HPS111 - Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:

Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Community Based Delivery (CBD)*, Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Trimester 3: Online

Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Ruth Tatnell
Trimester 3: Michael Barham
Previously:

Introduction to Psychology: Fundamentals of Human Behaviour

Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: HPS661, HPSM111
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per week
1 x 1 hour online lecture per week

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online seminar per week
1 x 1 hour online lecture per week

Note:

*National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute students only.

Drop-in Q&A online sessions will be scheduled throughout the trimester; see the unit cloud site for more details. 

Content

This introductory unit explores the fundamental principles underpinning the study of human psychology. As such, it will cover the definition and scope of the discipline of psychology; the primitive roots of our behaviour; the neurological structures and processes that are responsible for our mental life; and the important elements in our adapting to the world as individuals such as learning and intelligence.

This unit will provide an integrated and challenging introduction to psychology as a science, while also providing training in important skills for tertiary education as a whole through the seminar series. In completing this unit, students will gain new insights into the science of behaviour, a mastery of important research and writing skills, and a strong platform for learning advanced topics in psychology.

Students may do the two introductory psychology units in either order or do either unit individually.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1 Develop an understanding of the biological bases of human behaviour and the foundations of individual adaptation to environmental challenges.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO2

Develop an evidence-based position on an issue pertinent to psychology.

GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3 Develop proficiency in self-directed learning both in structured (knowledge video) and unstructured (research for written assessments) contexts.

GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management

ULO4 Construct a critical analysis of a piece of popular press with reference to scholarly literature.

GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO5 Develop real-world professional and academic skills in researching, reading of technical documents, planning, drafting, and editing.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO6 Develop an understanding of the biological bases of human behaviour and the foundations of individual adaptation to environmental challenges, with a focus on Indigenous perspectives on individual adaptation.
GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Data extraction assessment Short answer (750 words) 25%
  • Week 5
Assessment 2: Critical response task 1200 words 35%
  • Week 10
Assessment 3: End-of-unit assessment 90 minutes 40%
  • End-of-unit assessment period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HPS111 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.