Course coordinator
Dr Natasha Matthews
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
This course provides coverage of advanced topics in the application of psychological theory to real-world settings. Emphasis is on the application of theories in social, organisational, and clinical psychology to practical issues of everyday life.
The discipline of psychology is grounded in and inspired by the challenges posed by human behaviour; it is also uniquely suited to informing the diagnosis, design, implementation and evaluation of solutions to these challenges.
However, when faced with a challenge, the breadth of the discipline and wide variety of behaviours it examines can make it rather hard to know where to start. Additionally, although psychological research can shed a great deal of light on how to design and roll out change programs and interventions that are most likely to work, this work is seldom taught in an integrated way.
The aim of this course is to provide students with a foundational basis for which to apply their extensive repertoire of psychological knowledge, skills and training to solving challenges and problems at an individual, local, national and even international level.
To achieve this aim, this course provides:
- An evidence-based context of how, why and when psychological knowledge, concepts, and principles are applied in real life settings.
- Opportunities to identify problems that can be tackled through behavioural change programs and organisational interventions, and to design evaluative frameworks for these interventions
- Interactive platforms in the forms of guest lectures, to allow students to actively engage with practitioners, consultants, and other non-academic professionals who are implementing psychological research and theory on a daily basis. ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is designed to be taken in your last year of study in the undergraduate psychology sequence. It is assumed that you have already completed PSYC2010, PSYC2040, and that you have either completed or are doing PSYC3010 concurrently.ﾠ
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PSYC3033
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science(Honours)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Natasha Matthews
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course has the following aims:
- To inform students about the principles and realisms of applied psychology.ﾠ
- To explore how humanﾠbehaviours form and can be modified at an individual, group, organisational or community level.
- To expose students to a sample of real-world problems that are tackled by psychologists, practitioners, consultants and other psychology-based professionals.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Generate and articulate new understanding on how your undergraduate degree can be applied in a variety of domains, roles and fields
LO2.
Link the theory-research-practice cycle to a range of topics and challenges of human behaviour
LO3.
Describe the ethical boundaries and constraints of applied psychology
LO4.
Critically appraise current behavioural change processes and practices.
LO5.
Describe the theories, practices and streams of research relevant to domains of applied psychology
LO6.
Synthesise behavioural change processes and practices that strengthen cultural responsiveness and can lead to tangible benefits for members of marginalised groups in society, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Weekly Tutorial worksheet
|
16% |
3/03/2025 - 23/05/2025 |
| Examination |
Exam
|
34% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique | Behaviour Change Program | 50% |
23/05/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Weekly Tutorial worksheet
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 16%
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 23/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assessment item draws on the content of all course Modules
Each course tutorial will include a worksheet for students to complete during tutorial time. The worksheet will cover questions related to the content of that weeks lecture, and/or the content of the tutorial. Tutorial worksheets can be completed alone or in collaboration with students in your tutorial group.
Each worksheet will be marked out of 2 marks. Marks for your top 8 (out of 10) tutorial worksheets will count toward your final grade. All worksheets must be completed during tutorial time. There are no extensions provided for worksheets assessment.
Submission guidelines
Worksheets are submitted via the link provided on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
Late submissions are not permitted
Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 34%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Students will complete an exam consisting of both multiple choice and short answer questions. The exam will be based on the content covered in Module 1(including content from the lectures, tutorials and assigned readings from weeks 1-6). The exam must be completed in person and is NOT open book. Exams are scheduled and administered by UQ Central Examinations.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Behaviour Change Program
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
This assessment item draws on the content of Module 2: Behaviour Change Programs.
Students will develop a Behaviour Change Program to address one of the topics provided in the assessment folder on Blackboard. Students will justify their challenge diagnosis (i.e., the behaviour and construct they have selected to address) and explain and justify the intervention that they have designed to address the challenge. The project will provide an evidence-based rationale for both aspects (diagnosis and design) and will make the links between the diagnosis and design clear.
The word limit for this assessment is 1500 words (± 10%), excluding the reference list. The essay must be submitted in a Word document (.doc or .docx) format to allow your tutor to provide detailed feedback. A detailed marking rubric will be provided on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 46.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Word limits: You are expected to complete your assignment within the specified word limit. This word limit does not include your reference list (but does include in-text references), any appendices, tables and figures. Once you have exceeded this upper limit, the marker of your assignment will stop reading and you will not receive any marks for sections of your assignment beyond the word limit. Given this, it is really important to keep your assignment within the word limit. Your word processor will have a word count facility, make sure you use it.
Ifﾠ you feel the mark for an assignment is not appropriate, you should first speak to the marker (your tutor) to gain a better understanding of the mark. If you feel the mark is inappropriate after consulting with the marker, you should request a re-mark (using the request for re-mark form online). https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result. Please read the criteria for a remark carefully and make sure you address it. There is a deadline for remark requests; refer to the remark policy for further details Assessment Procedure / Document / Policy and Procedure Library.
The re-mark constitutes the final mark. Keep in mind that a re-mark has one of three possible outcomes: (1) the mark may stay the same; (2) the mark may be decreased; or (3) the mark may be increased.
It is also not possible to award you extra marks because you are close to a grade cut-off. Unfortunately, a number of students will be just below the cut off in any grading system. This is a consequence of converting scores on a 100-point scale to a 1 to 7 grade scale. You will only be awarded additional marks if there has been an error in marking on the exam or assignments.
Efforts will be made to return marked assignments within three weeks of submission.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to applied psychology Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
The research, theory and practice cycle Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Introduction to reflection Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Challenges in the application of psychology (part 1) and Applied psychology in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Career planning in psychology 1 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Challenges in the application of psychology (part 2) and Applied psychology in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Overcoming the challenges of applied psychology Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Ethical considerations in applied psychology (Part 1) and Applied psychology in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Case study: Ethics in psychology Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Ethical considerations in applied psychology (Part 2) and Applied psychology in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Career planning in psychology 2 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Applied psychology in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Career planning in psychology 3 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Behaviour and Behaviour Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No tutorials |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Behaviour Change Programs Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Behaviour Change Program: Assessment information and using high quality sources Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture (Public Holiday) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Behaviour Change Program: Facilitating behaviour change and choosing target behaviours Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Diagnosis, design, implementation and evaluation of Behaviour Change Programs Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Behaviour Change Programs: Linking target behaviours to psychological mechanisms Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Behaviour Change Programs in action Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Career planning in psychology 4 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Postgraduate Programs in Psychology Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: