Students

PSYX1100 – Psychology: Finding Your Foundation and Future

2026 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Thaatsha Sivananthan
Unit Convenor
Trisha Nowland
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
PSYU1100, MHHX1001, MEDI1400, LING1100, MHHS1001
Unit description Unit description

The field of Psychology is broad and varied; this unit is designed to provide you with the foundations of the discipline as well as professional practice in psychology, developing your psychological literacy. In this unit, you will learn about the fascinating field of psychological science, including what it means to be a professional psychologist, a psychological scientist, or someone who applies psychological knowledge to other areas. You will also learn what a psychology degree will teach you, including content and skills that you will develop throughout the degree, and how what you learn will make genuine improvements to your life. Post-degree careers and pathways will be discussed, and you will reflect on your own personal strengths, values, interests as they relate to psychology, including how you can use psychological science to make the world a better place.

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: Explain the importance of theory and research in psychological science and psychological practice, including the use of empirically-derived scientific evidence and scientific practice (Capability 1: Scientist).
  • ULO2: Apply the foundations of psychological science for positive impact on individuals and society, including within higher education, employment, and everyday life (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • ULO3: Recognise the importance of applying psychology knowledge and skills in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to the diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen).
  • ULO4: Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and collaboration in teams by communicating effectively in a range of settings, including written and spoken methods, with individuals, groups, policy makers and/or the wider community (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • ULO5: Describe and apply ethical knowledge and skills in the discipline and practice of psychology, including professional and research ethics (Capability 4: Professional).

General Assessment Information

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 and 129).

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

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day an 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 Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Individual written task 25% No 30/03/2026 Individual Yes Open
Group Presentation 25% No Slides - Sun 10 May 11:55pm, video - Sun 17 May 11:55pm Individual and Group No Observed
Portfolio 50% No 01/06/2026 Individual Yes Open

Individual written task

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 22.5 hours
Due: 30/03/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will work in a group to identify a 'big issue' that psychological science can inform. You will then individually review scientific evidence to be able to comment on the current state of understanding on the issue and propose ideas for how future investigations can work towards addressing the issue. You will then use this summary as part of your group presentation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of theory and research in psychological science and psychological practice, including the use of empirically-derived scientific evidence and scientific practice (Capability 1: Scientist).
  • Apply the foundations of psychological science for positive impact on individuals and society, including within higher education, employment, and everyday life (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Recognise the importance of applying psychology knowledge and skills in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to the diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen).

Group Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 22.5 hours
Due: Slides - Sun 10 May 11:55pm, video - Sun 17 May 11:55pm
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will work as a team to integrate the research you conducted in your individual assessment on a "big issue" in psychological science. You will collaborate in your group to review the scientific evidence, comment on the current understanding of the issue, prepare a group presentation, and deliver a collective perspective on how future investigations can address the issue.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of theory and research in psychological science and psychological practice, including the use of empirically-derived scientific evidence and scientific practice (Capability 1: Scientist).
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and collaboration in teams by communicating effectively in a range of settings, including written and spoken methods, with individuals, groups, policy makers and/or the wider community (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Describe and apply ethical knowledge and skills in the discipline and practice of psychology, including professional and research ethics (Capability 4: Professional).

Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 01/06/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will engage in regular reflection and application of unit content to your personal life and professional goals, culminating in a personal and professional portfolio submission.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of theory and research in psychological science and psychological practice, including the use of empirically-derived scientific evidence and scientific practice (Capability 1: Scientist).
  • Apply the foundations of psychological science for positive impact on individuals and society, including within higher education, employment, and everyday life (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Recognise the importance of applying psychology knowledge and skills in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to the diversity of individuals (Capability 3: Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and collaboration in teams by communicating effectively in a range of settings, including written and spoken methods, with individuals, groups, policy makers and/or the wider community (Capability 2: Practitioner).
  • Describe and apply ethical knowledge and skills in the discipline and practice of psychology, including professional and research ethics (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
  • Academic Success 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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online learning activities, including readings, online modules, videos, tutorial workbooks and discussion forums. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended Readings

Nil (see iLearn)

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit requires students to have a reliable internet connection and access to a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a working camera and microphone, which is essential for completing the unit and unit assessments.

Unit Schedule

LECTURE SCHEDULE

Week Psychology Lecture Topic Lecturer
1 Introduction A/Prof Alissa Beath; Dr Trisha Nowland
2 Psychology of Learning A/Prof Alissa Beath
3 Mental Health & Wellbeing  Dr Andreea Heriseanu 
4 Ethics Prof Wayne Warburton 
5 Critical thinking in the world Prof Dick Stevenson
6 Interpersonal Skills Dr Lynlee Howard-Payne
Mid-Session Break
7 Personal Attributes  Eva Tzschaschel; Dr Thaatsha Sivananthan 
8 Graduate Learning Outcomes Dr Ashleigh Schweinsberg
9 Applied Psychology A/Prof Josephine Paparo
10 Other Career Pathways Danya Braunstein
11 Career Development Dr Narelle Hess
12 Your Psychology Degree A/Prof Alissa Beath

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/

Academic Success

Academic Success 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.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

Macquarie University recognises that artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, is rapidly reshaping education and the modern workplace. As AI becomes increasingly accessible, the University and your teaching staff are committed to preparing you to use these tools effectively, ethically, and with strong professional judgment. Rather than restricting technology, the emphasis is on helping you understand when and how AI can be used to enhance productivity, support learning, and reflect real-world professional practice. Across your degree, we will support you to develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and values-based decision-making skills required to navigate evolving AI tools responsibly, including acknowledging their use appropriately.  You should always appropriately acknowledge when you have used AI tools within assessment tasks, including which AI tools you have used and how you have used them.

To provide clarity, Macquarie University uses a simple, two-tiered approach to AI in assessment:

 AI Open assessments allow you to fully incorporate AI, reflecting authentic tasks where AI would normally be used in professional settings.

Observed with AI Optional assessments involve tasks where you either demonstrate essential knowledge without technology or show how you apply AI under supervision.

Across both categories, the goal is to ensure you build foundational knowledge, exercise sound judgment, and engage with AI in ways that uphold ethical, cultural, and university values.

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.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers in group learning activities and discussion forums.


Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook