HPS111 - Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Community Based Delivery (CBD)*, Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Ruth Tatnell Trimester 3: Ruth Tatnell |
| Previously: | Introduction to Psychology: Fundamentals of Human Behaviour |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS661, HPSM111 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour online seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Note:*National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute students only. Drop-in Q&A online sessions will be scheduled throughout the trimester; see the unit cloud site for more details. | |
Content
This introductory unit explores the fundamental principles underpinning the study of human psychology. As such, it will cover the definition and scope of the discipline of psychology; the primitive roots of our behaviour; the neurological structures and processes that are responsible for our mental life; and the important elements in our adapting to the world as individuals such as learning and intelligence.
This unit will provide an integrated and challenging introduction to psychology as a science, while also providing training in important skills for tertiary education as a whole through the seminar series. In completing this unit, students will gain new insights into the science of behaviour, a mastery of important research and writing skills, and a strong platform for learning advanced topics in psychology.
Students may do the two introductory psychology units in either order or do either unit individually.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Develop an understanding of the biological bases of human behaviour and the foundations of individual adaptation to environmental challenges. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Develop an evidence-based position on an issue pertinent to psychology. | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO3 | Develop proficiency in self-directed learning both in structured (knowledge video) and unstructured (research for written assessments) contexts. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| ULO4 | Construct a critical analysis of a piece of popular press with reference to scholarly literature. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| ULO5 | Develop real-world professional and academic skills in researching, reading of technical documents, planning, drafting, and editing. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO6 | Develop an understanding of the biological bases of human behaviour and the foundations of individual adaptation to environmental challenges, with a focus on Indigenous perspectives on individual adaptation. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Data extraction assessment | Short answer (750 words) | 25% |
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| Assessment 2: Critical response task | 1200 words | 35% |
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| Assessment 3: End-of-unit assessment | 90 minutes | 40% |
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The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HPS111 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.