Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces students to some of the main contemporary areas of study and associated theories across industrial and organisational psychology. There is particular emphasis on the translation of basic research findings to work settings especially aimed at optimising human performance. For example, students are shown how basic theories of motivation, learning and cognitive psychology have influenced work practices and performance across a range of industrial settings from the aviation and power generation industries to the design of everyday pieces of office equipment. Students are introduced to the wider organisational context and to how findings in social psychology can be applied to the management of interpersonal behaviour in an organisational setting. Topics in this part of the course cover such topics as culture and diversity, as well as group dynamics and team performance. Through a series of cases studies and a problem-based approach, students are exposed to processes involved in planned change, the role of practitioners in equipment and work redesign including diagnosis, analysis of data and information, feedback of information and the collaborative design of interventions, implementation and evaluation.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the history and current status of the literature relating to the application of psychology in industrial and organisational settings.; (2) analyse the outcomes of basic industrial/organsiational psychology research.; and (3) apply the outcomes of basic industrial/organsiational psychology research..
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) report; (2) lab assessment; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Guy Curtis
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Incompatibility
- Unit(s) PSYC3309 Industrial and Organisational Psychology
- Contact hours
- lectures: 13 x 2 hours
labs: 4 x 2 hours - Note
- Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
Students are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They are also 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, examinations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information. - Texts
Current textbook information is available in the School of Psychological Science textbooks list.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.