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PSYX1101 – Introduction to Psychology I

2024 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Eva Tzschaschel
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In this unit, you will be introduced to the broad and diverse field of psychology. A range of topics in psychology will be covered in lectures and tutorial activities, learning both the theoretical basis and practical applications of psychological science. Key communication skills will be developed and demonstrated by working on a group presentation, applying the empirical science of psychology for broader social good.

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:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate broad knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics of introductory psychology (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • ULO2: Demonstrate research-informed pursuit of scholarly inquiry by analysing, critiquing, and discussing theory and research in introductory psychology using scientific evidence (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • ULO3: Communicate effectively utilising multiple modes to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information about introductory psychology (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • ULO4: Apply introductory psychology knowledge in a manner that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen). 
  • ULO5: Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour of appropriate ethics and values in psychology (Capability 4: Professional).

General Assessment Information

Online Quiz

Due: Week 10 Weighting: 20%

Quiz on lecture content and related readings consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions and students have 55 minutes to complete each quiz.

 

Group Presentation Tasks

Due: May 5 (may change) Weighting: 30%

The Group Presentation Task will provide an opportunity for students to engage in group work, something that occurs on a daily basis in almost every type of job. Specifically, you will be responsible for completing individual tasks that form part of a group project. Moreover, group members will be required to have discussions to select which questions they will answer.

The Group Presentation Task will be conducted in two parts; Part 1 will involve selecting and answering open-ended questions based on a research scenario and Part 2 will involve presenting these answers in Week 10 tutorials.

As preparation for the Group Presentation Task, students are required to find and read two different research articles, one which closely adheres to diversity and inclusion principles and another that poorly adheres to diversity and inclusion principles in psychological research. Students will be required to contrast and critique these two articles, guided by a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions presented in iLearn. Finally, students will present a reflection provide on what you have learned regarding the importance of equal representation in psychological research.

Word count penalty: 5% of the possible mark will be deducted per 100 words over the word limit for the assessment task. An additional 99 words beyond the limit can be written without penalty.

 

Research Participation

Due: End of Week 13 Weighting: 5%

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

 

Final Exam

Due: Session 1 exam period Weighting: 45%

The format of the final exam will be questions with multiple-choice response options. 

The final exam for this unit is scheduled to occur online via invigilation. Students are expected to make themselves available for the final exam, at the date and time set by the University, in line with the Assessment Policy and Procedure. 

Sitting the final exam is compulsory in order to be eligible to pass the unit. Any student who does not attempt the final exam will be granted a Fail Absent grade.

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

No further submissions will be accepted after the marked assignments are returned and feedback is released to students. All extensions need to be formally requested in line with the Special Consideration policy. Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Research participation 5% No May 31, 12 PM
Final Examination 45% No Official examination period
Online Quiz 20% No Week 11
Group Presentation 30% No May 5

Research participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: May 31, 12 PM
Weighting: 5%

 

You will demonstrate your ethical understanding of research principles by participating in research studies (or an alternate research activity) conducted at Macquarie University.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour of appropriate ethics and values in psychology (Capability 4: Professional).

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: Official examination period
Weighting: 45%

 

You will sit the final examination held within the University’s formal exam period, in accordance with relevant requirements.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics of introductory psychology (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Demonstrate research-informed pursuit of scholarly inquiry by analysing, critiquing, and discussing theory and research in introductory psychology using scientific evidence (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Communicate effectively utilising multiple modes to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information about introductory psychology (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Apply introductory psychology knowledge in a manner that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen). 
  • Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour of appropriate ethics and values in psychology (Capability 4: Professional).

Online Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 20%

 

You will complete an online quiz assessing your understanding of unit content.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics of introductory psychology (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Demonstrate research-informed pursuit of scholarly inquiry by analysing, critiquing, and discussing theory and research in introductory psychology using scientific evidence (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Communicate effectively utilising multiple modes to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information about introductory psychology (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Apply introductory psychology knowledge in a manner that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen). 
  • Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour of appropriate ethics and values in psychology (Capability 4: Professional).

Group Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: May 5
Weighting: 30%

 

Working in small groups, you will develop and deliver a presentation on a key introductory psychology topic, based on the review of related scientific evidence.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics of introductory psychology (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Demonstrate research-informed pursuit of scholarly inquiry by analysing, critiquing, and discussing theory and research in introductory psychology using scientific evidence (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).
  • Communicate effectively utilising multiple modes to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information about introductory psychology (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Apply introductory psychology knowledge in a manner that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen). 
  • Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour of appropriate ethics and values in psychology (Capability 4: Professional).

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Delivery:

1 x 1-2-hours pre-recorded, lecture modules most weeks.

1 x 1.5 hour of tutorial content completed online most weeks. Note that these are not live tutorials with a tutor, but instead students complete readings, quizzes and forum posts at a time that is convenient for them during the week.

Required Texts*:

1. Title: Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding (Revel).

2. Title: How to Write in Psychology (Findlay & Kaufman).

*Note that required texts may change so check the iLearn page for the final list of required texts before making any purchases.

Online resources:

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

Unit Schedule

Week Official Release Date (Mondays) Lecture Number and Topic Tutorial theme and overview
1 Feb-19 1. Unit Introduction Introductions and Introduction to the unit. Get to know your tutor and fellow students, plus an Introduction our unit
2 Feb-26 2. Indigenous Psychology Cross-Cultural and Indigenous Psychology. Non-Western approaches to psychology.
3 Mar-04 3. History & Methods. Diversity and Inclusion in Psychological Research. An introduction to principles of diversity and inclusion (D & I) in psychological research. Group work reviewing D & I guidelines relevant for Compare & Critique and Group Assessment.
4 Mar-11 4. Learning Group Assessment. Time to work on Group Assessment with group members.
5 Mar-18 5. Psychological Assessment   Learning Practical. Extension of learning lectures with exercises.
6 Mar-25 6.  Forensic Psychology NO TUTORIALS
7 Apr-01 7.  Personality Neuropsychology computer exercises. This tutorial is self-guided – cannot be completed in tutorial rooms. Information about the activities is contained within the Week 7 Section.
8 Apr-08 8. Psychological Problems Personality. Extension of the personality lectures with exercises.
9 Apr-29 No Lecture Module Psychological Problems. A focus on four different psychological disorders.
10 May-06 No Lecture Module Group Presentation Assessment. Groups will present their Group Presentation Assessment
11 May-13 9. Social Psychology Social Psychology. Activity on friendships.
12 May-20 10. Biological bases Neural Signals. An extension of the biological bases lectures with a focus on neural signalling.
13 May-27 11. Final Examination Information NO TUTORIALS

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes from Previous Offering

This is the first year that a Group Presentation has been included as an assessment, which replaces an essay.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

PROFESSIONALISM

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2024.03 of the Handbook