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Unit outline_

PSYC1001: Psychology 1001

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Psychology 1001 is a general introduction to the main topics and methods of psychology, and is the basis for advanced work as well as being of use to those not proceeding with the subject. Psychology 1001 covers the following areas: science and statistics in psychology; applied psychology; themes in the history of psychology; social psychology; personality theory; human development.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Caleb Owens, caleb.owens@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Frans Verstraten, frans.verstraten@sydney.edu.au
Grace Sanders, grace.sanders@sydney.edu.au
Caleb Owens, caleb.owens@sydney.edu.au
Rebecca Pinkus, rebecca.pinkus@sydney.edu.au
Caroline Fielden, caroline.fielden@sydney.edu.au
Helen Paterson, helen.paterson@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Hayfa Bakour, hayfa.bakour@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final Exam
See Canvas for details.
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Participation Lecture Engagement
Requires in-person attendance and engagement with lectures.
5% Ongoing 3 hours per week
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
Placement Research Participation
Participation in research within the School of Psychology.
5% Ongoing
Due date: 31 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 May 2024
5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO4
Small continuous assessment Tutorial Quiz (Research Design)
One of the pop quizzes from tutorials. #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03 7 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Research Report
An APA-formatted report based on an experiment conducted in class.
30% Week 08
Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 15 May 2024
1150 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Lecture Engagement (5%): Lectures will be delivered on campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Attendance will be recorded during on campus lectures (so make sure you bring any web-enabled device) and you will receive marks proportional to the number of lectures you attend. 

Research Participation (5%): Research Participation requires you to volunteer to be a participant in research studies run by psychology students and academics. It is not compulsory. If you do not complete any or all of your five hours of research participation, you simply will not receive the marks associated with it. An alternative to Research Participation (a written assignment) is also available on request (before the end of Week 4).

Research Report (30%): The Research Report assignment requires you to write a 1150-word APA-formatted report about a study conducted during your first tutorial. Two tutorials and several online modules are designed to provide assistance with this assessment. It is necessary that your report is relevant to the topic and APA-formatted for marks to be awarded.

Final Exam (60%): The six lecture series will be assessed in this exam which will be held during the Final Exam period. It will be a two-hour closed book exam. The initial version of the Final Exam will consist of 96 multiple-choice questions (i.e. 16 for each lecture series). If you are approved by Special Consideration to miss the initial Final Exam, all Replacement Exams will consist of 12 multi-part short-answer questions (i.e. two for each lecture series). The Final Exam is a compulsory assessment, so if you do not attempt it, you will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introductory lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Science and Statistics lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 Science and Statistics lectures 3, 4 and 5 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Introduction to tutorials and the research report study Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 Science and Statistics lecture 6, History of Psychology lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Research Design Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 04 History of Psychology lectures 3,4 and 5 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Writing the research report Part 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 05 History of Psychology Lecture 6, and Forensic Psychology lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Statistical Reasoning Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 06 Forensic Psychology lectures 3,4 and 5 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Writing the Research Report Part 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 07 Forensic Psychology lecture 6, Personality lectures 1 and 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
History of Psychology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 08 Personality lectures 3, 4 and 5 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Forensic Psychology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 09 Personality lecture 6, Developmental Psychology lecture 1 (Anzac Day is Thursday) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 10 Developmental Psychology lectures 2, 3 and 4 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Personality Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 11 Developmental Psychology lectures 5 and 6, Social Psychology lecture 1 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Developmental Psychology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 12 Social Psychology lectures 2, 3 and 4 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Social Psychology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 13 Social Psychology Lectures 5, 6 and 7 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Research report feedback, course feedback and exam preparation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture attendance: 80% expected and recommended to pass unit. Audio and video (of slides) made of most lecture content.  Marks are awarded to encourage on campus lecture attendance. Refer to the Lecture Engagement assessment for more.

Tutorial attendance: 80% expected and recommended to pass unit. 50% required to be eligible to pass the unit. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The reading list on canvas contains a lot of useful recommended material, however refer to lecture and tutorial materials within Canvas to understand the relevance of any readings before you commence reading.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the diverse areas of psychology taught: history of psychology, applied psychology (forensic), developmental psychology, social psychology, and personality
  • LO2. understand what binds such diverse pursuits into the single discipline of ‘psychology’ in regard to language, research methods, attitude and approach, and an appreciation of the ethical issues associated with behavioral research
  • LO3. understand the core research design principles and statistical approaches used throughout of psychology, and the ability to apply them in a critical manner
  • LO4. understand the APA style used for the presentation of written material, particularly research reports
  • LO5. appreciate how what is taught in psychology has implications for your wider personal and professional approach and identity.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social,
1.1.10. social psychology
1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.1.2. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality
1.1.9. lifespan developmental psychology
LO2
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social,
1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
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.
1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
LO3
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social,
1.1.10. social psychology
1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.1.2. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality
1.1.9. lifespan developmental 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.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
LO4
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
LO5
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This semester in addition to receiving instantaneous numeric feedback on your performance in the weekly tutorial quizzes, at the end of each week you will also receive full details on the questions you correctly and incorrectly answered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.