At a glance
A course about the human mind and behaviour. Students explore how people think, feel and act, and learn how biological, social and psychological factors interact in individuals and groups.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- are curious about why people behave the way they do
- like discussing ideas and using evidence to support an argument
- want strong skills in research, data, critical thinking and communication
About this course
Psychology is a science, so students build scientific inquiry skills and learn to evaluate evidence and research. Students also explore ethical issues related to research and treatment, and learn to question and challenge assumptions about human feelings, thoughts and behaviour.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- psychology and social science study
- health, education and community services pathways
- any pathway that values research, communication and understanding people
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Self and Identity
This unit explores how people develop a sense of self and identity, including the influence of nature and nurture and individual differences.
Students will:
- explore theories about identity and how people develop a unique sense of self
- collect and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in ethical ways to support conclusions
Cognition and Emotions
This unit explores how thinking (cognition) and emotions shape how we see the world and respond to it.
Students will:
- investigate how perception, memory, learning and emotion affect behaviour
- collect and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in ethical ways to support conclusions
Normality and Abnormality
This unit explores the idea of “normal” and “abnormal” thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and how these ideas can change over time and across contexts.
Students will:
- explore how health and illness can be defined and debated in psychology
- consider biological, psychological and social factors that influence wellbeing and behaviour
Groups and Society
This unit explores how being part of groups and society can influence thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
Students will:
- investigate why people behave differently in group settings (such as conformity, leadership and influence)
- use ethical inquiry approaches to examine group behaviour using evidence and data