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:

1. Explain models of the cognitive structures and processes involved in perception, attention, language, and memory.
2. Explain structural components of the brain and how they relate to elements of human behaviour. 
3. Distinguish between different research methods and core statistical concepts and techniques in psychology.
4. Evaluate theoretical claims and empirical findings with an emphasis on understanding the biological and cultural influences on cognition and development.
5. Collaborate on a small-group project, and effectively present the group's output. 
6. 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.

Research-Led Teaching

All of the PSYC1003 lecturers are established academic researchers in their respective areas of expertise.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

Unannotated paper-based dictionary is allowed for candidates with written approval from the School.

For approved dictionaries in accordance with ANU Policies, please see link http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/assessment-arrangements-for-students-from-language.

Required Resources

Required Textbooks for PSYC1003

1- Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2022). Psychology: Sixth Australian and New Zealand Edition. Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

2- Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

3- Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (2019). Research methods and statistics in psychology (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE

We recommend that you read the current editions of these textbooks, which can be purchased from Harry Hartog Booksellers, located in the Kambri precinct.  

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings
• home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms:

• verbal comments
• written comments
• feedback to the whole class, groups, individuals, etc.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to PSYC1003 LectureSemester 1, 2025: Week 1Monday 12 noon to 2pm	General Overview for Lectures:One lecture in Week 1
2	Research Methods and Statistics LecturesSemester 1, 2025: Weeks 1 to 12Friday 12 noon to 1pm	General Overview for Lectures:One lecture hour per week.
3	Biological Psychology LecturesSemester 1, 2025: Weeks 1 to 6Mondays 12 noon to 2pm	General Overview for Lectures:Two lecture hours per week.
4	Cognitive Psychology LecturesSemester 1, 2025: Weeks 7 to 12Mondays 12 noon to 2pm	General Overview for Lectures:Two lecture hours per week.
5	Laboratory ClassesSemester 1, 2025: Weekly, beginning Week of Monday 17 February 2025.	General Overview for Laboratory Classes:1.5 hour Laboratory Class per week (compulsory)Week of 17 February 2025: Laboratory Class 1Week of 24 February 2025: Laboratory Class 2Week of 3 March 2025: Laboratory Class 3Week of 10 March 2025: Laboratory Class 4Week of 17 March 2025: Laboratory Class 5Week of 24 March 2025: Laboratory Class 6Week of 14 April 2025: Laboratory Class 7Week of 21 April 2025: Laboratory Class 8Week of 28 April 2025: Laboratory Class 9Week of 5 May 2025: Laboratory Class 10Week of 12 May 2025: Laboratory Class 11Week of 19 May 2025: Laboratory Class 12

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Laboratory In-Class Assessment -- Reflection Posts and/or Quizzes (10%)	10 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Research in Psychology Experience (5%)	5 %	1,2,6
Laboratory Research Report (25%)	25 %	1,2,3,4,6
Small-Group Project Presentation (15%)	15 %	4,5
Final Examination (45%): Biological Psychology (15%); Cognitive Psychology (15%); Research Methods and Statistics (15%)	45 %	1,2,3,4
HPO Students Only - Laboratory Research Report	0 %	1,2,3,4,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The University has returned to on-campus only delivery for in-person courses.

Students are expected to attend lectures and contribute to discussions. In addition to lectures, attendance and participation in laboratories/practicals is crucial to successful completion of your course. The School of Medicine and Psychology considers the laboratory/practical components to be an integral part of each course. Laboratory/practical classes may supplement and consolidate material covered in lectures and/or they may introduce entirely new material pertinent to the objectives of the course. Students are expected to engage with the three hours of lectures each week, as well as attend weekly laboratory classes over the semester. Lectures are very important, as they provide students with the central ideas and concepts for the course. Laboratory classes are important as they will provide a unique opportunity for small group discussions and interactive learning exercises. In addition, there is an expectation that students will regularly and consistently engage in the course readings, as selected and notified by the lecturers.

The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester:

• Face-to face component, which may consist of 3 hours of lectures per week and 1.5-hour laboratory classes each week;
• Approximately 76 hours of self-study, which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory classes, and assessment tasks.

Examination(s)

The final examination for this course will be administered in-person during the Semester 1 Final Examination period. Students must be on campus to attend the exam. Information about the scheduling of the examination will be posted by the University at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

The final examination is a hurdle requirement. A Pass mark (50% or greater) is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.

Those failing to achieve this, but who otherwise have an overall grade of 45% or better, will be offered the opportunity to sit, and pass, a further (supplementary) invigilated examination.

Students achieving a passing grade (50% or better) in that supplementary invigilated examination will be eligible to pass the course overall, but their final recorded course mark will be 50%. 

Note. The final examination for this course will be divided into three sections, one for each of the three PSYC1003 Course Modules: Biological Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; and Research Methods and Statistics.

Assessment Task 1

Laboratory In-Class Assessment -- Reflection Posts and/or Quizzes (10%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Details of Task: Laboratory classes 1 to 10 will include some form of assessment. The assessment involves either a reflection post, based specifically on information presented in the laboratory class, or an in-class quiz, based on readings from the textbook. Reflection Posts and Quizzes are intended to keep students on-track and engaged with the content of the laboratory classes.

Word Limit (where applicable): 150-word maximum for Reflection Posts; NA for quizzes.

Value: 10% of Final Grade - Each laboratory class assessment will be worth 1% of your final grade.

Due Date: Laboratory quizzes will be completed at the beginning of the laboratory class, and reflection posts will be handed in at the end of the laboratory class.

Estimated Return Dates: Reflection Posts and Quiz marks will be available approximately 2 weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 2

Research in Psychology Experience (5%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, and 6

Details of Task: We have set up two exercises to help you learn more about research in psychology (see Option 1 and Option 2 below). You can choose either of these two exercises or a combination of both – students can exclusively take up Option 1 or Option 2, but they can also choose to do a combination (i.e., complete three hours of research participation through Option 1 and two hours through Option 2). Although you are required to do one or the other (or both), you can choose which one you want (and your choice of one or the other does not need explanation). In total, you are required to spend five hours on these research participation exercises.

Option 1. You can participate in five hours of ongoing psychological research in the School of Medicine and Psychology. In this way, you can experience first-hand what real psychological research is like. And you can be part of new and ongoing research projects, designed to further our understanding of human thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Basically what happens is that researchers in the School of Medicine and Psychology will post descriptions of their studies on a system called ‘SONA’. Each description will include the title of the research, a brief description of what you will be doing, the researcher’s name and phone number, and the time, date and location of the research. You should look through all of the various research studies – sometimes up to 20 will be available – and when you find the studies that you are interested in, sign up to be a research participant via the online SONA system on the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology page, "Research in Psychology Experience". When you have completed the five hours of research participation, you will need to submit one 300-word reflection about your overall Research in Psychology Experience, which you will upload on the PSYC1003 Wattle site.

Option 2. If you would prefer not to participate in ongoing psychological research, you can, instead, read a series of published psychology journal articles (five in total), and answer specific questions about them. This exercise will allow you to learn about some important scientific discoveries in psychology. If you choose this option, you should select a journal article from the list available in the folder on the PSYC1003 Wattle site, called "Option 2_ Journal Articles to Read and Review". This list is made up of journal articles that your lecturers believe you will find interesting and educational. When you have read the journal articles, you will need to answer some brief questions about each journal article by accessing an on-line questionnaire (link to this questionnaire is in the folder on the PSYC1003 Wattle site, called "Explanation of Research in Psychology Experience"). You will need to complete the questionnaire separately for each article you read. As a rule of thumb, one article should take one hour and should equate to one hour of research participation in Option 1.

Value: 5% of Final Grade.

Estimated Final Due Date: Friday 6 June 2025 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: Marks will be available approximately 3 weeks after the due date.

Assessment Task 3

Laboratory Research Report (25%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6

Details of Task: Your assignment will be to write a laboratory research report based on an in-class psychology experiment that you will participate in. This report will include an Introduction to the research topic, with a clear outline of the Aims and Hypotheses, Results and Discussion (implications for current understanding and directions for future research). Experimental Methods will be provided to students. The assignment will also include a Literature Search for the relevant literature on which the experiment was based.

Word Limit: 2500 words maximum.

Value: 25% of Final Grade – Literature Search and Reference List (5%), Introduction and Aims & Hypotheses (10%), Methods (0%), Results and Discussion (10%).

Presentation ‘Referencing’ Requirements:  Students are expected to format the laboratory research report using guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association (APA; see required textbook, Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.).

Estimated Due Date: Monday 12 May 2025 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: Laboratory Research Reports will be available approximately three weeks after the submission due date (for on-time submissions).

Late submission is not permitted.

Assessment Task 4

Small-Group Project Presentation (15%)

Learning Outcomes: 4 and 5

Details of Task: All laboratory classes include some form of assessment. In Laboratory Class 12, the assessment involves a small-group presentation. In a small group (approximately 5 students, depending on the size of the laboratory class), students will prepare a group presentation on a topic relevant to their Laboratory Research Report (see Assessment Task 3).

Value: 15% of your final grade.

Presentation Requirements: Fifteen-minute small-group presentation, including 2 or 3 minutes of questions from your lab-group members.

Laboratory class PowerPoint presentation slides for the small-group project presentation will be submitted at 9am on the day of the laboratory class.

Due Date: The laboratory class small-group presentation is currently scheduled for the week of 19 May 2025.

Estimated Return Date: Marks will be available approximately three weeks after the presentation date (for on-time submissions). Comments will be provided by the tutor and the other students of your laboratory class during/following your presentation.

Assessment Task 5

Final Examination (45%): Biological Psychology (15%); Cognitive Psychology (15%); Research Methods and Statistics (15%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, and 4

Details of Task: There will be three one-hour multiple-choice examinations (based on lectures, laboratory classes, and required reading) on completion of the PSYC1003 Course. The exact format of the examination will be discussed in class closer to the examination dates.

Value: 45% of Final Grade (15% for each of three examinations).

Estimated Dates of the Final Examination: To confirm the date, time, and location of the final examinations please check the ANU Examination Timetable, go to: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

Estimated Return Date:  Examinations are not returned.

*The final examination is a hurdle requirement. A Pass mark (50% or greater) is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.

Assessment Task 6

HPO Students Only - Laboratory Research Report

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6

Details of Task: Your assignment will be to write a laboratory research report based on an in-class psychology experiment that you will participate in. This report will include an Introduction to the research topic, with a clear outline of the Aims and Hypotheses, Results and Discussion (implications for current understanding and directions for future research). Experimental Methods will be provided to students. The assignment will also include a Literature Search for the relevant literature on which the experiment was based.

Word Limit: 2500 words maximum PLUS an extended Introduction or Discussion section (an additional 1500 words).

Value: 25% of Final Grade – Literature Search and Reference List (5%), Introduction and Aims & Hypotheses (10%), Methods (0%), Results and Discussion (10%).

Presentation ‘Referencing’ Requirements:  Students are expected to format the laboratory research report using guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association (APA; see required textbook, Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.).

Estimated Due Date: Monday 12 May 2025 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: HPO assignments are not returned. Successful completion of the HPO will be indicated in the Academic Transcript.

Participation in the HPO must be approved.

To enrol in the HPO, simply complete the last page of the HPO application form, which you will find on the PSYC1003 Wattle site, and email to psyc1003.enquiries.rsp@anu.edu.au no later than 4:00 pm Friday 14 March 2025.

To Withdraw from the HPO — You can only withdraw from the HPO before you submit your assignment. If you wish to withdraw from the PSYC1003 HPO, simply submit the assignment as articulated in Assessment Task 3 (that is, without the extended Introduction or Discussion required in Assessment Task 6). The Laboratory Research Report you submit (whether it is HPO or not) will contribute to 25% of your overall grade.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (handwritten assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard-copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof.

Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Laboratory Research Reports that have been submitted on time will be marked and available to download from the Turnitin link on Wattle, approximately three weeks after the submission date. The exact return date will be posted on Wattle.

Late assignments (even those with formal extensions) will not be marked within this timeframe; our priority will be to mark the assignments that were handed in on time. We will aim to get the late assignments back before the end of semester. Marking of the late assignments will commence once all on-time Laboratory Reports have been marked and returned.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments not permitted.

Re-marking Policy

From the time your assignment is available on Wattle, you have 10 working days in which to request a formal re-mark.

1. If you have any questions about the assessment of a submitted piece of work, or wish to have some of the comments clarified, email your questions to the course functional email account (the address for the course functional email account is on Wattle).

2. If you think your assignment deserves a higher mark: It is your responsibility to outline in writing why, in your opinion, the original mark does not reflect the true worth of the work. Submit your request by email to the course functional email account.

3. If the Course Convener agrees to a re-mark of your work and, as a result, the mark is altered, and you accept this change, then the procedure ends, and you will not be eligible for any further re-marking of this work.

4. If you remain unhappy with the outcome, you can formally request a re-mark by an independent marker by sending your request to the course functional email account. 

The mark awarded by the independent marker for your assessment will become your final mark regardless, if it is higher, lower or the same as your original mark.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students