James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PY1102:03

Exploring Psychology 2

Townsville, Cairns

Inadmissable Subject Combination: PY1002 PY1003 PY1104

39 lectures, 12 tutorials/practicals. Second semester.

Staff: Dr M Surbey (Townsville campus);. Dr D Graham (Cairns campus).

This subject provides a systematic introduction to the way in which humans, as sophisticated biological information-processing systems perceive, process, store, retrieve, respond to and utilise information about their environment. Students are introduced to the pivotal concepts and seminal works in four key areas of experimental psychology: the biological bases of behaviour; sensation and perception; human memory and cognition; and motivation and learning. In order to gain an integrated and comprehensive overview of the content and methodology of psychology as a whole, students are strongly encouraged to enrol also in PY1101.

Learning Objectives:

  1. an integrated introduction to the content and concepts of psychology as applied to the scientific study of individuals as biological information processing systems;
  2. an appreciation of the application of scientific methods of enquiry to psychological problems and practice in applying them;
  3. a comprehensive overview of modern psychology (if taken in conjunction with PY1001).

Assessment by essay (20%); laboratory report(s) (20%); mid semester quiz (20%); final examination (40%).