Course coordinator
Andrew Cowan
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Behavioural Science. The course covers broad areas including Psychology and Criminology. Students will undertake a suite of assessments including a report, exams, and crime scene analysis tasks. This course is recommended for students wishing to progress to undergraduate programs within the Health and Behavioural Sciences and the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculties at UQ.
Behavioural Science helps us to understand how we behave as individuals and more broadly as a society. The first half of the course explores psychology with a focus on the individual, covering areas such as memory, cognition, learning, social psychology, and psychological wellbeing. The second half of the course explores criminology, which covers the study of and the responses to crime. Students will examine who commits crimes and why, how crime is measured, the motivations of crime, and how to implement crime reduction strategiesﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
No prior knowledge or experience in Behavioural Science is required to study this course.
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Ms Jessica Budd
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop student interest in Behavioural Science topics and build an appreciation for how this knowledge can be used to understand contemporary issues. The course aims to enable an understanding of complex interactions, involving multiple parallel processes that constantly influence human behaviour. Further aims are to provide the student with knowledge of data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and interpretation. The course also aims to develop student capacity to critically evaluate concepts, interpretations, claims and conclusions with reference to evidence. The course aims to enable students to successfully communicate understandings, arguments, findings, and conclusions using representations, modes and genres appropriate for the context.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse and evaluate the relationship between behavioural science concepts, principles, and theories to specific situations and behaviours.
LO2.
Analyse, evaluate, and present information gathered from various sources on a behavioural science topic.
LO3.
Evaluate, through research, the relationship between specific social and individual circumstances to relevant behavioural science theory.
LO4.
Apply the relevant skills required to deliver a presentation and contribute to a group discussion
LO5.
Communicate understandings, findings, arguments, and conclusions associated with behavioural science theories, questions, and research questions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Term 1 Quizzes
|
25% |
16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research Report | 10% |
28/02/2025 10:00 pm |
| Presentation | Research Report Presentation | 15% |
Slides Subitted by 9:00am 10/03/2025 - 10/03/2025 Presentations 10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique | Crime Scene Analysis | 25% |
30/05/2025 10:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
25% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Term 1 Quizzes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Two Quizzes will be conducted during scheduled classes in week 10.
Quiz 1 - Concepts
Quiz 2 - Application
Further details via task sheet on blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Completed during scheduled classes.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Research Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/02/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Methods and Results
Further details via task sheet on blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submission: Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Research Report Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Slides Subitted by 9:00am 10/03/2025 - 10/03/2025
Presentations 10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Discussion and Conclusion
Further details via task sheet on blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Presentation Slides are to be submitted by Monday 9:00am via turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Crime Scene Analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/05/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Further details via task sheet on blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submission: Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Final Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Further details via task sheet on blackboard.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationﾠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional Reference Text:
Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding 3rd Edition, Scott O. Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, Laura L. Namy, Graham Jamieson, and Anthony Marks ISBN: 9781488615740
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
What is Psychology? Introducing the field of Psychology and how it is relevant to current society; Aims of Psychology; Levels of Explanation; The Concept of Research Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Scientific Methods in Psychology An introduction to scientific research and journal articles; APA 7th referencing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (28 Oct - 03 Nov) |
Workshop |
Research Methods, Design, and Experimentation This topic aims to provide you with an understanding of different research designs and research methods for psychology and health sciences. Hypothesis design; Research design; Methodological errors. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (04 Nov - 10 Nov) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Criminology Introducing the discipline. Why is it important to study crime? Focus of this subject; Examination of the causes, correlates, Theories of crime; What is crime? What is deviance: Different types of crime. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (11 Nov - 17 Nov) |
Workshop |
Crime Trends Understanding changes in the types of crimes occurring in a defined geographical area and time period. Who collects this information and why is it important? Measuring crime; data sources; Other crime classifications; The Crime Drop; Case study-homicide; Overview of theoretical perspectives - psychological, sociological. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 6 (18 Nov - 24 Nov) |
Workshop |
Role of the Brain Introducing the structure and function of the brain and how it interacts with the external world. Basic structure. Neurons; Function of human nervous system. Central and peripheral nervous systems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Cognition What is cognition? How is it relevant for learning? Examining theories of cognitive functioning and processes. Cognitive development; Neural plasticity; Critical and sensitive periods of development; Types of intelligence; Attachment theories; Early abuse/deprivation on cognitive development, Social-cultural and information processing theories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (09 Dec - 15 Dec) |
Workshop |
Term 1 Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 10 (16 Dec - 22 Dec) |
Workshop |
Quizzes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Workshop |
Memory What is memory? An overview to the first part of the human memory system; Encoding, storage, retrieval of information; Different types of memory; How to enhance memory; False memories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 13 To Week 14 |
Workshop |
Learning What is Classical Conditioning and how does it impact learning? What is Operant Conditioning and its influence on behaviour? Research Report skills/support - Method & Results (Written) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 15 To Week 16 |
Workshop |
Social Psychology What is social psychology? Influence and persuasion; What is obedience? Obedience experiments throughout history. Examining the scientific study of human behaviour in a social context. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 17 To Week 18 |
Workshop |
Psychological Health Introducing the ways in which human behavioural patterns have been conceptualised as 'abnormal' or dysfunctional. Affective disorders (Depressive/Bipolar and related psychological disorders); Anxiety (related trauma, OCD, eating disorders); Schizophrenia (other mental health disorders); Stigma and discrimination; Examining different approaches to management and/or treatments of psychological health. Treatment/treatment options; Positive psychology (preventative measures). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 19 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Psychological Factors Does IQ and personality play a role in criminal behaviour? IQ - old verses current perspectives; Personality - Does it predict criminality; Personality disorders and psychopathy; Crime and mental illness. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Presentations Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 21 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Biological Factors and Criminal Behaviour Exploring the complex interplay between biological factors and criminal behaviour. Early biological explanations: physiognomy, phrenology, Lombroso; Body-type Theory, family studies, Eugenics; Twin studies, adoption studies and genetics; Biosocial approach: brain, neurotransmitters, nervous system and environmental factors; Can criminal behaviour be learned? Consider that criminal and deviant behaviour is learnt through the association with or exposure to others. Revision of classical and operant conditioning; Differential Association - Sutherland; Cultural and sub-cultural theories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 22 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Learning Theories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 23 (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Workshop |
Developmental Theories Overview of developmental theories in psychology and how they can be used in Criminology to analyse and /or explain behaviour; Erikson, Piaget, Bowlby, Dandura, Vygotsky; Development of aggression over life's course - Akers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 24 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Role of Society and Crime 1 Correlates of Crime; Exploring the associations of specific non-criminal factors with crime. Race and Ethnicity; Age; Sex; Drugs and alcohol; Religion; Exploring the associations of economic and socio-economic, and demographic factors with crime. Economic and socio-economic factors: inequality, poverty, income, employment, housing; Health; Education Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 25 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Anomie and Strain Introducing the sociological theory of Functionalism and how it explains crime in society. Overview of Functionalism; Durkheim's anomie and view of crime; Strain Theory - Merton; Example - White Collar Crime; Case study - Drugs ('meth') and organised crime Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 26 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Conflict Theories and Criminology Introducing the sociological theory of Conflict theory. This theory examines how inequalities, associated with social and economic factors, are considered as the causes of crime and deviance. Differences between Functionalism (consensus) and conflict theories; Overview conflict theories - Marx, Vold, Turk, Quinney, Black; Common elements of conflict theories; Examples and Case study Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 27 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Symbolic Interaction and Labelling Introducing the sociological theory of Symbolic Interactionism. This theory examines the meaning we attached to symbols. As meaning can be subjective, it can be very influential. Could one word change your life? Overview of Symbolic Interactionism; Labelling Theory - Tannenbaum; Overview of theorist - Lemert, Becker, Katz, Zimbardo; Examples and Case study. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 28 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
The Role of Society and Crime 2 Neighbourhood Theories. Understanding the role of neighbourhoods in crime and crime prevention. Crime mapping - crime, place and space; Human Ecology - Robert Park; Concentric Zone Model - Burgess; Social Disorganisation Theory - Shaw and Mckay; Collective Efficacy Theory - Sampson; Disorder and Broken Windows Theories - Kelling and Wilson; Zimbardo. Criminology scenarios Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 29 (02 Jun - 08 Jun) |
Workshop |
Classic Criminology Retracing the beginnings of criminology and early theorists and theories and their contribution to the discipline. Criminology's beginnings - the influence of Beccaria; Deterrence Theory - How effective is punishment? Rational Choice Theory; Routine Activities Theory; Situational Crime Prevention; Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED); Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Review of concepts and theories; Application of concepts and theories. Exam preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.