BEHV101 to BEHV328

BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1                                                                                                          10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will introduce students to psychology through a study of both the history and the current organisation of the discipline. Topics will include biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning and memory. The unit will also introduce students to research methods in psychology and descriptive statistics.

BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2                                                                                                          10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will introduce students to theories and principles of intelligence, motivation, personality, cross-cultural/Indigenous psychology, stress/health, abnormal and social psychology. Students will be introduced to principles of data collection, organisation and further elementary statistics

BEHV108 Human Development                                                                                                            10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, discussion of topics in study guide through distance education mode.

Explores the commonality and differences in human development from birth to old age and is designed to prepare staff in residential institutions to understand the physical, intellectual, personal, social and moral development of the clients in their care. The perspective adopted is that human development is complex and determined by numerous factors that context outside the residential institution, exert influence upon individuals, and that measures over time are needed in order to examine change within individuals.

BEHV200 Cognition and Learning                                                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will present an overview of contemporary and ‘classical’ theories of learning and cognition, and how these apply in elaborating our understanding of complex mental processes.

BEHV201 Contemporary Psychology                                                                                                    10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This century has been characterised by a strong and pervasive belief in certainty through science  but particularly since the 1960s there has been widespread disaffection with traditional approaches in psychology, indeed talk of ‘crisis’ has been endemic. This unit therefore will introduce students to the work of critical psychological scholarship, which demonstrates the relevance of a ‘critical psychology’ in the understanding of current social issues.

BEHV202 Cross-cultural Psychology                                                                                                     10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Cross–cultural understanding is becoming increasingly important as frequent interaction within the world community becomes the norm through global economic integration and the dissemination of electronic media. This unit aims to enhance intercultural understanding by studying basic human cognitive and affective functioning and how they are shaped by cultural environments. It includes the concepts of culture and culture learning; factors influencing cognitive functioning, cognitive and affective development, values and beliefs across cultures, differences and similarities in gender role and expectations across cultures, conflict and decision-making; culture shock; and methods of cross–cultural enquiry.

BEHV203 Developmental Psychology                                                                                                  10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

Human development is a major area of study within psychology and an important area for those students studying psychology as a background for various professional contributions in education, community and other organisational settings. This unit will build on the introduction to human development in the first year units by offering the student a comprehensive study of the nature of human psychological growth across the lifespan.

BEHV204 Communication Skills                                                                                                           10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

The students will be introduced to the theory and practice of communication skills for one-to-one counselling. Students will gain an understanding of micro skills involved in interpersonal communication and the factors that enhance or inhibit such communication. This unit will introduce students to some basic intervention skills.

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BEHV205 Introduction to Personality                                                                                                    10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

Personality psychology seeks to understand enduring and individual tendencies displayed by people in their patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours over time and across situations. In other words, this unit has been developed to explore the nature and question of personality. It will consider the many facets, individual differences, behavioural dimensions, and traits that constitute a personality style by focusing on the major theories of personality and the orientation of its theorists.

BEHV206 Psychology of Organisation                                                                                                  10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will introduce students to the study of organisational behaviour and the psychological processes underlying organisational functioning. It will extend the basic concepts of psychology and their application to individuals and groups within the organisational context by building on the theme of the social self. It is primarily concerned with an understanding of how behaviour is influenced in organisations.

BEHV208 Psychology of Religion                                                                                                         10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

This unit will investigate the psychological structures upon which religious attitudes are built, allowing for an understanding of the psychological dimensions of religious experience. Beginning with an appreciation of what the founders of modern psychology wrote about religion, this unit examines the relationship between psychology and religion, and how psychological theories and methods have been used to interpret or understand religious belief and practice. Using findings from developmental and social psychology, this unit explores the psychological development of an individual’s beliefs, attitudes and values, and family influences upon these, and the religious behaviour of individuals and groups. Religion in therapy and counselling.

BEHV209 Research Methods                                                                                                                10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will build on students’ knowledge of research methodology gained in previous units. It will be assumed that students know how to conduct searches of the literature and appreciate basic elements of research design and analysis. On successfully completing this unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to plan and conduct experimental, applied research in the behavioural sciences.

BEHV210 Small Group Processes                                                                                                         10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit, by exploring major concepts of small group processes, will extend basic concepts of psychology to focus on the underlying dynamics of small group behaviour. The unit’s underlying theme is how an individual’s behaviour is influenced by small group interaction, one aspect of ‘being’ in the social context.

BEHV211 Social Psychology                                                                                                                10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit will explore the major theories and contemporary topics studied in the discipline of Social Psychology. The unit will focus on issues relating to how the behaviour of an individual influences, and in turn is influenced by, the presence of others. It is concerned with the development and expression of the ‘social life’.

BEHV212 The Concept of Self                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2 OR PSYC100 Psychology A and PSYC101 Psychology B

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars.

This unit, by exploring diverse interdisciplinary theories which attempt to explain the psychological birth and evolution of the human subject, will offer the student further insights into the complex nature of human behaviour as manifested by self-concept.

BEHV215 Work, Stress and the Family                                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2

In Family Studies sequence: SOCG102 Introduction to Family Studies or equivalent

Teaching Organisation Lectures, workshops, seminars and group work.

This unit will examine the relationship between individual psychological factors, social and familial factors, and work stress. The unit will consider individual and contextual vulnerability, the nature of response to acute and chronic stress, protective factors, and types of preventative and proactive interventions.

BEHV216 Developmental Issues                                                                                                           10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Each semester is 12 weeks in length and is taught by distance education.

Adolescence and young adulthood are challenging and complicated life stages. This unit focuses on some of the relevant issues which face the adolescent and young adult. These young people have developed a literacy in, and dependence on technology. The influence of media has helped shape attitudes to leisure and lifestyle practices, presenting contemporary hazards for young people in areas of sexuality, substance use and anti-social behaviours. Relationships with family, significant others and peers play a dominant role in their social genre. This unit also addresses young people's concerns for life aspirations dealing with family, career faith development, values and spirituality.

BEHV219 Psychological Disorders                                                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites BEHV101 Behavioural Science 1 and BEHV102 Behavioural Science 2

Teaching Organisation Three hours contact per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

This unit will investigate the contemporary understandings of abnormal behaviour. Some consideration of diagnostic systems frequently used to classify psychological disorders will be made. Treatment issues will be discussed only as they relate to aetiology. The unit is not aimed at students becoming diagnosticians. The unit does not attempt to cover all areas of psychopathology but rather selects across the areas to highlight different theories and research.

BEHV326 Independent Research Project                                                                                             10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, discussion topics in study guide through distance education mode.

Administrators and resident supervisors in residential institutions, particularly those in senior positions, should possess the skills of basic research and the ability to present data. They are increasingly required to identify problems and issues, and to present them and possible solutions to a wide range of agencies and authorities.

BEHV327 The Behaviour Challenge                                                                                                     10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Each semester is 12 weeks in length and is taught by distance education.

Understanding of the complexities of challenging behaviours has been obtained by research, observation and reflection. This unit explores contemporary practice in the recognition of challenging behaviours, together with assessment and development of effective interventions and management plans. The students will develop an awareness of the individual’s needs, why challenging behaviours can occur and what influences their expression. An overview of behaviour and behaviour management and their application are explored with an emphasis on the well being of the individual being maintained.

BEHV328 Maintaining Positive Behaviour                                                                                            10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Each semester is 12 weeks in length and is taught by distance education.

This unit investigates the standards of acceptable behaviour in aspects of residential life. Quality of both individual and group behaviour affects the atmosphere and smooth running of the residential environment. Residential supervisors attach significant concern to effective behavioural management, policies and techniques. Residential supervisors have a responsibility to educate residents towards acceptable standards of appropriate behaviour.