HPS206 - Forensic Psychology
Unit details
| Year | 2027 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 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology |
| Prerequisite | Nil |
| Corequisite | Nil |
| Incompatible with | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment | 5 x 2 hour online lectures 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. |
| Supplementary information | *National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute students only. |
NoteThis 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
Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).
| 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 | Describe the structure of the Justice System in Australia and the varied forensic roles. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Evaluate the risks associated with psychological practice in forensic settings. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO3 | Identify the psychological factors that underlie offending behaviours. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Demonstrate forensic skills and knowledge to support populations with diverse needs across complex settings. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Identify the importance of cultural competence and the need for culturally sensitive practice. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication 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 | 50% |
|
| Assessment 2: Case study assignment | 1750 words | 50% |
|
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.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
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.