Outline

Overview

Psychology 1002 is a general introduction to the main topics and methods of psychology. This unit lays the groundwork for further studies, while also equipping students with valuable core knowledge and competencies for those not continuing with the discipline. Psychology 1002 covers the following areas: neuroscience; learning and motivation; cognitive processes; human mental abilities; mental health conditions, and; perception.

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	Steson Lo, steson.lo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 23 January 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Lecture Engagement See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Research Participation See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Ongoing Closing date: 22 Feb 2026	5 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Pop Quiz (Neuroscience) Early Feedback Task	0%	Week 01 Due date: 17 Jan 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Jan 2026	7 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case Study Essay See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	30%	Week 04 Due date: 04 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Feb 2026	1400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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

Lecture Engagement (5%): Lectures will be delivered in person on Tueesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Students who attend lectures will be able to participate in a formative activity during each lecture - students will receive a fixed % for each recorded participation. Students who choose not to attend lectures can instead watch the recording of lectures before 11:59pm on the day before the next lecture series begins - students will receive a fixed % for each lecture recorded as being watched on time. Students can use any combination to yield the maximum of 5%. See Canvas for more details.

Research Participation (5%): Students will participate in research run by students and academics in the School of Psychology. Students will receive 1% for every hour of participation recorded (i.e. five hours will yield the maximum of 5%). An alternative to the Research Participation assessment is available if made by request to the Unit of Study Coordinator before 11:59pm on Sunday of the first week - the alternative will be a written assignment. See Canvas for more details.

Case Study Essay (30%): Students will write a 1400-word APA-formatted essay based on a case study - two tutorials will provide assistance with this assessment. See Canvas for more details.

Final Exam (60%): Each lecture series and the Case Study Essay will be assessed in a two-hour exam held after the teaching period ends. The initial version of the Final Exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, but if you are approved by Special Consideration to miss the initial Final Exam, any Replacement Exam will consist entirely of short-answer questions. The Final Exam is a compulsory assessment, so if you do not attempt it, you will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade. This assessment also carries a minimum performance standard, so students will need to meet the required standard in order to pass the unit. See Canvas for more details.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

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.

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	Neuroscience	Lecture (3 hr)
	Neuroscience	Lecture (3 hr)
	Introduction	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Case Study Essay I	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Case Study Essay II	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Perception	Lecture (3 hr)
	Perception	Lecture (3 hr)
	Learning and Motivation	Lecture (3 hr)
	Neuroscience	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Perception	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Learning and Motivation	Lecture (3 hr)
	Cognitive Processes	Lecture (3 hr)
	Cognitive Processes	Lecture (3 hr)
	Learning	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Motivation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Mental Abilities	Lecture (3 hr)
	Mental Abilities	Lecture (3 hr)
	Cognitive Processes	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Mental Health	Lecture (3 hr)
	Mental Health	Lecture (3 hr)
	Mental Abilities	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Mental Health	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Review & Feedback	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per Section 60(5)(c), 68(2)(a), and 68(3) of the University’s Coursework Policy, a student must comply with a Unit of Study’s attendance requirement – for this Unit of Study, a student must be recorded as having attended at least six of the eleven tutorials, and if a student does not meet this requirement, they will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

Also, as noted in the Assessment table, the Final Exam is a compulsory assessment, so a student who does not attend it and is not approved to miss it will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

Please note, marks for the Lecture Engagement assessment can be achieved by attending lectures, so attending lectures is one way to achieve the marks for that assessment, but there is no other consequence related to lecture attendance.

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.

Required readings

Please refer to Canvas for what material will be directly assessed in the Final Exam.

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.

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

LO1. understand the diverse areas of psychology taught: cognitive psychology, neuroscience, perception, mental abilities, mental health conditions, and learning and motivation
LO2. understand what binds such diverse pursuits into the single discipline of ‘psychology’ in regard to language, research methods, attitude and approach, and an appreciation of the ethical issues associated with behavioural research
LO3. understand the core research design principles and statistical approaches used throughout of psychology, and develop the ability to apply them in a critical manner
LO4. understand the APA style used for the presentation of written material, particularly research reports
LO5. appreciate how what is taught in psychology has implications for your wider personal and professional approach and identity

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, 1.1.10. social psychology 1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement 1.1.12. research methods and statistics. 1.1.2. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality 1.1.9. lifespan developmental psychology
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, 1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement 1.1.12. research methods and statistics. 1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. 1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats. 1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, 1.1.10. social psychology 1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement 1.1.12. research methods and statistics. 1.1.2. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality 1.1.9. lifespan developmental psychology 1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. 1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats. 1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. 1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology. 1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Responding to student feedback

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

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PSYC1002: Psychology 1002

Intensive January, 2026 [Block mode] - 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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links