Postgraduate - Edith Cowan University

PSY4150 15 Credit Points
Health and Clinical Psychology
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit examines psychological, biological and social influences
on people’s health. The determinants of healthy behaviour will be
considered, as will how people stay healthy, how and why they
become ill and how they deal with acute and chronic illness. Both
physical and mental health and illness will be the focus of the
unit.
PSY4151 7.5 Credit Points
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit allows students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in
Psychology to study in depth a domain of literature that highlights
current issues impacting upon the development of psychological
theory or the application of psychological principles. The material
reviewed in this unit may focus on current debates in the areas of
research, clinical, forensic or community psychology.
PSY4152 7.5 Credit Points
Research Proposal
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
The research project and literature review is completed during two
semesters of full-time study (or the part time equivalent), during
which time the candidate is under the supervision of a member of
the School of Psychology staff. In this unit students develop their
research skills by designing a project, achievable in the time
available, to give a clear answer to a research question (or
manageable set of research questions). Projects need to be related
to content areas taught in the psychology course. During second
semester (in the units PSY4253 and PSY4254) the literature
review and research project are completed and written up by the
candidate.
PSY4205 15 Credit Points
Theoretical Aspects of Psychology and Law
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the field of
forensic psychology, by examining the application of
psychological knowledge and methods to issues in the operation
of criminal and civil law. This will include the psychology of
aspects of criminal investigations, the trial and post trial
processes, and civil and family law.
PSY4253 15 Credit Points
Research Literature Review
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
Prerequisite :
PSY4152 Research Proposal
In this unit students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in
Psychology complete a literature review on a topic closely related
to their research project designed in the unit PSY4152 Research
Proposal, under the supervision of their academic supervisor.
PSY4254 15 Credit Points
Research Project
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
Prerequisite :
PSY4152 Research Proposal
In this unit students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in
Psychology conduct the research project designed in the unit
PSY4152 Research Proposal, under the supervision of their
academic supervisor. The project is then written up by the
candidate in a research project format.
PSY4310 15 Credit Points
Applied Developmental Psychology: a Family Perspective
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit aims to provide students with an in-depth examination of
current issues in contemporary developmental psychology with
specific focus on the family. Developmental issues will be
explored from an ecological perspective taking into account intraindividual
and social cultural factors. The knowledge base gained
through this focussed inquiry will provide students with a
foundation for formulating research questions.
PSY5000 10 Credit Points
Family Practice Placement
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit will introduce students to family practice within an
agency context. During the placement, students will explore
practice issues and skills for assessing and working with clients
experiencing family difficulties and evaluating the outcomes of
interventions.
PSY5001 12.5 Credit Points
Contemporary Issues in Family Practice
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to
and engage with some of the contemporary issues in family
practice. It will encourage students to question some of the core
values and traditional frameworks for working with families and
evaluate their relevance and applicability to a range of
contemporary issues. It is anticipated that the unit will be a
vehicle whereby staff research and pertinent issues can be
presented and discussed. It will also provide an opportunity for
visiting academics whose work is relevant to family practice to
present and discuss their work.
PSY5108 25 Credit Points
Professional Issues in Psychology
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
The aim of this unit is first to allow students to gain an
understanding of the legal and ethical principles that govern the
practice of psychologists. A second aim is to assist students to
acquire the basic generic knowledge and skills they require to
practise as psychologists.
PSY5111 12.5 Credit Points
Psychological Assessment
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
This unit is designed to equip students with skills in assessing
clients, and to familiarise them with theories and principles
underlying common psychological tests and measures.
PSY5124 25 Credit Points
Research Preparation
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
In this unit students extend their understanding of research design
and analysis. The appropriateness of applying different types of
research design and analysis techniques to various areas of inquiry
is examined. Selected topics are studied in depth. Students also
review the research process, and develop skills in critically
evaluating published research. Study culminates in the
development of the Master or Doctoral research proposal.
PSY5162 12.5 Credit Points
Applied Psychology 1: Principles of Community Psychology
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
In this unit students review the philosophical, historical, and
theoretical underpinnings of community psychology. It will also
present some of the principles and values that underpin
community psychology, and critically examine emerging issues in
the field. The unit also addresses the application of community
psychology principles to specific areas such as community
development; community action; and community support for
subgroups such as migrants, cultural subgroups, and the elderly.
In addition, this unit will introduce some of the practical skills
required for oral or written professional presentations.
PSY5163 12.5 Credit Points
Applied Psychology 2: Community Skills
FACULTY OF COMPUTING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE
Prerequisite :
PSY5162 Applied Psychology 1: Principles of Community
Psychology
This is a skills based unit designed to complement the theoretical
constructs used by community psychologists. This unit focuses on
techniques and strategies for working with individuals, families,
ECU Postgraduate Course Guide 2008 295