Back to list of units

DZ2010S

Introduction to Psychology

This unit examines the major themes in the study and practice of psychology such as human nature, change and development, motivation, learning, emotion, cognition, relationality, memory, personality, social psychology and neuro-psychology. It covers different aspects of the study of human behaviour with a view to developing an understanding of how characteristics of individuals and the people around them can influence behaviour. Consideration is also given to the application of psychological knowledge to everyday life including their own personal growth, Christian values and beliefs and multicultural environments.  

Lecturer:
Offered: Refer to Counselling Timetable

Undergraduate: Level 2

Discipline: DZ Professional Counselling

Prerequisites:

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Explain how psychological research, theories and principles contribute to an understanding of human development, learning, memory, personality, motivation and social behaviour;
  2. Apply concepts from human development, learning, memory, personality, motivation and social psychology to understand and predict behaviour in situations and experiences in everyday life;
  3. Critically discuss current events using psychological concepts, principles, theories and research.

Assessment:

Case Study (1250 words) 30%
Tutorial (1250 words) 30%
Essay (2000 words) 40%

Select Bibliography:

*Recommended reading

Burton, L. J. (2018). Psychology. (5th ed.). Milton, Australia: John Wiley and Sons.  

Jackson, S. (2011). Research methods and statistics: a critical thinking approach. (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 

Forshaw, M. (2011). Critical Thinking for Psychology: A Student Guide. London: Wiley-Blackwell. 

 Gravetter, F. & Forzano, L. (2011). Research methods for the behavioural sciences. (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 

 Gray, P., & Bjorklund, D.F. (2014). Psychology of altruism. (7th ed.). New York: Worth. 

 King, L. (2013). The science of psychology: an appreciative view (3rd ed.). Sydney, Australia: McGraw-Hill Humanities.  

 Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson B. L., Loftus, G.R., & Lutz, C. (2014). Atkinson & Hilgard’s Introduction to Psychology. (16th ed.). South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage. 

 Northey, M., & Timney, B. (2012). Making sense in psychology and life sciences: a student’s guide to writing and style. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.  

 Sabates, A. (2012). Social psychology in Christian perspective. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.  

 Wieten, W. (2012). Psychology: Themes and variations (9th ed.). Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Cengage.