HPS206 - Forensic Psychology

Year:

2023 unit information

Enrolment modes:

Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Trimester 3: CBD*, Online

Credit point(s): 1
EFTSL value: 0.125
Previously:

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

Nil

Incompatible with:

Nil

Study commitment

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

Scheduled learning activities - campus

4 x 2 hour masterclass (online) per trimester
1 x 1 hour seminar (campus) per week

Scheduled learning activities - online

Trimester 2
4 x 2 hour masterclass (online) per trimester
1 x 1 hour seminar (online) per week

Trimester 3
4 x 2 hour masterclass (pre-recorded) per trimester
1 x 1 hour seminar (online) per week

Note:

*CBD refers to the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute; Community Based Delivery

This unit may not be included as a part of a 10 point accredited major sequence in psychology (as required for application for further study in psychology).

Content

This unit will provide students with an introduction to Forensic Psychology. Students will be introduced to the structure of the Justice Systems in Australia, and will learn the fundamental principles involved in research and practice in the forensic context.

More specifically, the unit focuses on important practice issues that can arise in forensic psychology related work (e.g., ethical dilemmas and challenges inherent in client engagement). It examines theories and research in the area of sexual violence, family violence, substance-related offending, and family court matters, and explores the complexities associated with mental illness, disability, age, and cross-cultural issues in the forensic context. The unit has a strong applied focus, and will present students with the introductory skills needed in the conduct of psychology-related work with forensic populations.

The content and discussion in this unit will necessarily engage with sexual assault, abuse, violence, victimisation and mental illness. Some of this content may be challenging to engage with, and students should reflect on whether this unit is suitable for them to undertake. The teaching team will do their best to ensure students can engage bravely, empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content each week.

Unit Fee Information

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