PSYC11-100: Foundations of Psychology: Biology and Personality

Description

This subject introduces students to the science and profession of psychology. The subject overviews theory and research across a number of domains within the discipline (e.g., Biological Psychology and Personality) and describes how research in these domains contributes to our understanding of human behaviour. This subject also aims to develop a critical thinking perspective on issues and findings in psychological research.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: PSYC11-100
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • May 2026 [Standard Offering]
  • September 2026 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2025: $4,460.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $4,600.00
  • Commencing in 2027: $4,810.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,990.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $6,260.00
  • Commencing in 2027: $6,550.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply foundational psychological theories, concepts, and empirical findings to explain human behaviour and experience across the domains of biological bases of behaviour, consciousness, personality, and psychopathology.
  2. Analyse theory and research in biological psychology and personality.
  3. Write a laboratory report presenting psychological research findings using APA conventions through the critical evaluation, selection, and synthesis of relevant literature.
  4. Apply ethical principles and the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct when conducting and reporting psychological research.
  5. Apply culturally responsive principles in psychological inquiry, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to the diversity of individuals more broadly.
  6. Reflect on how personal values, assumptions and biases influence psychological inquiry.
  7. Explain the psychosocial demands of psychological study and the principles of self-care that support sustainable practice.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil
Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

All Psychology programs are accredited in the sequence presented and designed to provide students with learning and graduate outcomes in line with APAC accreditation standards. In order to meet these outcomes, students in the Undergraduate program should complete PSYC11, then PSYC12, and finally PSYC13 subjects in the order sequenced.
Restrictions:

Subject outlines

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 22/03/2026
    Semester start: 18/05/2026
    Subject start: 18/05/2026
    Last enrolment: 31/05/2026
    Teaching census: 12/06/2026
    Withdraw - Financial: 13/06/2026
    Withdraw - Academic: 04/07/2026
  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 19/07/2026
    Semester start: 14/09/2026
    Subject start: 14/09/2026
    Last enrolment: 27/09/2026
    Teaching census: 09/10/2026
    Withdraw - Financial: 10/10/2026
    Withdraw - Academic: 31/10/2026
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 22/03/2026
Semester start: 18/05/2026
Subject start: 18/05/2026
Last enrolment: 31/05/2026
Teaching census: 12/06/2026
Withdraw - Financial: 13/06/2026
Withdraw - Academic: 04/07/2026