Psychological Science: Theory & Practice (PSYC30021)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This Capstone subject draws together students’ undergraduate experiences in psychology by emphasising links between the science and practice of psychology in contemporary life.
In the lecture series, students engage with topics relating to current applications of psychological research and practice such as the ethical practice of psychology and the measurement of attitudes, behaviour, and behavioural change as related to contemporary issues such as climate change, indigenous cultural respect, drug addiction, and psychological health and wellbeing.
In the research seminars, students work in small groups to design and conduct a research project under the supervision of an academic researcher.
Together, the lecture and research streams prepare students for further studies in psychology or to enter the workplace having developed skills in applying psychological knowledge, conducting research, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively about psychological theories and findings. Students’ achievements are celebrated in a final poster presentation evening at which the research conducted by groups over the semester is presented to peers and academic staff.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the subject students should demonstrate knowledge of:
- The key research findings that underpin psychological science and how these can be applied to psychological practice and contemporary social issues
- The principles of ethical research and practice in psychology, with reference to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
- An awareness of and respect for diverse experiences and culture, including specific reference to the experiences and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Skills
On completion of the subject students should have developed skills to:
- Translate psychological research questions into meaningful and appropriate methods of investigation.
- Interpret data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods.
- Evaluate and draw conclusions from research findings.
- Critically review the literature in an area of psychological inquiry to inform clearly motivated research questions.
- Communicate psychological research findings effectively in oral and written formats.
Application of knowledge and skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:
- Work both collaboratively and independently to solve problems posed in psychology
- Apply psychological knowledge reflexively to evaluate personal biases and assumptions, especially in relation to ethical reasoning and cultural respect.
- Apply psychological concepts and theories to problems of behavioural change in a range of contexts such as home, workplace, community and global settings.
- Reflect on the development of their psychological knowledge and skills and articulate these in relation to identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of further study in psychology, and/or entering the workplace.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed skills in:
- Literature review and research methods;
- Critical thinking and analysis of arguments;
- Reflective thinking and self-evaluation;
- Giving and receiving feedback;
- Goal setting, time management and self-directed learning;
- Effective written and oral communication;
- Sensitivity to ethical issues and cultural diversity;
- Working effectively in a team to design, execute and present a collaborative project.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC30013 | Research Methods for Human Inquiry | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
Two of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC20006 | Biological Psychology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PSYC20007 | Cognitive Psychology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PSYC20008 | Developmental Psychology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PSYC20009 | Personality and Social Psychology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
For students undertaking a Bachelor degree with a major sequence in psychology, the completion of at least 200 points is required.
For students undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, the completion of at least 50 points is required.
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC40013 | Advanced Psychological Theory & Practice | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Recommended background knowledge
Prior coursework in two Level 1 psychology subjects including Mind Brain and Behaviour 1, and Mind Brain and Behaviour 2.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Group poster | Week 11 | 10% |
Individual laboratory report
| Week 12 | 40% |
Written exam
| End of semester | 50% |
Graduate Attributes Portfolio
| Week 8 | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 80% attendance at research seminars (5 of 6 lab classes), throughout semester. In case of failure to meet the attendance requirement, additional work related to the missed class activities (e.g., short 500‐word essay on missed topic) will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Isabel Krug Coordinator Vanja Rozenblat Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours total contact comprising: 12 weekly lectures (each 2 hours); 6 x 2 hour research seminars. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Psychology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Psychology - Breadth options
Last updated: 14 March 2025