Course overview
The aim of this course is to further develop students' understanding of those aspects of the biological sciences which underpin the study of psychology, and to introduce students to principles of learning theory, and applications of these principles to improve welfare and well-being in an ethical manner.
Assessments in this course provide evidence that students have demonstrated achievement of Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Foundational Competency:
1.1: Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach
1.3: Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats
1.4: Demonstrate and understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology
(Accreditation Standards for Psychology Programs Effective 1 January 2019, Version 2). In this course students will further develop their knowledge of the psychology of learning and research design and ethical applications of principles of learning. This course will introduce students to the evolutionary origins of hominids, ethical and legal implications of classification of Great Apes as hominids, and comparative cognition and behaviour. Students will further explore the biological bases of behaviour and how physiological, psychological, and sociocultural or environmental factors are interconnected.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe different approaches to the study and analysis of behaviour and learning
- Identify how behaviour is linked to survival and evolution and the interconnection between genes, environment and behaviour
- Apply the principles of learning theory to improve welfare and well-being in real-world environments
- Examine the ethical issues related to research and applications of learning theory to humans and other species
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.