HPS117 - Introduction to Psychology: Biopsychosocial Perspectives
| Year: | 2027 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online Trimester 3: Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS111, HPS121, HPY717 |
| 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: | 1 x 1.5 hour lecture (online) per week |
| Scheduled learning activities - online: | 1 x 1.5 hour lecture (online) per week |
Content
This unit introduces psychology as a scientific discipline, examining human behaviour and wellbeing through integrated biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Drawing on the biopsychosocial model, students explore foundational concepts including brain structure and function, cognition and learning, lifespan development, personality, and psychological disorders, as well as evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention.
Learning is situated within a culturally responsive framework that recognises multiple ways of knowing, including Indigenous knowledges, and emphasises ethical and reflective practice consistent with the scientist–practitioner model. Students are encouraged to critically examine how psychological knowledge is produced, the assumptions that underpin dominant theories, and the ways evidence is generated, interpreted, and applied across diverse contexts.
A core focus of the unit is the development of foundational academic and professional capabilities. Students build research literacy, practise critical analysis of empirical and public sources, and develop skills in APA style reporting. Throughout the unit, students engage in the ethical, critical, and responsible use of generative AI as a tool to support learning, inquiry, and professional practice.
Through applied seminars and activities, students develop transferable skills in communication, collaboration, and reflective self-management. These experiences are designed to support students’ transition into further psychological study and allied health contexts, while fostering an understanding of psychology as an evolving discipline shaped by scientific evidence, cultural context, and ethical responsibility.
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.