Overview
This unit provides an introduction to the primary philosophies and key theories and frameworks that are fundamental to the study of psychology. You will examine the interplay of biological and social factors that underpin our understanding of people and behaviour. The biological content of the unit explores the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system, sensory and perceptual processes, learning and behaviour, and states of consciousness. The social content of the unit introduces you to motivation and emotion, human lifespan development, social cognition and perception and cross-cultural psychology, personality, psychological disorders, and intelligence. This unit is applicable to students studying a psychology course and those students from a variety of courses.
Details
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 2 - 2026
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 Student unit evaluation comments.
The requirement for students to include real-life examples in their written assessment helped enhance their understanding of the content.
Continue to require students to provide real-life examples in their written assessment.
Feedback from Student unit evaluation comments.
Some students felt the quiz could remain open for longer.
Extend the duration for which the quizzes are open from two to five days.
- Identify the biological and social contributors to human behaviour.
- Discuss the major principles and theories related to the study of human behaviour.
- Reflect on, and engage with, key psychological concepts in an objective manner.
Learning outcomes are linked to the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC, 2025) Standards - Foundational Competencies:
Students will be able to
1.1 Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
(i) the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology
(ii) critical thinking and identification or bias to promote inclusivity
(iii) psychological health and well-being
(vi) cognition, language and perception
(v) learning and memory
(vii) motivation and emotion
(viii) neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour
(x) social psychology
1.2 Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.3 Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.5 Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork, including establishing and maintaining respectful and culturally safe working relationships with others.
Source:
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (2025). Accreditation standards for psychology programs (p.11) https://apac.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/APACAccreditation-Standards-for-Psychology-Programs-effective-1-Dec
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 3 - Presentation - 40% | |||
| 4 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | |||
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 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Psychology 6th Australian and New Zealand edition.
- Edition: 6th (2022)
- Authors: Lorelle Burton, Drew Westen, Robin Kowalski
- John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd
- Brisbane Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
- ISBN: 9780730396642
The E-Text and hardcover editions are available from Wiley Direct:
https://www.wileydirect.com.au/blog/buy/psychology-australian-and-new-zealand-edition/
This E-Text uses Vital Source Bookshelf platform, can be downloaded for off-line use for all major operating systems, and contains interactive resources.
Students will find the depth and breadth of this textbook useful for other units in their degree.
The E-Text and hardcover editions are available from Wiley Direct:
https://www.wileydirect.com.au/blog/buy/psychology-australian-and-new-zealand-edition/
This E-Text uses Vital Source Bookshelf platform, can be downloaded for off-line use for all major operating systems, and contains interactive resources.
Students will find the depth and breadth of this textbook useful for other units in their degree.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
c.j.crawford@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 - An overview of psychology
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Psychology: The study of mental processes and behaviour
- Definitions
- Biopsychology
- History of psychology
- Theoretical perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 1 - Psychology: The study of mental processes and behaviour
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2 - Biological bases of mental life and behaviour
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Biological bases of mental life and behaviour
- The nervous system
- The endocrine system
- Peripheral nervous system
- Central nervous system
Chapter
Chapter 6 - Biological bases of mental life and behaviour
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3 - Sensation and perception
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Sensation and perception
- Basic principles and processes across all senses
- Light, vision and colour
- Sound and hearing
- Smell, taste, touch, vestibular, kinaesthetic
Chapter
Chapter 7 - Sensation and perception
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4 - Consciousness
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Consciousness
- Functions of consciousness
- Theoretical perspectives
- Sleep and dreaming
- Altered states
Chapter
Chapter 8 - Consciousness
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5 - Learning
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Learning
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Cognitive-social learning
Chapter
Chapter 9 - Learning
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6 - Motivation and emotion
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Motivation and emotion
- Theoretical perspectives
- Eating behaviours
- Sexual motivation - endocrine and cultural factors
- Psychosocial motives - relatedness and agency
Theories of emotion
Chapter
Chapter 13 - Motivation and emotion
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 - Intelligence
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Intelligence
- Constructs of intelligence
- How intelligence is measured
- Genetics vs environment
Chapter
Chapter 12 - Intelligence
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8 - Personality
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Personality
- Psychodynamic perspective
- Cognitive social perspective
- Humanistic perspective
- Genetics, personality and culture
Chapter
Chapter 14 - Personality
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9 - Physical and cognitive development
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Physical and cognitive development
- Issues in developmental psychology
- Research designs
- Physical development
- Perceptual and cognitive development
- Changes with aging
Chapter
Chapter 15 - Physical and cognitive development
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10 - Social development
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Social development
- The role of attachment
- The process of socialisation
- Peer relationships
- Social cognition
- Moral development
Chapter
Chapter 16 - Social development
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11 - Health, stress and coping
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Health stress and coping
- Social-cognitive theories of health behaviour
- Barriers to health promotion
- Sources of stress and impacts on health
- Strategies for coping with stress
Chapter
Chapter 17 - Health, stress and coping
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12 - Psychological disorders
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Psychological disorders
- Cultural context of psychopathology
- Mental health and mental disorders
- Approaches to psychopathology
- Diagnostic and classification systems for psychopathology
Chapter
Chapter 18 - Psychological disorders
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This multiple-choice quiz covers content from week 1 to week 6
Opens: 9am, Friday 21st of August 2026 (AEST)
Closes: 11pm, Monday 24 August 2026 (AEST)
The quiz is worth 10% of your final grade.
Once you start the quiz, you will have 50 minutes to complete 50 questions.
You may take the quiz as many times as you like within the allocated time period.
Your highest score will be recorded.
This is an open book quiz. While you may use the textbook, the answers must be your own work.
It is not permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to assist you with this task.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 1: You may not use AI at any point during the assessment.
1
Other
Vacation Week Monday (24 Aug 2026) 11:00 pm AEST
Online quiz accessed through the PSYC11010 Moodle site
Online feedback
This assessment is worth 10% of your final grade.
The multiple choice items have only one correct response.
There are 50 multiple choice items.
Each correct response is worth 0.2% of your final grade.
- Identify the biological and social contributors to human behaviour.
2 Written Assessment
Assessment 2, Concept Map, is due in Week 7, at 9 am on Monday 31 August (AEST).
Rationale
One of the key learning outcomes of this unit is to understand the various psychological theories.
Concept maps enable us to make meaningful connections between items of information and apply our learning to real-world situations. Constructing a concept map will help you consolidate weeks 1–6 and prepare for the oral presentation. Creating a concept map can be a more effective way of making sense of ideas than traditional study methods (e.g., rereading textbook chapters). You will create a concept map based on the content from this unit from weeks 1 to 6.
Please note: Do not use weeks 7 to 12 for this assessment.
For this assessment, you will explore one theoretical approach and demonstrate how this theory is connected to other concepts covered in the first half of the term and connected to a real-world situation in your life and how they apply to people you will work with as a professional.
Instructions
You will create your concept map around the behaviourist perspective. Place the term "behaviourist perspective" in this green box. This is the first level of the map.
Add six lines from the central concept box and connect them to six blue boxes containing a weekly topic in blue text. In each of these boxes add the first page number of the chapter. This is your second level.
Add one line from each weekly topic and connect them to purple boxes that contain a deeper explanation of a theory / concept taken from the weekly topic. Include in each box the page number from the textbook that these deeper explanations come. This is the third level.
Add two lines from each of the third level map boxes which are linked to two black boxes. One box will contain an example and explanation of how each third level theory / concept is related to an aspect of your own life. The other box will provide an example and explanation how it applies to a professional situation where you are working with others. These can include specific behaviours, goals, emotions, etc., and will be in black text. These two black boxes are elements of the fourth level.
Please note: an example template is available on Moodle.
Artificial intelligence:
You may use artificial intelligence (AI) to explore concepts and their relationships. However, you are not permitted to use artificial intelligence to generate the concept map. It must be your own work. Moreover, the assignment is specifically designed and marked according to the extent to which content from levels 1-4 connects to the textbook material.
Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 2. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment, and submissions made within this period will not incur a late penalty. Submissions made after the 72-hour grace period will incur a 5% per-day penalty. Extensions for all assessments may be requested with the submission of approved documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or a statutory declaration).
Software to draw the map
- You can use any concept map software. However, Microsoft Word is recommended:
- Click on Layout/Orientation and choose your orientation
- Then click on Insert/Shapes to select a shape
- Left-click on the page and drag to locate and size the shape
- Text (in the colours assigned for the level) is inserted into the shapes to provide details about the concept
- Next, click on Insert/Shapes and choose an arrow/line that will be used to link concepts
- Any style is acceptable as there are several ways a concept map may be constructed: hierarchical, spider web, flowchart, system maps, etc.
Week 7 Monday (31 Aug 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Submit the concept map online via the PSYC11010 Moodle site
Week 9 Wednesday (16 Sept 2026)
Online grading and comments provided via Moodle
The total grade is out of 40 marks - the breakdown of marks for each section is outlined below:
Visual Appeal (total 5 points)
Poor visual appeal with distracting elements - 1
Basic visual appeal with some distracting elements - 2
Good visual appeal with minor distracting elements - 3
Very good visual appeal with no distracting elements - 4
Exceptional visual appeal with a professional look - 5
Level 1 & 2 (total 5 points)
The main theory and or weekly topics are incorrect, or some are not included: 1
The main theory and or weekly topics contain minor inaccuracies: 2
The main theory and weekly topics are correct, but do not contain correct page numbers: 3
The main theory and weekly topics are correct, and most of the page numbers are correct: 4
The main theory and weekly topics are correct, and all the page numbers are correct: 5
Concept Map Level 3 (total 10 points)
The explanation of how the theory / concept explains an aspect of the weekly topic is inaccurate or does not include the correct page numbers: 0 – 4. 5
The explanation of how the theory / concept explains an aspect of the weekly topic is a direct quote from the textbook and includes the correct page numbers: 5 – 6
The explanation of how the theory / concept explains an aspect of the weekly topic is a paraphrase of the textbook and includes the correct page numbers: 6.5 - 7
The explanation of how the theory / concept explains an aspect of the weekly topic is a detailed paraphrased explanation, and includes the correct page numbers: 7.5 - 8
The explanation of how the theory / concept explains an aspect of the weekly topic is exceptionally well paraphrased, detailed and includes the correct page numbers: 8.5 - 10
Concept Map Level 4 (total 20 points)
Explanations of how the theories / concepts apply to your own life and a professional situation are irrelevant or missing: 0 – 9. 5
Explanations of how the theories / concepts apply to aspects related to your own life and a professional situation are somewhat clear and coherent: 10 – 12.5
Explanations of how the theories / concepts apply to aspects of your own life and a professional situation are mostly clear, detailed and coherent: 13 - 14.5
Explanations of how the theories / concepts apply to aspects of your own life and a professional situation are very clear, detailed and coherent: 15 - 16.5
Explanations of how the theories / concepts apply to aspects of your own life and a professional situation are exceptionally clear, detailed and coherent and display a deep understanding of the material: 17 - 20
- Identify the biological and social contributors to human behaviour.
- Discuss the major principles and theories related to the study of human behaviour.
- Reflect on, and engage with, key psychological concepts in an objective manner.
3 Presentation
Assessment 3, Oral Presentation - Concept Map Explained is due in Week 10, at 9 am on Monday 21 September (AEST).
Rationale
This oral presentation helps you explain your concept map in your own words. You will explain how the behaviourist perspective relates to the weekly topics and show how a psychological theory can explain specific aspects of your own life and to a professional situation where you are working with others. This will reinforce and deepen your understanding of the theory you discuss. This assessment will also help you practice clear communication. By doing this, you will build skills that are useful for your studies and future career.
Instructions
This task requires you to record a 7-minute (minimum) to 10-minute (maximum) oral presentation using Zoom. In the recording you will be explaining the connections within your concept map.
The presentation will be to another person who is in the same room / Zoom screen as you. The person can be a friend, family member or another student.
Steps in the presentation / recording
Level 1: Introduce the main perspective (the behaviourist perspective) that frames your map.
Level 2: Select three weekly topics from your concept map and explain how they relate to the behaviourist perspective.
Level 3: Elaborate on theories / concepts that provide deeper explanations for the three weekly topics you have selected.
Level 4: Discuss the real-world applications for each of the three weeks, showing how the theories / concepts relate to your own life and a professional situation, such as specific behaviours, goals, or emotions.
Artificial intelligence:
You are not permitted to use artificial intelligence to generate your oral presentation. The presentation must consist of your own explanations of your concept map.
Level of GenAI use allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment.
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment, and submissions made within this period will not incur a late penalty. Submissions made after the 72-hour grace period will incur a 5% per-day penalty. Extensions for all assessments may be requested with the submission of approved documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or a statutory declaration).
Week 10 Monday (21 Sept 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Submit Zoom recording via Echo and PSYC11010 Moodle site
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026)
Online grading and comments provided via Moodle
The total grade is out of 40 marks - the breakdown of marks for each section is outlined below:
Communication skills (total 5 marks)
Poor delivery makes content difficult to understand: 1
Basic delivery with some clarity issues: 2
Effective oral communication with clear speech and appropriate professional language: 3
High-quality delivery that uses clear articulation and engaging tone to explain ideas: 4
Masterful communication: highly professional delivery that enhances the audience's understanding: 5
Level 1 & 2 (total 5 marks)
The main perspective and or three weekly topics are incorrect or missing: 1
The main perspective and or three weekly topics contain minor inaccuracies: 2
The main perspective and three weekly topics are correct and explained: 3
The main perspective and three weekly topics are correct, and the explanation is clear and coherent: 4
The main perspective and three weekly topics are correct, and are professionally explained: 5
Concept Map Level 3 (total 10 marks)
Theories / concepts do not elaborate on weekly topics or they are missing: 0 – 4. 5
Theories / concepts elaborate on weekly topics. This is mostly coherent and accurate: 5 – 6
Theories / concepts elaborate on weekly topics. This is coherent and accurate: 6.5 - 7
Theories / concepts elaborate on weekly topics. This is very coherent and accurate: 7.5 - 8
Theories / concepts elaborate on weekly topics. This is very coherent, accurate, expertly explained, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the material: 8.5 - 10
Concept Map Level 4 Reflection (total 20 marks)
Theories / concepts an not linked to real-world applications related to your own life and a professional situation, or are missing: 0 – 9. 5
Theories / concepts are linked to real-world applications of your own life and a professional situation. These are mostly clear and coherent: 10 – 12.5
Theories / concepts are linked to real-world applications of your own life and a professional situation. These are clear and coherent: 13 – 14.5
Theories / concepts are linked to real-world applications of your own life and a professional situation. These are effectively explained, well articulated, and coherent: 15 – 16.5
Theories / concepts are linked to real-world applications of your own life and a professional situation. These are expertly explained, very well-articulated and show a deep understanding of the material: 17 - 20
Time limit adherence: 3 marks are deducted if the presentation is under 7 minutes or over 10 minutes.
- Identify the biological and social contributors to human behaviour.
- Discuss the major principles and theories related to the study of human behaviour.
- Reflect on, and engage with, key psychological concepts in an objective manner.
4 Online Quiz(zes)
This multiple-choice quiz covers content from week 7 to week 12
Opens: 9am, Friday 9th of October 2026 (AEST)
Closes: 11pm, Monday 12th of October 2026 (AEST)
The quiz is worth 10% of your final grade.
Once you start the quiz, you will have 50 minutes to complete 50 questions.
You may take the quiz as many times as you like within the allocated time period.
Your highest score will be recorded.
This is an open book quiz. While you may use the textbook the answers must be your own work.
It is not permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to assist you with this task.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Exam Week Monday (12 Oct 2026) 11:00 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Online feedback
This assessment is worth 10% of your final grade.
The multiple choice items have only one correct response.
There are 50 multiple choice items.
Each correct response is worth 0.2% of your final grade.
- Identify the biological and social contributors to human behaviour.
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?
