Monash College Handbook

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (MCD1580)

Purpose

This unit forms the preparatory component to the Part 2 Behavioural Studies sequence of Understanding Human Behaviour and Lifespan Development and Part 2 Psychology sequence of Psychology 1A and Psychology 1B.

The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the concept of psychology, its goals and its impact on everyday life. Study of this unit will facilitate a sound background in the area that will enhance future psychology learning at a tertiary level.

Psychology is a living field of science that affects and impacts on every part of daily life. The study of this unit will enhance understanding and appreciation of self and others. Through the use of case studies, previous research, and practical application of theories, students should gain a personal insight into many of life’s conundrums. Students will learn of scientific research and application that will develop greater guidelines and techniques to improve social relations in all aspects of life; with friends, family and co-workers.

The unit will also look at improving critical thinking, facilitating more independent thinking to develop decision making and problem solving skills. It will also introduce research methods to facilitate unbiased research outcomes that will lay good foundations for future research in psychology and other fields of interest. The aim of much of the material and assessment tasks will focus on the arousal of interest in the student to become self-directed learners.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. understand fundamental processes related to psychology, human behaviour and the mind. They will relate psychology to the everyday world, and understand how it relates to the student
2. appreciate the intricacies of the physical that can impact on mental problems, how they are diagnosed, measured and treated
3. be familiar with life stage development and the psychological consequences of each stage in interaction with the environment and genetics. They will understand some of the relationships between lifespan development perspectives, their strengths and weaknesses, and approaches to the treatment of behavioural disorders derived from them
4. identify the main theories of social psychology that underpin the study of behaviour, along with describing normative and deviant behaviours
5. access materials including texts & journals related to psychology
6. demonstrate critical analysis procedures, prepare Literature Reviews & acquire basic knowledge of writing Laboratory Reports as related to psychology research

Assessment

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