CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC11010 Fundamentals of Psychology
Fundamentals of Psychology
All details in this unit profile for PSYC11010 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit presents the fundamental principles of human behaviour and their application to everyday life and work. Accordingly, topics will range from an overview and history of psychology to areas such as applying psychology to health and social environments. For students intending to complete a Psychology major, this unit has the same status of any other elective and cannot be used as a substitute for any part of the core APAC accredited sequence.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Examination
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say; in-class feedback

Feedback

Unit materials - several students voiced appreciation of the early availability of unit materials. That is, lecture notes, reading materials and supplementary resources were released in a timely manner which facilitated in the planning of study schedules.

Recommendation

Continue to ensure materials are updated and ready for release to students at least three weeks before they are required.

Feedback from Self-reflection

Feedback

Assessment - overall, responses indicate that students enjoyed the assessments formats particularly the ‘Stop and Review’ questions. However, some students completed only questions to achieve a pass mark for the unit. Several of these students fell a few marks short of achieving an overall pass mark. Thus had they successfully answered all eligible questions they might have achieved a pass mark.

Recommendation

Include more detail in the assessment information with regard to the benefits of completing the whole of the assessment and not just doing enough to secure a pass mark.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Identify major principles and theories of the fundamentals of psychology.
  2. Apply major principles and theories of the fundamentals of psychology to human behaviour.
  3. Communicate an understanding of psychological concepts in an objective manner.

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Written Assessment - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Examination - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Examination - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Psychology and Life

Edition: 2nd ed (2011)
Authors: Gerrig, R., Zimbardo, PG., Campbell, AJ., Cumming, SR & Wilkes, FJ.
Pearson Australia
Frenchs Forest Frenchs Forest , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9781442539815
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Paper copies are available from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au

However, ebook versions can be purchased directly at Pearson's website.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) CMap Software (free concept mapping software for both PC and Mac, available at http://cmap.ihmc.us/cmaptools/cmaptools-download/)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Gabrielle Rigney Unit Coordinator
g.rigney@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to psychology

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Biological bases of behaviour

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Emotion, stress and health

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Social psychology

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 17

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Alternate states

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Sensation and perception

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Learning and behaviour analysis

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Human development 1

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 11

White, Livesey and Hayes, 2013. Psychological problems and development - CRO

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Human development 2

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 11

White, Livesey and Hayes, 2013. Psychological problems and development - CRO

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Understanding human personality

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Psychological disorders

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 15 & 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Concept map Due: Week 11 Monday (21 May 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Cross-cultural psychology: how culture affects us

Chapter

Gerrig et al. chp 18

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Stop and Review questions

Task Description

Objectives

The ‘Stop and Review’ questions will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate ongoing engagement with the unit, and foundational knowledge as well as critical knowledge, of the weekly topic. Participation will further demonstrate your ability to communicate an understanding of psychological concepts in an objective manner.

Question

From week 2 through to week 11 a set of four questions (based on the material studied during that week) will be posted in the weekly topic section on the unit moodle website. Your online responses should be approximately 50 words each (maximum 100 words). Each response will be worth 1 mark with a maximum of 20 marks for the overall assessment. Submission of answers to at least eight questions is a compulsory element of this assessment, failure to do so will result in a mark of '0' being given for Assessment 1.

Each set of questions will be available for one week only. At the end of that time the questions will be closed, i.e., although posts will still be able to be viewed for study purposes, submissions after the closing date will not be marked.


Assessment Due Date

Continual assessment - Questions will be made available Monday 9:00 am and need to be answered by 9:00 am on the following Monday.


Return Date to Students

Grading will be completed within the two week period after each set of weekly questions is closed.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

You will receive one mark per correct answer.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your answer by clicking 'Reply' to the individual question.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify major principles and theories of the fundamentals of psychology.
  • Communicate an understanding of psychological concepts in an objective manner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Concept map

Task Description

Objective

This assessment is designed to strengthen your understanding of the concepts and themes explored in this unit (learning outcome 1) by getting you to think about these in relation to other concepts learnt in this unit and applying some of these to ‘real-world’/practical examples (learning outcomes 2 and 3). This assignment also encourages you to think about how different concepts from different lectures are related and how some of these can be applied outside of the unit.

Question

A concept map includes core concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes (nodes), with relationships illustrated by directional lines connecting the nodes AND linking words or statements that explain the nature of the relationship between nodes. You will develop a concept map that demonstrates understanding of the key unit concepts and are linked to three overarching themes.

In order to achieve the requirements for the concept map you will need to:

Select a lecture topic covered during the first six weeks of this unit to use as the basis of the first theme in the concept map. The date and title of the lecture you select should appear on the Concept Map Assignment Detail Form (available on the unit moodle site) and MUST be submitted with your concept map.

Your concept map MUST contain a minimum of TWENTY-SIX identified concepts including the following elements:

Ten core concepts from your selected lecture in this unit (Theme 1).

Eight additional concepts from at least one other lecture in this unit (Theme 2).

Eight additional concepts that connect the selected concept/s to 'real-world'/practical applications (Theme 3).

You are required to use some sort of system (colours/geometric shapes) to make each theme distinguishable. You can add extra concepts and themes should you so wish. However, you must have no more than 50 concepts in total included in your map.

Concept mapping software is available to download from the web. Some sites allow you a free trial and others will let you access the software for free. The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) provides free concept mapping software for both PC and Mac http://cmap.ihmc.us/cmaptools/cmaptools-download/ (Checked 7/02/18).

Further information is available on the moodle unit website. We will be covering concept maps in detail during the unit, so do not worry too much if it is the kind of task you have never done before.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (21 May 2018) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Marking criteria is available on the unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Students are allowed to submit their concept map and the Concept Map Assignment Detail Form as separate files, via the moodle unit website.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify major principles and theories of the fundamentals of psychology.
  • Apply major principles and theories of the fundamentals of psychology to human behaviour.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
40%

Length
120 minutes

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?