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Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with the degree of Bachelor of Human Sciences

PSHU01

Faculty:
Faculty of Human Sciences
Award:
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with the degree of Bachelor of Human Sciences (BPsych(Hons)BHumanSc)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 5 years
Study Period Offerings:
Session 1 (February), Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 5 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points for the degree 120
Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above 60
Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above 30
Completion of a qualifying major for the Bachelor of Human Sciences
Completion of a designated People unit
Completion of a designated Planet unit
Completion of a designated PACE unit
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below
Note:
For students commencing their program from 2011, entry to Psychology honours year will require an SNG (Standard Numerical Grade) of 70 over all Psychology units and an average SNG of 75 over all 300 level Psychology units; and a minimum of 72 credit points. Applicants to the fourth year honours program who do not meet these requirements may also be considered on an individual basis. This minimum entry requirement also applies to any students who transfer into the BPsych(Hons)BHumanSc program.
Students must complete one designated People unit and one designated Planet unit. Those units must be taken in two different Faculties. Any unit which is listed below or as part of the student's qualifying major(s) will not satisfy the People unit requirement or Planet unit requirement.

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

100 level

Required
3
Introduction to Psychology I (3)
 
Required
3
Introduction to Psychology II (3)
 

200 level

Required
3
Communication in Social Institutions (3)
 
Required
3
Social and Personality Psychology (3)
 
Required
3
Developmental Psychology (3)
 
Required
3
Biopsychology and Learning (3)
 
Required
3
Cognitive Processes I (3)
 
Required
3
Perception I (3)
 
Required
3
Design and Statistics II (3)
 

300 level

Required
3
Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice (3)
C/P
Required
3
Legal, Ethical and Policy Directions in Health (3)
 
Required
3
Principles of Psychological Assessment (3)
 
Required
3
Design and Statistics III (3)
 
Required
3
Research Methods in Psychology (3)
 
Required
6cp from
 
PSY units at 300 level
6
PSYC units at 300 level

400 level

Required
12
Thesis
Required
3
Advanced Research Design and Statistics (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Advanced Ethics and Assessment in Psychology (3)
 
3
The Scientist Practitioner Model (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Advanced Issues in Developmental Psychology: Child Abuse and Neglect (3)
 
 
Psychology at Work: Theory, Research and Application (3)
 
 
Introduction to Theories of Counselling (3)
 
 
Advanced Issues in Health Psychology (3)
 
3
Advanced Issues in Development Psychology: Development Problems across the Lifespan (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
PSY units at 400 level
3
PSYC units at 400 level
Note:
Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
 
Units marked with a P are PACE units.
Qualifying Majors for the Bachelor of Human Sciences
Additional Information
AQF Level Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree
CRICOS Code 083743G
Overview and Aims of the Program This five year award combines an accredited four year honours sequence in psychology with studies in Human Sciences, including a qualifying major. Psychology is a discipline involving both scientific research and applied professional practice. The first years of this degree are concerned with equipping students with a scientific understanding of the psychological processes that underlie behaviour including perception, cognition, learning, motivation, neuroscience, psychopathology, personality, emotion, developmental psychology and social relationships, as well as training in the analysis of data and research methodologies. These areas are complemented by the studies in Human Sciences. Currently available qualifying majors are in Public Health, Community Services and Human Movement.

Admission to the honours year of this program will be determined entirely by academic merit. In this year students will plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic that will match their strengths and career interests.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to*:

1. demonstrate conceptual clarity in the knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives empirical findings and historical trends in the core subject specific areas of psychology, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions (K, T, P, I, J)
2. understand, apply, conduct, and evaluate the research methods used in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation and the appropriate use of technologies by which to do this (K, T, P, I)
3. use the concepts, language, major theories, and perspectives of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena (K, C)
4. identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions (K, T, P, I, J)
5. demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking and independent learning to solve problems related to a range of issues, including behaviour and mental processes (K, T, P, I, J, L)
6. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally to the professional requirements of the discipline (C)
7. engage in a critical review of appropriate and relevant information regarding psychological processes and demonstrate analytical research skills in evaluating psychological literature and arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems (K, T, C, P)
8. recognise and evaluate arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems (K, T, C, P)
9. identify how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy and apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life (A, J, E)
10. develop insight into your own and others’ behaviours and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement (J)
11. articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy (E)
12. examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences (E)
13. plan, conduct, and report a substantial independent research project requiring advanced technical skills in research and design, critical thinking and judgement (K, T, P, I, C, J, L)
14. demonstrate a capacity for responsibility and accountability with regard to their own learning (J, L)
15. describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and exhibit an awareness of the importance of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession (E, A).

*These learning outcomes refer to the Psychology (Honours) component only. They must be combined with the outcomes of the qualifying major chosen for the Bachelor of Human Sciences.
Learning and Teaching Methods PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is a broad discipline, and the range of units offered in this program reflects that breadth. Over the four years of the program students will be exposed to all the major areas of psychological study, from the most fundamental brain research through to social issues such as the causes of inter-group conflict. The fourth year also offers a range of advanced coursework options (including professional units on counselling and ethics), along with the requirement for students to plan, conduct, and report a substantial independent research project under the supervision of a staff member. Overall, the learning and teaching methods employed throughout the program reflect the breadth of the program and range from laboratory-based practical work through to sophisticated, reflective field-work, as represented in our 3rd-year Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) unit. The overarching pedagogical approach throughout the program is student-centred learning, with an emphasis, not simply on the acquisition of discipline knowledge, but also on the development of higher-order critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to a range of psychological processes and issues. Although units differ with respect to formal lecture offerings (including recorded lectures), there is a focus in every unit on small-group learning through laboratory practicals and/or tutorial exercises and discussions. Students are also encouraged to engage with iLearn discussions of lecture and tutorial material, and to test the development of their own understanding via online tests and quizzes. First-year psychology students are required to participate in Departmental research projects in order to learn how research is conducted and to encourage interaction with more senior scholars in the field.
Assessment PSYCHOLOGY
There is a range of assessment methods used throughout the Psychology program, each of which has been designed to measure the extent to which students can demonstrate their acquisition of the program learning outcomes. Assessment is both formative and summative, with students being presented with multiple opportunities throughout the program to improve their critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication skills, while also demonstrating their acquisition of important discipline knowledge. Across the four years of the program, the following assessment methods are used:
• web-based quizzes
• research reports
• class presentations
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple-choice tests and exams
• essay and short-answer-based exams
• designing experiments
• research participation (compulsory at 1st year)
• conducting individual and group-based research projects
• placement and reflective project report (PACE unit)
• planning, executing and writing a research thesis under staff supervision (4th year).
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.


For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl

Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability This honours degree equips students to work and research in a variety of health-related occupations such as Community development, health advocacy, policy and planning, health promotion. Students choosing the Public Health or Community Services major will have a short placement to assist them become work ready. Students combining the Human Movement major with Psychology will have the broad background to work at pre-professional levels in the Sport and Exercise psychology area and may choose to apply for postgraduate studies in this area.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.

Psychology: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is the accrediting authority. A submission for accreditation of a new award has been made to APAC. As a result this sequence received the grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS on the basis that it met all of the APAC Accreditation Standards (June 2010). The period of accreditation is 2014 – 2018. The next submission is due in 2018, followed by a site visit for the following 5 year accreditation cycle.