Psychology
Psychology explores the nature of the human mind and behaviours with the goal of promoting greater awareness and acceptance of the differences between individuals.
Our Psychology units are engaging and stimulating. Psychology is designed to help students reflect, create, communicate and analyse. Through our exploration of the human mind, behaviour and condition, students have the opportunity to develop their own understanding of the individuals and groups they encounter in their lives as well as applying general principles and theories to their own development.
Studying Psychology at Dickson College is for those thinking about a career not only in psychology, but any area that involves an interest in the human mind and behaviour. It is also very helpful in developing critical and creative thinking, research and writing skills that can benefit the student in any subject throughout their further studies.
Students will study units from the list below, however not all units are offered each year.
The introductory units are likely to be:
- Social Influence, Attitudes and Prejudice
- Consciousness, Learning and Memory
Social Influence, Attitudes and Prejudice is a social psychology unit that investigates how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. It is a practical unit that allows students to use their own lives and relationships as case studies as they discover the theories and processes behind our everyday behaviour and interactions with others.
Consciousness, Learning and Memory is a cognitive psychology unit that uncovers the mysteries of the brain and how we think, remember, perceive, speak, solve problems, and learn. It is a science focussed unit that forms an excellent base for exploring the more abstract psychological concepts and theories in future units.
Other units offered may include:
- Psychology of Happiness
- Personality and Abnormal Psychology
- Infancy to Adulthood
Students may study a Minor (two semesters) or Major (four semesters) in Psychology. Students can combine two units of Psychology with two units of Sociology to form a Behavioural Science major.
Assessment for psychology takes the form of two research assignments (such as experiment reports, essays, oral presentations etc) and two tests (multiple choice and extended response), worth 25% each.
Psychology A
We also offer a course for students who are interested in psychology but don't want to study it at tertiary level.
The Psychology A course can be done as a minor, undertaken over two semesters. The units explores the uniqueness of the individual, enabling students to develop self-awareness and an understanding of emotions and the factors that trigger these. The units assists students in developing a mindfulness and empathy for themselves and others, giving an insight into family, peer and social relationships.
There are four major pieces of assessment throughout each semester. The assessment is based on a test each term, a personal portfolio and an oral research presentation, with weightings varying from 20 to 30% for each task.