Major Overview
- Description
Psychology is a fascinating and diverse area of study that touches upon many aspects of daily life, seeking to answer questions about how and why people behave the way they do. The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major will help you develop a scientific understanding of human thoughts and behaviours, the psychological processes underlying these and the relationship of these processes to brain function. You will find an emphasis on the measurement of psychological abilities, how these develop through the lifespan and the processes that govern the relationships between people and groups in a multicultural society. You will also develop an understanding of how psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease.
The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major is a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Completion of this major will allow students to apply for further study in Psychology leading to professional accreditation as a psychologist.
During the major, you will be exposed to sensitive topics (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). You will also be required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether you can cope with the demands of a psychology major and whether there is anything that would impact upon your ability to complete the requirements of the major.
Please note that the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, or the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), as MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences; and can only be taken as a second major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP002 Bachelor of Commerce, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, the BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), the BP009 Bachelor of Business, or BP011 Bachelor of Environmental Design, as MJS-PSYCY Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.
Students enrolled in combined Bachelor-Bachelor degrees are not permitted to enrol in the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major (as either a degree-specific major or a second major), as these courses are not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
- Outcomes
Students are able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of selected psychological processes, their development, and the relations between them
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific method in psychology
- demonstrate critical thinking in psychology, including an appreciation of the use of the scientific method to study psychological processes
- demonstrate skills in the analysis and presentation of quantitative data
- demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills consistent with expectations in the professional discipline of psychology
- work effectively as a team member in solving problems
- demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate cultural responsiveness in the application of psychology.
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so and to pursue as many areas of interest as you can during your course of study. At the same time, we know that many of you value the University's guidance and assistance in planning your enrolment throughout your course, and guidance can be provided by your Course Advisor. Do always remember, however, that there is no wrong way to broaden your studies as long as you complete at least four units not associated with your Degree Specific Major.
- Prerequisites
Enrolment in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or the CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching - Secondary
- Incompatibilities
MJD-PSYDM Psychology; MJD-PSYSC Psychological Science; MJD-PSYSO Psychology in Society; enrolment in any combined Bachelor-Bachelor degree
- Courses
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
Level 1
Students taking the combined course CM023 Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching — Secondary (majoring in MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences) must take PSYC1101 and PSYC2203 together in their first semester. Please see your Student Advising Office for more information.
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (12 points):
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PSYC2203 | Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology I |
|
| S2 | PSYC2212 | Psychology and Social Behaviour |
|
| S2 | PSYC2213 | Psychology: Lifespan Development |
|
| S1 | PSYC2217 | Cognitive Neuroscience |
|
Level 3
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PSYC3302 | Psychological Measurement and its Application |
|
| S2 | PSYC3314 | Psychopathology |
|
| S1 | PSYC3315 | Cognitive Psychology |
|
| S2 | PSYC3318 | Perception and Sensory Neuropsychology |
|