James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

PY1102:03

Exploring Psychology 2

Townsville, Cairns

HECS Band 1

39 hours lectures, 24 hours tutorials/practicals. Semester 2.

Staff: Dr P Raggatt, Dr M Surbey (Townsville campus); Assoc. Professor R van der Zwan, Dr D Graham (Cairns campus).

A general introduction to the theories, methods, findings and applications of modern scientific psychology. Topics covered include history, methods, genetics, evolution, learning, sensation, perception, development and social cognition. In order to gain a comprehensive appreciation of the content and methodology of psychology as a whole, students are strongly encouraged to enrol also in PY1101.

Learning Objectives:

  1. a preliminary grounding in the intellectual history of the discipline;
  2. an introduction to the content, concepts and methods of selected sub-fields within psychology;
  3. an appreciation of the way in which research findings in psychology might be applied to the understanding and solution of human problems.

Assessment by essay/assignment/laboratory reports (35%); research participation (5%); mid-semester quiz (20%); final examination (40%).