HPS206 - Forensic Psychology
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Bianca Klettke Trimester 3: Dominika Howard |
| Previously: | Forensic Psychology |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 4 x 2 hour online masterclass per trimester |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | Trimester 2 Trimester 3 |
| 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. This unit may not be included as a part of a 10 point accredited major sequence in psychology (as required for application for further study in psychology). | |
Content
This unit will provide students with an introduction to Forensic Psychology. Students will be introduced to the structure of the Justice Systems in Australia, and will learn the fundamental principles involved in research and practice in the forensic context.
More specifically, the unit focuses on important practice issues that can arise in forensic psychology related work (e.g., ethical dilemmas and challenges inherent in client engagement). It examines theories and research in the area of sexual violence, family violence, substance-related offending, and family court matters, and explores the complexities associated with mental illness, disability, age, and cross-cultural issues in the forensic context. The unit has a strong applied focus, and will present students with the introductory skills needed in the conduct of psychology-related work with forensic populations.
The content and discussion in this unit will necessarily engage with sexual assault, abuse, violence, victimisation and mental illness. Some of this content may be challenging to engage with, and students should reflect on whether this unit is suitable for them to undertake. The teaching team will do their best to ensure students can engage bravely, empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content each week.
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 | Accurately describe the structure of the Justice System in Australia and the varied roles that psychologists can play. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Clearly identify and critically evaluate the process issues that can arise in the conduct of psychology related work with forensic populations. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO3 | Understand the psychological factors that underlie violence and substance misuse. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Understand the challenges associated with working with families and family court matters. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO5 | Critically appraise competence and understand the impact that mental illness, disability and/or age may pose. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO6 | Accurately identify the importance of cultural competence and the need for culturally sensitive practice. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy 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: Recorded Narrated Presentation | 10 minutes | 35% |
|
| Assessment 2: Case study assignment | 1750 words | 45% |
|
| Assessment 3: End-of-Unit Assessment | 60 minutes | 20% |
|
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 HPS206 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.