Outline

Overview

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

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 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam 90 MCQ exam covering content from all weeks	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Science Communication 1 Online forum discussions about psychology misinformation	2%	Week 02	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 Tutorial quiz covering content from Weeks 1-2.	3%	Week 03	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Science Communication 2 Online forum discussions about psychology misinformation	2%	Week 04	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 Tutorial quiz covering content from Weeks 3-4	3%	Week 05	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Science Communication 3 Online forum discussions about psychology misinformation	2%	Week 06	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 3 Tutorial quiz covering content from Weeks 5-6.	3%	Week 07	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Science Communication 4 Online forum discussions about psychology misinformation	2%	Week 08	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Misinformation Critique Students will provide an evidence-based written critique about a provided example of psychology misinformation in social media	25%	Week 09	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 4 Tutorial quiz covering content from Weeks 7-9	3%	Week 10	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Science Communication 5 Online forum discussions about psychology misinformation	2%	Week 11	200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 5 Tutorial quiz covering content from Weeks 10-11	3%	Week 12	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= 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	N/A
Week 2	Science Communication Forum 1
Week 3	Quiz 1
Week 4	Science Communication Forum 2
Week 5	Quiz 2
Week 6	Science Communication Forum 3
Week 7	Quiz 3
Week 8	Science Communication Forum 4
Week 9	Misinformation Critique
Week 10	Quiz 4
Week 11	Science Communication Forum 5
Week 12	Quiz 5
Week 13	N/A
Exams Week	Final Exam

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Outstanding performance on assessments that demonstrates clear mastery of all learning outcomes
Distinction	75 - 84	Performance exceeds expectations. Consistent engagement with assessment tasks and strong grasp of learning outcomes.
Credit	65 - 74	Meets expectations. Demonstrates acceptable understanding of learning outcomes.
Pass	50 - 64	Below expectations. Meets basic requirements of the learning outcomes.
Fail	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:

Science Communication Forums: These will be marked from 0-2. One point off per day late will be deducted. Misinformation Critique: 5% off per 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	Hysterical History: Introduction to Psychology	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	The Devil in the DNA (Evolutionary Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	The Devil in the DNA (Evolutionary Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Mother, Dearest (Developmental Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Mother, Dearest (Developmental Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Identity Crises (Personality Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Identity Crises (Personality Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Hippocampal Hysterics: The Suggestible Brain	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Hippocampal Hysterics: The Suggestible Brain	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The Trauma Problem (Forensic Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	The Trauma Problem (Forensic Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Brains vs Machines (Cognitive Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Brains vs Machines (Cognitive Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Truth and Lies: Scientific Literacy and Pseudoscience	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Truth and Lies: Scientific Literacy and Pseudoscience	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Your Brain on Sex and Drugs... (Psychopharmacology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	…and Rock 'n Roll (Perceptual Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Me, You, Us, Them (Social Psychology)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Me, You, Us, Them (Social Psychology)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Applied Psychology 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Applied Psychology 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Applied Psychology 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Applied Psychology 2	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Must attend at least 6/11 tutorials in person

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. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of foundational research in the fields of clinical, biological, behavioural, and social psychology
LO2. Distinguish evidence-based research from Popular Psychology myths (or distortions).
LO3. Understand how psychological research can be applied in interdisciplinary professional settings.
LO4. Navigate scientific literature and communicate findings from empirical studies.
LO5. Evaluate the ways in which psychology research has been misrepresented (or weaponised) in popular media.
LO6. Integrate analyses of empirical findings to create an evidence-based argument against scientific misinformation.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PSYC1003: Method or Madness? The Science of Psychology

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links