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Psychology

Stage I

Individual, Social and Applied Psychology

Topics covered may include: developmental and social psychology including group behaviour, the measurement of mental abilities, intelligence, models of personality, clinical and health psychology, methods of therapeutic intervention, and the psychological similarities and differences between cultures. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.

Mind, Brain and Behaviour

Topics covered may include: the nature of sensory and perceptual processes, the cause of perceptual illusions, the structure and function of the human brain, approaches to animal and human learning, models of human language and memory, and the design of psychological experiments. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.

Restriction: PSYCH 129

Stage II

Perception and Cognition

An introduction to a variety of topics in human experimental psychology. Topics covered may include: perceptual processes, attention, memory, mental imagery, language development, theory of mind, problem solving and decision making. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I Psychology

Biopsychology

Provides a basic introduction to the structure and function of the brain, neuropsychology, and genetic and hormonal influences on behaviour. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103

Learning and Behaviour

A consideration of the environmental factors that control and modify animal (including human) behaviour. Generally, an experimental laboratory approach is taken, and quantitative theories are stressed. Topics include: classical and operant conditioning, theories of reinforcement, the stimulus control of operant behaviour, behavioural analyses of problem solving, concept learning and language, choice, self control, remembering and experimental design. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103

Social Psychology

Focuses on humans as social beings. Covers topics such as social cognition, attitudes, group processes, interpersonal relationships, and language communication. The course may include participation in and completion of a research project.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I Psychology

Theories of Personality and Development

The major personality theories are presented including: Behavioural, Cognitive, Social-Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Humanistic/Phenomenological, Trait/Dispositional and Biological/Evolutionary. The hypotheses generated by these theories, about development from early childhood onwards and about 'normal' and 'abnormal' behaviour, will be discussed and evaluated in terms of empirical evidence and utility. Attention will be paid to cultural issues of relevance in a New Zealand context.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

Producing Psychological Knowledge

How do you go about answering a research question? What is a research question anyway? Which research methodology and method will best provide the types of answers you are looking for? Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and why and how we know it, including philosophy of science, methodology, ethics, research outcomes, and particular methods.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

Restriction: PSYCH 262

Stage III

Cognitive Science

Provides an introduction to cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered include: visual and auditory perception, attention, memory, thinking and problem-solving. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Human Neuroscience

Covers material relating to the neural basis of cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and language. Students will be introduced to different methods of inferring mind-brain relations in normal and neurologically-impaired individuals, and different ways of conceptualising mind-brain relations, such as connectionism and modularism.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191, or 15 points from either PHYSIO 220 or MEDSCI 206

Research Methods in Psychology

This course deals with principles and practices relevant to psychological research, including philosophy of science, research ethics, research design, measurement of dependent variables, describing and analysing data, and interpreting results. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Research Topic

A course of research supervised by a staff member and written up as a course for publication instead of a final examination. A list of available supervisors and topics is published each year in the Psychology Department Undergraduate Handbook.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191
Corequisite: Student must be enrolled in (or have completed) an additional 45 points at Stage III in Psychology courses plus Head of Department approval

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 308 A and B

Learning

A discussion of how behaviour is controlled and modified by discriminative stimuli and by consequential reinforcers and punishers. The emphasis is on laboratory research with animals, but with some human data also considered. Topics include: choice behaviour, punishment, avoidance, psychophysics, memory, and cognition. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191 or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences
Restriction: PSYCH 362

Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Describes and evaluates psychological approaches to the assessment and treatment of those mental health problems, in adults and children, most commonly encountered by clinical psychologists. Consideration is given to work in mental health, corrections, child protection and neuropsychology rehabilitation. Issues relevant to Māori mental health, gender, cross-cultural work and prevention are included.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Advanced Topics in Social Psychology

This paper focuses on a number of key topics in social and community psychology. One module examines issues in identity and well-being, a second module looks at interpersonal influence and intimate relationships, and a third module addresses collective behaviour and social issues.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Psychology of Communication Disorders

This course studies the links between psychological processes and communication disorders. Hearing and speech and language development will be covered. A range of communication disorders will be introduced. Psychosocial aspects of communication disorders including impact on self-esteem, health-related quality of life, peer/interpersonal relationships and educational and behavioural consequences of communication disorders in children will also be discussed.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Evolution, Behaviour and Cognition

How does behaviour in non-human animals evolve? Do other animals have language? Do they have culture? Can human behaviour be explained in evolutionary terms? This course addresses these questions and the methods that can be used to answer them.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191, or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences

Psychology and Gender

The study of gender is crucial to understanding many everyday aspects of our lives, as well as many contemporary social issues. This course provides an introduction to selected key issues in the critical psychology of gender, from a social constructionist perspective. Topics that will be covered include gendered bodies, masculinity and femininity, sexuality, rape, and mental health.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191, or 30 points at Stage II in Women's Studies

Special Topic

Industrial, Work and Organisational Psychology

An introduction to core areas of industrial, work and organisational Psychology. This field of Psychology is concerned with improving the performance and well-being of people at work at individual, group and organisational levels, recognising the interdependencies among these levels, and between people and their environments. Emphasis is given to the interplay between science and practice.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology, or MGMT 211 and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191
Restriction: PSYCH 312, 314

Life Span Development

The development of people across the life span is studied. Describes key milestones in development and examines the causes and processes that produce stability and change in people's development over time. Topics discussed will include aspects of cognitive, social and physical development with consideration given to biological, societal and family influences. Attention will also be given to development within the New Zealand context.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Restriction: PSYCH 316

Health Psychology

An introduction to the study of links between psychological processes and health/illness. The course discusses a number of psychological issues relating to serious illnesses (cancers, coronary heart disease etc.) and links to other aspects of physical well-being (eg, exercise, diet). Consideration will be given both to the theoretical models which have been developed within health psychology and to the types of methodology used in their investigation.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II Psychology and 15 points from STATS 101-125, 191

Diploma Courses

Practicum

This includes a practical component of up to 1,500 hours of supervised work in an approved applied psychology setting, with an emphasis on the application of research principles and designs. Evaluation is by internal assessment and assessment by field supervisors.

Restriction: PSYCH 650

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 651 A and B

Graduate Diploma Dissertation in Psychology

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 690 A and B

PG Diploma Dissertation in Psychology

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 691 A and B

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

Forensic Psychology

Covers psychological theories of crime and violence, empirical research relevant to the assessment and treatment of youth and adult offenders, with particular emphasis on violent and sexual offenders, and the range of roles for clinical psychologists in forensic and correctional settings such as prisons, community and forensic psychiatric hospitals.

Clinical Neuropsychology

Consists of: an introduction to neuroanatomy and neuropathology, seminars on the major areas of neuropsychological dysfunction, introduction to community-used test materials and theoretical issues of neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological dysfunction, individual assessment and individual case studies.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 708 A and B

Advanced Operant Behaviour

A seminar course on advanced treatments of learning and behaviour including both reinforcement and stimulus control. A research-oriented approach is stressed in both pure and applied areas and in the technological application of basic principles in educational and clinical procedures.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 711 A and B

The Psychology of Psychosis

A summary and critique of recent research concerning the psycho-social causes of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, the psychological mechanisms by which adverse life events increase the risk of psychosis, and the effectiveness of psychological treatments for psychosis. Includes discussion of reductionist, biological approaches to psychosis from historical, economic and sociological perspectives.

Advanced Child Psychology

This course is seminar-based involving critical evaluation of research and theory in child psychology. Set readings will be discussed on topics in areas such as: early cognitive development, language and reading development, attachment and temperament, self-regulation, social competence, behavioural problems and parenting.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 713 A and B

Cognitive Neuroscience

An advanced seminar on cognitive neuroscience. Topics may include: neuroanatomy, neuroimaging methodologies, neurological and developmental disorders, and the organisation of higher cognitive functions such as attention, language, memory and executive functions. Emphasis will be placed on current developments relevant to the understanding of human psychological processes.

Psychology and Sustainability

Human behaviour and thinking is central to both the sustainability problem and viable solutions. This course considers the psychological barriers to thinking and acting sustainably and how theories and research on emotions, modelling, identity, belonging, moral development and the evolution of cooperation can be applied to overcome these barriers. There will be particular emphasis on how to develop 'sustainability consciousness' in individuals and organisations.

Social Psychology and Interpersonal Processes

Key empirical and theoretical areas in contemporary social psychology form the basis of this seminar-based course. Topics will include social cognition, interpersonal influence, communication, and close personal relationships. Students will also conduct small research projects investigating central topics covered in the course.

Community Psychology

This course is about the application of psychological knowledge and research skills to issues faced by communities. Students will design an intervention relevant to a social issue. Theoretical approaches to working in community settings and the practical challenges involved will be discussed.

Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation

Major theories used in clinical practice to understand psychological problems will be discussed, including behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, systems and psychodynamic models. Emphasis is on assessment and formulation of clients' problems rather than therapeutic intervention. Approaches covered are those that are most commonly employed by psychologists practicing in New Zealand.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 723

Restriction: PSYCH 709

Research Topic in Psychology

A research topic undertaken under the direct supervision of a staff member and written up for presentation, instead of a final examination paper. A list of staff available for supervision, and their areas of interest and expertise, is published each year in the Psychology Department Handbook.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 720 A and B

Consciousness and Cognition

This course will discuss recent research on consciousness from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered may include: implicit learning, implicit memory, blindsight, the split-brain syndrome, amnesia and hemineglect.

Human Learning and Development

Focuses on the processes and factors that influence human learning from early childhood and beyond. Topics discussed may include: early social cognition, language development, and the factors that influence school and life success. Consideration will be given to diverse contexts and populations.

Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment

Provides an overview of common mental health problems in childhood and adulthood and the methods that clinical psychologists use to assess these. Examines theories of causation and risk factors for a number of mental health problems. Also introduces and critiques diagnostic tools and psychometric instruments used in assessment.

Special Topic

Evolutionary Psychology

This course will cover evolutionary concepts as they apply to psychological issues. Specific topics may include: the evolution of tool use, language, cerebral asymmetry, theory of mind, culture and the sociobiology/evolutionary psychology debates.

Special Topic

Special Topic

Professional Psychology Practice In New Zealand

Aims to equip students with knowledge and skills required for registration as a psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Topics include the structure and functions of the Psychologists Board/Health and Disability Commissioner, cultural competency (obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safe practice), professional ethics (Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/New Zealand) and related legislation. For students enrolled in the PGDipAppPsych.

Social Psychology and Intergroup Processes

Focuses on the application of social psychological knowledge and theory to the understanding of broad social and cultural processes and phenomena, such as violence, prejudice, group behaviour and conflict, intergroup dynamics, collective behaviour, social beliefs, cultural differentiation and contact.

Work Analysis and Design

Reviews concepts, methods, applications and current research in work analysis and design, in the multidisciplinary field of industrial, work and organisational psychology.

Reading Acquisition

Reading is a developmental milestone. How children learn to read, why they fail, and the cognitive processes underlying reading are the main issues addressed in this course. Adult models of reading and acquired dyslexia will also be considered, as they relate to developmental models.

Sensory Science

A range of methods commonly used to measure sensory capacity will be explored, with an emphasis on the difference between methods commonly used by technicians and scientists and how these methods can be improved. Appropriate methods for use in psychological science as well as in industry will be explored.

Special Topic

Special Topic

Critical Qualitative Research

An in-depth focus on critical and discursive approaches to psychological research will be provided in this seminar-based course. Content will include examination of key theoretical underpinnings of critical qualitative research, as well as the practical application of such approaches.

Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology

Covers applications of the general linear model to research design and analysis. Topics include: univariate techniques (analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, regression) and multivariate techniques (multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, multivariate regression, and factor analysis).

Prerequisite: PSYCH 306 or consent of Department

The Psychology of Death and Dying

Introduction to psychological aspects of death and dying. There will be a brief introduction to psychological models and demography. Death rituals and culture, communication, timeliness of death, palliative care and end of life decision making will also be discussed.

Perception, Cognition, Action

Seminar-based introduction to theories and models linking (human, animal and machine) perception, cognition and action, with emphasis on competing approaches to perceptual-motor control and learning, using evidence from classic and contemporary research in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Restriction: PSYCH 735

Psychological Assessment

This course focuses on developing skills in the assessment and evaluation of constructs commonly used in psychology research and practice. We will cover the critical aspects of psychometric theory and test construction including assessments of reliability and validity, item analysis, cultural sensitivity and potential biases in measurement, and assessments involving diagnostic practices, interviewing, and behavioural observations.

Restriction: PSYCH 701

Health Psychology Interventions

This course focuses on theoretical, practical and ethical issues concerning the design and evaluation of health-related interventions. Covers research on a variety of clinic-based and community interventions including programmes for promoting healthy diet and exercise habits, psychosocial interventions for individuals with chronic illnesses and pain management interventions.

Restriction: PSYCH 701

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Methods

A study of the principles and issues involved with the observation, measurement, and functional analysis of an individual human or animal's behaviour in some applied setting. Particular emphasis will be placed on the rationale behind single-subject research designs, and their application to the validation of interventions aimed at modifying behaviour.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 750 A and B

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Behaviour Modification

A study of the techniques and issues involved with modifying an individual human or animal's behaviour in some applied setting. Appropriate and effective applications of scientific principles of learning will be taught, as will pertinent topics researched in the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour. Topics will include the application of research into associative learning, reinforcement, punishment, extinction, avoidance, stimulus control and choice.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 751 A and B

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Study of the behavioural aspects, aetiologies and therapeutic interventions for disorders usually diagnosed during childhood that are associated with reduced abilities to learn. Examples include intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) and pervasive developmental disorders (eg, autism).

Restriction: PSYCH 752

Gender, Power, and Sexuality

This seminar-based course will allow students to explore a broad range of topics such as: sexual coercion, prostitution, rape, pornography, safer sex, lesbian and gay sexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, sexology, sex therapy, intersex, transgender, sexuality and culture. The emphasis will be on looking at questions from the perspective of theoretical approaches such as Foucault's work on sexuality and feminist theories.

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis

Advanced education and training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in preparation for a professional career. Topics include ethical, professional, and practical issues confronting behaviour analysts in employment; recent research in ABA and other sciences with respect to clinical, educational, and other populations with whom behaviour analysts typically work.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 750, 751

Corequisite: PSYCH 651

Restriction: PSYCH 753

Workplace Assessment and Development

Focuses on assessing and developing employees at work. Both organisation and employee/candidate perspectives are considered through the process of recruitment, assessment, selection, socialisation, performance, and training and development. Students will be encouraged to adopt a scientist-practitioner perspective, through class discussions and assignments.

Organisational Psychology

Focuses on attitudes and behaviours at work that reflect or impact on the relationship between employee and employer, with a particular emphasis on topics that are proposed to impact on employee well-being and productivity (eg, job satisfaction, motivation, leadership). Students will be encouraged to adopt a scientist-practitioner perspective, through class discussions and assignments.

Advanced Industrial, Work and Organisational Psychology

Investigates current research in selected topics in industrial, work and organisational psychology, such as occupational stress, work-related fatigue, human-machine-environment interactions, decision making, automation, technology at work and safety management.

Prerequisite and Corequisite: PSYCH 737

Portfolio of Professional Practice Reports

A portfolio of original reports associated with the student's practicum experience and demonstrating the ability to make appropriate use of the scientific literature in solving problems in professional practice, as required by the New Zealand Psychologists Board for the practice of psychology. For students enrolled in the PGDipAppPsych specialising in IWO.

Corequisite: PSYCH 651

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 763 A and B

Clinical Practice 1 and Professional Issues

Consists of two parts: First, psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Consideration of psychotherapy research and practical exercises are incorporated. Secondly, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 771 A and B

Clinical Practice 2

Advanced psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two, 200 hour placements, in either an adult setting or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 772 A and B

Clinical Internship

Includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1500 hours in an approved health setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routing clinical practice. A university-based seminar series that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 773 A and B

Honours Dissertation in Psychology

Restriction: PSYCH 789

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 788 A and B

Masters Thesis in Psychology

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 796 A and B

Named Doctoral Courses

Scientist-practitioner Model 1

Research based psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Advanced clinical research design, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, supervision practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment. Includes one 200-hour placement in either an adult or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

Scientist-practitioner Model 2

Advanced psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy, family therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two 200-hour placements, in either an adult setting or child and family setting. One of these may, depending on staff availability, be in a specialist setting. Options may include: clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, assessment and psychological treatment of psychoses, child and adolescent clinical psychology, drug and alcohol addiction, and others. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 801

Restriction: PSYCH 813, 814

Internship

This includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1,500 hours in an approved setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routine psychological clinical practice. A university based seminar course that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 801, 802

Restriction: PSYCH 821

Portfolio of Clinical Research

Five original research projects demonstrating appropriate use of the scientist-practitioner model (single case design, programme evaluation or group research may be included). One project will be conducted within each of the three placements associated with the courses PSYCH 801 and 802, and two within the Internship, PSYCH 803. At least one project should be related to research with an adult population, and at least one with a child and family population. The Portfolio will be examined by two internal academic psychologists and assessed by the two external Thesis examiners.

Restriction: PSYCH 894, 895

Thesis

An original research dissertation completed over the three years of the degree (75 points in year 1, 60 points in year 2, and 15 points in year 3). The research may be basic or applied, but must be relevant to some area of clinical psychology and represent a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.

Restriction: PSYCH 896

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Source: The University of Auckland 2012 Online Calendar
Last updated on: Tuesday 1 November 2011
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