Bachelor of Psychological Science

Why study the Bachelor of Psychological Science at UNE?

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Psychological Science provides an accredited three year undergraduate sequence in psychology. This involves a thorough grounding in the core areas of psychology, plus an opportunity to explore specialist areas, while also allowing the student to study other areas of interest.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate coherent theoretical and empirical knowledge of the core topics of Psychology, including: abnormal psychology, biological bases of behaviour, cognition, information processing and language, individual differences, testing and assessment, learning, lifespan development, motivation and emotion, perception, social psychology, history and philosophy of psychology, intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology; describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods used by psychologists and demonstrate practical skills in psychological research design, data analysis, and report writing using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions; critically evaluate psychological literature, question claims that arise from untested assumptions, and recognise the link between theory and practical application of that theory in the world; demonstrate effective oral or written communication skills in various formats (eg debate, group discussion, presentation) to share or impart psychological knowledge; observe the principles of ethical behaviour in research and professional practice in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society's Code and Guidelines, as well as the Australian 'National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce; and demonstrate cognitive, technical and communication skills for independent learning to sustain life-long personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will possess a body of knowledge in psychology through the study of the core units. Specialisation is then provided through a range of listed units at 300-level psychology, plus additional opportunity for studying in cognate disciplines in any area of the university (elective units). This knowledge will be taught in lectures, unit materials and online activities and will be assessed throughout the course with a range of different activities. Information provided within each unit embeds current global knowledge within the discipline of psychology. Communication Skills Graduates will have well developed communication skills which are taught, assessed and practised through written assignments and face-to-face (or online equivalent) tutorial and laboratory sessions that are required in all psychology units (both core and listed). Problem Solving Most of the post-100 level psychology units include data collection in order to address an issue in the literature. The onus is then on the student to generate a research report providing a solution to that issue. Information Literacy Through the writing of essays and research reports graduates will develop the skills with which to discover and process relevant information and to present it in a coherent fashion. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with the discipline. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment. The issue of ethics is explicitly integrated during data collection and a range of other activities within psychology units. Lifelong Learning All psychology units within this course develop the student's skills in identifying and accessing information that is relevant to their needs, through both library searches and the internet. This skill empowers graduates to continue accessing new information as required. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will have well developed group participation skills and the ability to work collaboratively achieved through on-campus and online interactive teaching strategies, where they will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.