PSYC4400

Advanced Topics in Biological, Cognitive & Developmental Psychology

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

This course forms part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited sequence.
Students participate in in-depth seminars and discussions in an advanced topic related to a specific area of cognitive or biological or developmental psychology defined by the seminar leader. A wide range of topics are available every year and these vary from year to year.
Students CANNOT take PSYC4400 with ANY of the following courses:
PSYC6740 or PSYC6750.

Objectives

At the successfull completion of this course, students will further develop their ability to:
1. demonstrate knowledge in their topic area at an advanced level.
2. conduct a targeted literature search to identify critical issues and theoretical perspectives relevant to the specific topic;
3. critically evaluate and integrate perspectives on the topic;
4. prepare and present a powerpoint presentation that integrates this information, analyses the topic in depth and presents
this information in an interesting and comprehensible manner;
5. identify critical readings for the class and discussants;
6. participate as discussant in leading a conversation regarding critical issues relevant to the topic, thereby developing
informed discussion and debate skills;
7. integrate critical issues and theoretical information relevant to the seminar topic in an essay with appropriate
interpretation and evaluation.

Content

This course deals with current research in the areas of biological, cognitive, and developmental psychology. A list of topics will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Transition

Students CANNOT take PSYC4400 with ANY of the following courses:
PSYC6740 or PSYC6750.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

An APAC accredited sequence in Psychology (years 1 - 3)

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Seminar

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments
Group/tutorial participation and contribution	Students are required to participate as discussant on 2 presentations by other students
Presentations - Individual	Students will prepare a short presentation and a powerpoint file on a key topic in the area of study.

Contact Hours

Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the BPsychology, BArts(Hons), BScience(Hons), BSocScience(Hons)

Timetables