Bachelor of Psychological Science

This subject will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the contemporary study of personality through an exploration of a range of theoretical frameworks and research methodologies. You will be given the tools to evaluate the psychoanalytic, dispositional, phenomenological, cognitive, behavioral, social learning, trait, and cross-cultural theories in relation to their scientific status and practical applicability. You will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the reciprocal relationship between personality differences, behavior, and issues in contemporary society.

Pre-requisite: HPSYSD104 Fundamentals of Personal and Social Behaviour

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject provides students with specific foundational knowledge for understanding the ‘Gap’ in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; and provides key resources to support culturally safe and accessible care that is also responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Following a chronological approach, this subject provides students with an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health from pre-colonisation to the present. Along this continuum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues are examined in terms of their historical, political and policy origins, the antagonism between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and colonialist values, how historically determined power relations between healthcare professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have impacted their health, and demographic and socioeconomic trends.

Students will examine pre-colonialism; postcolonialism; colonial history and explain its impact on health. This includes the impact on health-related politics and policy, culture, family and connection to country. Students will analyse the factors influencing health care access and explain the importance of health promotion, health care and trauma informed care that is evidence based and culturally sensitive.

Students will then apply health promotion and health care best practices, and critical reflection for the safe and effective delivery of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Additionally, students will incorporate cultural awareness and knowledge of cultural safety to improve interprofessional health practice, health statistics and advocate for improved health outcomes, whilst empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Pre-requisite:

Bachelor of Community Services BCOMM22 – HWEL2002A Understanding health,

Bachelor of Counselling BCOUN22 – HHSCSD102 Person-centred practice,

Bachelor of Psychological Science - HCCSSD104 Lifespan Development

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report, Reflection

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will further develop your understanding of the concepts, theories and methods of Social Psychology and the relationship between people and their social environment. The key theories and concepts within the area will be explored across a broad range of topics including:

• Social cognition.
• Attitude formation and change.
• Group processes and decision-making.
• Prejudice and intergroup behaviour.
• Aggression.
• Attraction and close relationships.
• Prosocial behaviour.

You will explore the intersecting thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals, groups, societies, and further focus on the real-world applications of social psychology.

The content of this subject will further develop your understanding of the tenets of learning theory and the facets of the biological sciences that underly the discipline of psychology. You will develop a deeper understanding of the nature of learning and its implications for how people interact with their environment. Contemporary neurobiological explanations of human behaviour will be explored, the anatomical, biochemical, genetic and physiological basis of brain function and dysfunction, and their implications for human behaviour.

By engaging in immersive digital learning experiences, you will delve deeper into the relationship between the brain and environmental input.

This subject helps you to develop an understanding of diversity in Australia across a range of population groups in the community. You will develop the skills for working ethically and effectively with:

• LGBTIQA+Migrants First Nations people
• Young people Older people
• People with disabilities
• Social Gradient (Class)
• Unemployment
• Multiculturalism

The various experiences of citizen, consumer, service user, client and consultant are examined to understand how different agencies define the rights and responsibilities of people accessing services. You will demonstrate skills working with people with different experiences of life. For example, listening with empathy and respecting lived experience. Drawing on case studies, research and current affairs, you will gain an understanding of Othering in contemporary Australian society.

This subject will introduce you to concepts of social justice and human rights through the analysis of national and international issues, and the way we have structured our societies that inform how people experience their lives.

In particular, you will be asked to critically examine key debates in human rights and the relevance of social justice for people who experience inequity. You will examine the way our social and political structure responds to inequities and inequalities in our society.

Finally, you will also explore historical and contemporary challenges of specific groups facing social justice issues.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Case Study, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will deepen your understanding of cognitive and affective psychology. It covers extensive cognitive processes such as sensation and perception, attention, memory, reasoning and decisionmaking, and language, exploring their influence on human skilled performance. This subject will build on your research methodology and statistical analysis skills in the context of cognitive psychology. You will appraise and analyse emotional experiences and their effects on motivation across various performance settings. Additionally, you will apply this knowledge to facilitate your understanding of how motivation and emotion impact individual’s performance in a variety of settings.

This subject will provide you with the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of psychological measurement. It will cover the nature of psychological assessment and its psychometric properties (including concepts of reliability, validity, and norms) to develop your understanding of how the psychological characteristic that distinguish and define individuals are measured. You will further become familiar with a variety of psychological scales, their construction and application, as well as the ethical and social issues surrounding test administration in a diversity of population settings. The subject will have practical applicability for people intending to work in psychology and related areas (e.g., clinical and counselling, educational, organisational, and developmental settings) which have a focus on individual differences and assessment.

Assessment Tasks: Workbook, Report, Journal 

Delivery Mode: Online

This subject gives you the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from your study of psychology to address both personal and professional development needs. By providing you with material from contemporary life settings, personal, professional and societal, the content will assist you to investigate and understand the how, when, where and why of the application of psychological concepts and principles. Your teamwork and leadership skills will be fostered in this subject through peer collaboration. You will utilise ethical, cultural and professional frameworks in the development of a solution to a social or community issue.

Pre-requisite: Level 1 and 2 Psychology subjects 

Assessment Tasks: Portfolio, Presentation,

Delivery Mode: On Campus

This subject will enable you to develop a greater understanding of the conceptualization of normality and abnormality. You will become familiar with the diagnosis and classification of psychological disorders (including mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and psychopathology across the lifespan) according to the diagnostic manual used by the discipline in Australia. The focus will be on a critical examination of the social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors that have both a reciprocal influence on and contribute to the expression of psychopathology.

Applying appropriate research methodologies, you will critically evaluate various evidence-based interventions and the ethical issues surrounding their use. The subject will allow you to explore the National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce to facilitate effective collaboration and communication with other health professionals in a multidisciplinary context.

Pre-requisite: HPSYSD103 Brain and Behaviour, HPSYSD104 Fundamentals of Personal and Social Behaviour

Assessment Tasks: Annotated Bibliography, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Critical Literature Review (CLR308) provides an opportunity to critically examine the current literature to answer a chosen research question to inform clinical decision-making. The literature review is a scholarly paper that appraises the current knowledge base highlighting strengths, weaknesses and omissions in the literature. The subject builds on established knowledge of literature search methods and critical appraisal skills to culminate in a review that conforms to publication standards.

Pre-requisite: EBP107 Evidence-based Practice

Assessment Tasks: Research Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject examines concepts of empowerment and advocacy in the context of individuals, communities and other cultural and structural institutions. Topics include: inequality and inequity, theories of power and oppression, the concept of empowerment, social movements, and anti-oppressive practice. In addition, you will examine the links between human rights and health and well-being, the protection of the rights of all citizens, workers, First Nations peoples and vulnerable and priority populations. You will develop an understanding of the concept of advocacy and its practice in promoting social change and the role of government, non-government, and the business sector in relation to community services work.

Assessment Tasks: Poster, Report, Audiovisual Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding of how people collaborate within organisations to achieve objectives and deal with the uncertainty of the economy. This knowledge will form a foundation of theoretical knowledge required in relation to personal and group behaviour that will be built on in future subjects. Moreover, it will examine and over time develop the student's emotional intelligence and the understanding of key positive attributes and their application in the business context. These learning objectives will be achieved through a mixture of theoretical readings, class discussions and group projects focusing on how theoretical concepts apply to the work environment. Additionally, reflective journals will be used to apply theory to develop the students own professional capability.

Assessment Tasks: Reflective Journal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the contextual factors and issues that impact wellbeing in the workplace for both the individual and the organisation. In this subject, you will learn the core theoretical models, principles and concepts in Organisational Psychology and their application in relation to workplace wellbeing. You will discover the various factors that impact workplace engagement and individual’s mental health and wellbeing and how to measure these factors and their influence on the quality of work life. This knowledge will enable you to identify and explain the important role of effective interventions to enhance both group and individual outcomes in an organisational setting.

The occupational environment plays an import role in combating or promoting the rise of chronic disease and disability. This environment has the capacity to affect the physical, psychological, economic and social well-being of workers’ and thus, proper attention to workers’ health offers vast opportunities for workers and employers alike. In this subject students will explore evidence linking worker health and wellbeing to organizational health and business performance. Specific analysis for business needed will be considered, with practical interventions designed to education and enhance the occupational environment.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: Online

You will be introduced to the community services sector in Australia and the practice and skills required for case management and program development in community services. It includes an overview of the theory and practice of program planning, development and evaluation that address the diverse and varied needs of clients. You will be introduced to appropriate professional standards in case management and learn to develop a case management plan that helps you advocate for and empower clients within an ethical framework. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a community services setting.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report, Essay  

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

In this subject, you will be introduced to the key principles of person‐centred practice. This includes a philosophical understanding of what it means to be a person including values, knowing self, and flourishing as a human, as well as Carl Rogers’ core conditions (empathy, congruence and unconditional, positive regard).

You will examine the role of these philosophies and core conditions in developing the underpinning counselling skills necessary for professional practice including communicating clearly and engaging authentically while being empathetically present.

In addition, you will apply the principles of person‐centred practice to a range of professional contexts.

You will have the opportunity to practice micro skills for effective self-awareness and reflective practice. This person-centred model is integral to professional practice in a variety of healthcare settings.

Co-requisite: ISP102 Introduction to Social and Psycho educational Theories

Assessment Tasks: Test, Reflective Journal, Demonstration

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject looks at the nature of interpersonal conflict, and explores strategies for resolution such as mediation, conferencing and restorative justice. It begins by considering the nature of conflict, theories about its causes, and how conflict manifests in relationships, groups, communities and internationally. You will be introduced to key conflict management strategies and steps to reduce unhealthy forms of conflict and arrive at positive, healthy relationships based on empathy and understanding. You will also consider anger management strategies in addressing entrenched, high conflict situations.

Assessment Tasks: Recorded Audio, Presentation, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject begins with exploring a range of approaches to working with people living with chronic illness and disability. This subject introduces you to a variety of models of disability and chronic illness. People living with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience the world in different ways, and this will be explored through both sociological and psychological lenses. You will learn and practice advocacy and support skills appropriate to working with people with disabilities and those with chronic illness in the community services and counselling fields and connecting them to support and services.

This subject introduces you to the theories and frameworks that underpin human-environment interactions. It will provide an overview of contemporary social and environmental challenges that affect the health and wellbeing of communities. These challenges captured by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include the ways in which globalisation, natural disasters and pandemics affect the biopsychosocial, economic, and political determinants of health. Dynamic systems thinking and social-ecology are introduced as a powerful means of understanding these complex situations. You will be given the tools to evaluate and develop strategies and policies, and to implement action plans that foster resilience and change behaviour in our transformation to a more sustainable society through resilience thinking and systems thinking.

This subject provides you with an overview of addiction theories and research. The subject covers different forms of addictive behaviours that present in the community, including substance dependency (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, prescription and illicit drugs), and process addictions (e.g. problem gambling, compulsive sexual and eating behaviours). The subject adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the biological, psychological and social factors that are associated with addictive behaviours. You will learn to critically appraise and reflect on the shift from the disease model to approaches that draw on behavioural and social scientific theories.

You will investigate and apply analytical skills for discussing the controversies and social stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use, and the contrasting ideologies underpinning harm minimisation, risk and abstinence. The subject also covers policy informing programs, and the dominant models for drug and alcohol counselling, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

In this subject, you will explore child abuse and neglect and their life-long impact and effects. You will also examine child protection and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The subject will also include discussion and debate around ways of appropriate responses to child abuse and neglect.

You will explore the origins of the professional regulation of child welfare, as well as the moral imperative surrounding child protection issues. You will learn how to identify and report instances of child abuse and neglect, in your capacity as a counselling professional, community worker, or in other healthcare roles.

Finally, you will address challenges of the care and protection of children, as well as the professional challenges in developing a best practice approach. This subject will show the importance of child protection to building a healthy and just society.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Literature Review, Written Report And Audio Recording 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, you will learn about grief and loss with a particular emphasis on death and dying.

You will learn stages of grief models and relevant approaches to working with clients including crisis intervention (as it relates to sudden and unexpected death), bereavement counselling and the referral process in relation to complicated and disenfranchised grief.

You will be introduced to the idea of death and dying as a part of the life process including the spiritual elements of death, the concept of dying a good death and grieving the loss of self.

You will also explore cultural differences and diversity in attitudes toward death and dying. You will learn to engage in culturally sensitive communication and counselling approaches with dying and grieving clients and their significant others. You will critically reflect on processes for self-care and boundary management in the context of working with death and dying.

Assessment Tasks: Reflection, Report, Simulation 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject provides students with the knowledge and understanding of health promotion concepts within various settings within Australia. Students are introduced to the key theories and concepts regarding behavioral changes as it relates to health status. This subject provides student with the opportunity to integrate their counselling and nutrition knowledge to devise and assess health promotion intervention’s.

Pre-requisite: HWEL2002A - Understanding Health 

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

his subject provides students an introduction to the diversity of health theories and initiatives to improve health outcomes.  Students will engage with key concepts including human right to health, social determinants of health, equality, equity and vulnerability.  An introduction to Australia's health system and intersectoral action will also be provided.

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Long Answer Question 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject provides you with an overview of addiction theories and research. The subject covers different forms of addictive behaviours that present in the community, including substance dependency (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, prescription and illicit drugs), and process addictions (e.g. problem gambling, compulsive sexual and eating behaviours). The subject adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the biological, psychological and social factors that are associated with addictive behaviours. You will learn to critically appraise and reflect on the shift from the disease model to approaches that draw on behavioural and social scientific theories.

You will investigate and apply analytical skills for discussing the controversies and social stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use, and the contrasting ideologies underpinning harm minimisation, risk and abstinence. The subject also covers policy informing programs, and the dominant models for drug and alcohol counselling, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

This subject examines well-being, community participation, and meaningful life in post-retirement transition. Among other forms of literature and media, students investigate current government policies and collect data from national databases to examine the well-being of older people. This subject provides students an overview of positive ageing, focusing on ageing well and in optimal health. The focus is on enabling and re-enabling wellness models of care.

The subject will examine the positive social roles and activities that older persons assume in community life, and political life and challenge community pre-conceptions, myths and stereotypes that often limit elders. Contemporary aging concepts discriminate between 'younger older people' (65-85 years) and 'older people' (85 years plus).

Pre-requisite:

Bachelor of Nursing - CPC105 Care of persons with chronic conditions   

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Report, Consultation With Client

Delivery Mode: Online