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Unit of study_
PSYC1003: Method or Madness? The Science of Psychology
2026 unit information
Is psychology a 'real science'? The struggle of this young field of research to prove its legitimacy has resulted in a gruelling battle, in which brilliant scientists and clinicians have been pitted against the forces of pseudoscience, fraud, and oversimplified Pop Psychology. This unit explores the evolution of clinical psychology (from Freud to Zoom Therapy), unpacks the validity of psychology research methods, and evaluates the psychological principles behind social phenomena from the Satanic Panic to vaccine scepticism. Along the way, we will work to disentangle science from myth, and discuss the damage caused by distortion and weaponisation of psychological research. Whether your interest in psychology is casual or professional, the content of this unit is sure to capture your imagination. How did mansplaining shape the field of developmental psychology? Can mice have mood disorders? Are politicians gaslighting you, or do you just have poorly defined boundaries and an insecure attachment style? How many 18–24-year-olds can make it to the end of this handbook description without getting distracted and picking up their phones? Join us and find out. Lectures for this unit are delivered online, allowing greater flexibility in your studies. In-person tutorials are held once/week.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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