The PSYC1003 course will address some of the most fundamental questions in psychology:
- How does the human mind process information so that we can make sense of the world, remember things, and solve problems?
- How do perceptual systems work?
- What is the role of attention in psychological processes?
- How flexible is the human brain in adapting to changing life circumstances and injuries?
You will have the opportunity to learn about, discuss and evaluate key theories and seminal research in biological and cognitive psychology. Lecturers will strive to connect psychological knowledge presented in class to real-world issues.
You will be exposed to fundamental statistical concepts and basic techniques, as well as research methods and ethical principles commonly employed in the field of psychological research. Information about research methodology and statistics will establish the foundation upon which you will learn to assess the veracity of existing theories and empirical findings in psychology.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in psychology experiments – both in the laboratory classes and as part of the research participation component of this course. The results of these experiments will be statistically analysed, and your tutor will facilitate engaged discussions. Through the laboratory class program, students are expected to gain and enhance skills in academic writing, communication, team-work and brainstorming.
PSYC1003 is the first step toward your future as a psychologist, and we will provide you with information about your career options in psychology.
Honours Pathway Option
Students enrolled in the Honours pathway option (HPO) will be required to do some alternative assessment (as listed in the Indicative Assessment). The material will be set at a higher conceptual level, requiring more advanced and extensive research.
Participation in the HPO must be approved. Students opt in to the HPO by registering on the Learning Management System (LMS). Details of the HPO requirements and approval process for each course will be provided on the LMS at the start of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain models of the cognitive structures and processes involved in perception, attention, language, and memory.
- Explain structural components of the brain and how they relate to elements of human behaviour.
- Distinguish between different research methods and core statistical concepts and techniques in psychology.
- Evaluate theoretical claims and empirical findings with an emphasis on understanding the biological and cultural influences on cognition and development.
- Collaborate on a small-group project, and effectively present the group's output.
- Construct a logical narrative that communicates the theoretical basis of a psychological experiment, its findings and the implications of these findings for current psychological theories.
Other Information
Final exam is a hurdle. A Pass mark (50%) or greater is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies:
As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, group tasks assess the required demonstration of teamwork skills, and presentations assess the required demonstration of oral communication skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained.
For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory In-Class Assessment (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Research in Psychology Experience (5) [LO 1,2,6]
- Research Report (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
- Small-Group Project Presentation (15) [LO 4,5]
- Final Examination (Hurdle) (45) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- HPO students - Students pursuing the HPO will complete an extended Introduction and Discussion section for their Research Report. (null) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component, which may consist of 3 hours of lectures per week and 10 x 2-hour laboratory classes spread across the semester, plus 5 hours of research in psychology experience.
- Approximately 75 hours of self-directed study, which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory classes, and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
- Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2022). Psychology: Sixth Australian and New Zealand Edition (6th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
- Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
- Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (2019). Research methods and statistics in psychology (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 4B
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2724 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |