Outline

Overview

Sexual desire can motivate success, strengthen relationships, and encourage prosocial behaviours. It can also unleash humanity’s most violent and destructive impulses, leading to profound trauma and societal instability. This 6-credit OLE provides a foundational understanding of human sexuality, and the crimes associated with it, through intensive study of evolutionary, neuroscientific, and psychological research. The content is interdisciplinary by nature, covering everything from the biological bases of attraction and aggression to discussions of how the legal system deals with an ever-expanding repertoire of sex-related crimes. Through a series of lectures, recorded interviews, readings, and lively discussions, this course takes you on a journey from sterile laboratories, where rodents develop sexual fetishes and love is packaged in a brain-infecting virus, to S&M dungeons, where consenting adults play out their wildest fantasies in a place free from judgment and stigma. Along the way, we examine the dark side of human sexuality, as we consider what happens in the minds of criminal offenders when the mechanisms of desire and attachment go horribly wrong. Join us in a world of mice and men and monsters, where biological, social, and forensic psychologists work tirelessly to study the great rewards (and the terrible costs) of desire.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kelsey Zimmermann, kelsey.zimmermann@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 1-2.	5%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Mar 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Scientific Literacy 1 Guided online forum where students discuss scientific literature.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Mar 2026	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 3-4.	5%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Mar 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Scientific Literacy 2 Guided online forum where students discuss scientific literature	5%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Mar 2026	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 5-6.	5%	Week 06 Due date: 03 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Apr 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Scientific Literacy 3 Guided online forum where students discuss scientific literature	5%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Apr 2026	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 4 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 7-8.	5%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Apr 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Expert Witness Testimony: Planning Session Students will submit Zoom recordings of their initial group planning session (i.e., when they first meet to discuss/plan for their final presentation).	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Apr 2026	15min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Scientific Literacy 4 Guided online forum where students discuss scientific literature	5%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 May 2026	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Expert Witness Testimony: Final Presentation Students will be assigned to small groups and given a case study. They will be asked to form an argument (for prosecution or defense) as expert witnesses. Presentations will be recorded by the groups over Zoom and submitted online.	30%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 May 2026	15min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Expert Witness Testimony: Peer Review Group members will assign each other marks based on their contributions to the final project. They will be asked to provide constructive feedback alongside their marks.	5%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 May 2026	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 5 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 9-11.	5%	Week 11 Due date: 15 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 May 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Scientific Literacy 5 Guided online forum where students discuss scientific literature	5%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 May 2026	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 6 MCQ quiz covering assessable content from Weeks 12-13.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	20 MCQ 30min time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Week 1: NA

Week 2: Quiz 1

Week 3: Scientific Literacy Forum 1

Week 4: Quiz 2

Week 5: Scientific Literacy Forum 2

Week 6: Quiz 3

Week 7: Scientific Literacy Forum 3

Week 8: Quiz 4/Expert Witness Testimony Planning Session

Week 9: Scientific Literacy Forum 4

Week 10: Expert Witness Testimony Presentation/Peer Review

Week 11: Quiz 5

Week 12: Scientific Literacy Forum 4

Week 13: Quiz 6

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
Satisfied requirements	50 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. Marks are determined based on students' performance on the quizzes, scientific literacy forums, and Expert Witness Testimony.
Failed requirements	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

Satisfied requirements

50 - 100

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard.

Marks are determined based on students' performance on the quizzes, scientific literacy forums, and Expert Witness Testimony.

Failed requirements

0 - 49

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Scientific Literacy Forums: These will be marked out of 5. One mark for each calendar day late will be deducted. Expert Witness Testimony Presentation AND Planning Session: 5% will be deducted for each calendar day late. Expert Witness Testimony Peer Review: These will be marked out of 5. One mark for each calendar day late will be deducted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Sexual rEvolution! Intro to Evolutionary Psychology	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 02	The Woman in You: Female Sexuality	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 03	The Man in Me: Male Sexuality	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 04	Over the Rainbow: Nonbinary Sexuality	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 04	Mock Jury 1	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Let's Get It On! Seduction	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 06	Chemical Romance: Attraction, Love, and Biology	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 07	A Crazy Little Thing: Love and Relationships	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 08	Let's Call the Whole Thing Off: Relationship Breakdowns	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 08	Mock Jury 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Single Ladies and Solitary Men: Saying 'No' to Relationships	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 10	Love for Sale: Monetisation of Sex	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 11	You Don't Own Me: Cultural Control of Sexuality	Self-directed learning (4 hr)
Week 12	It Hurts So Good! Kink and Paraphilia	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 12	Mock Jury 3	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Sex Machine: Sex, Love, and Technology	Self-directed learning (4 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Integrate findings from psychological subdisciplines to analyse behavioural and psychological phenomena
LO2. Understand the biological substrates of attraction, attachment, and aggression.
LO3. Apply core areas of psychology to legal settings.
LO4. Access, interpret, and evaluate information from scientific and legal databases.
LO5. Distil and clearly communicate the rationale, methodology, and results from scientific studies.
LO6. Apply knowledge from the course to formulate compelling defensive or prosecutorial arguments in the style of expert witness testimonies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OLES1662: Psychology of Sexuality and Criminal Behaviour

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links