: Session 3 exam period
Weighting: 40%

A 2.5 Hour Multiple-Choice Exam of 100 Questions.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Tutorial Particicpation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

Weekly attendance and active participation in discussions and group tasks.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Lecture Quizzes

Due: Week 3 and 5 (may change)
Weighting: 10%

Two separate quizzes (each 25 multiple-choice questions) covering psychology lecture content and associated readings. Each of the two quizzes is worth 5%.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).

Delivery and Resources

Delivery:

2 x 2-hour lecture each week

2 x 0.5 - 1 hour online recorded lecture on Research Design (available through iLearn)

2 x 1 - 2 hour tutorial each week

Textbooks:

Refer to iLearn page for details 

Online resources:

iLearn website: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Changes from previous offering:

PSYC104 replaces PSY104 from 2013 onwards. Significant changes include the addition of Research Design into the unit.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).

Assessment task

  • Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Research Participation
  • Tutorial Particicpation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Resarch Design Quizzes
  • Examination
  • Lecture Quizzes

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Resarch Design Quizzes
  • Examination
  • Tutorial Particicpation
  • Lecture Quizzes

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate team skills developed as a result of working with a small number of fellow students on a group tasks and discussions.
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Resarch Design Quizzes
  • Examination
  • Lecture Quizzes

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills (developed through written assignments, interactions in tutorial groups, and working with class members on assignment tasks).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed critical thinking skills (developed through discussion of competing theories and application of the scientific method to understand psychological phenomena).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Tutorial Particicpation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of Ethical Issues (developed in class discussion of ethical issues in research and exposure to actual participation in research).

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Research Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate research and study skills (developed through planning research assignments, achieving study goals, and meeting deadlines).
  • By the end of the unit, students will have developed information technology skills (developed through practical assignments and experience with the web-based elements of the course).

Assessment task

  • Research Participation

Changes since First Published

Date Description
11/12/2019 I updated the essay due date from "Week 5 (may change)" to "January 3, 2020"