Course information
Psychology is a subject which investigates the mind and behaviour of both people and animals. Through conducting research and examining theories and psychological studies, students will explore the mental processes and biological explanations behind thinking and behaviours. A student who undertakes a course in Psychology will have the opportunity to study concepts such as those associated with human endeavour, relationships, industry, personality, mental disorders, development and health.
Post-school pathways
Do you enjoy or are you good at Social and Behavioural Sciences? (pdf, 110kb)
Workload expectation
Social and Behavioural Science subjects require regular and consistent revision of course content as well as detailed planning and research for assessment tasks outside of class time in order to receive outstanding results.
Course pattern
Suggested Major course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Self and Identity |
2 | Groups and Society |
3 | Cognition and Emotions |
4 | Normality and Abnormality |
Suggested Minor course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Self and Identity |
2 | Groups and Society |
Unit descriptions
Self and Identity
Students examine traditional and contemporary psychological understandings of how individuals develop a unique self and identities in their context, using a range of approaches, including the interaction between nature and nurture. In examining differences, they will focus on individual differences in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Students develop skills in ethically and scientifically generating, evaluating, and communicating valid qualitative and quantitative data and conclusions.
Groups and Society
This unit examines traditional and contemporary understandings of the implications of identity and membership within groups and society for thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. They explore how and why humans think, feel and act in group and social settings using a range of approaches. They develop skills in ethically and scientifically generating, evaluating, and communicating valid qualitative and quantitative data and conclusions.
Cognition and Emotions
This unit examines traditional and contemporary understandings on the basis of human cognition and emotion in context. Students explore how our perception of, and feelings about, the world shapes our interaction with it. They develop skills in ethically and scientifically generating, evaluating, and communicating valid qualitative and quantitative data and conclusions.
Normality and Abnormality
This unit examines traditional and contemporary understandings of the continuum of normality and abnormality, and the social construction of healthy and unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Students explore biological, psychological, and social, and contextual aspects of normality and abnormality, how they are determined, and how that has changed over time. They develop skills in ethically and scientifically generating, evaluating, and communicating valid qualitative and quantitative data and conclusions.