Unit Outline

Human behaviour is universal, but its expression, nature, and intent vary across cultures and contexts. Why do individuals behave the way they do? Lecture content will introduce and explore theoretical descriptions of individual differences such as personality and intelligence that can impact behaviour in a variety of contexts, as well as some of the factors which can influence psychological well-being, such as stress and coping. This unit also introduces the study of psychological pathology (psychopathology), including a critical consideration of psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions. Tutorials will build on lecture content, support the development of reflective practice, and will facilitate the development of basic communication skills including counselling and professional communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Describe and explain key psychological disorders, therapeutic approaches, and major theories across areas of individual differences, including intelligence, personality, and cultural perspectives.
2	Apply psychological concepts and diagnostic/therapeutic frameworks to analyse case material and real-world scenarios.
3	Evaluate debates, controversies, and cultural considerations in the study of mental health and individual differences.
4	Use scientific writing, research skills, and evidence-based reasoning to communicate to defined audiences.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KHA111

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from students in previous offerings of this unit, we have made some changes to the assessment structure. We have reduced the number of written assignments to help manage workload while continuing to develop critical analysis skills. It is intended that this will give you more time to focus on understanding the material. We have also reintroduced an exam. The exam will assess your understanding of content from across the whole unit, rather than focusing only on specific tasks. This is intended to provide a more balanced way for you to demonstrate what you have learned.

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Practical	Face-to-face practical classes. The content of these classes will expand on the online lecture modules and reinforce theoretical concepts through individual, small-group, and whole-class activities and discussions.	2	Weekly
	Lecture (Online)	The lecture content is delivered online via MyLO modules, including short lecture videos, learning activities, demonstrations, and written text.	2	Weekly
	Independent Learning	Reading the assigned sections of the prescribed textbook, as well as independent research of published articles for the written assignments.	2	Weekly
Online	Individual Study	Self-paced online practical activities only available to students enrolled ‘online’. The content of these activities will expand on the online lecture modules and reinforce theoretical concepts.	2	Weekly
	Lecture (Online)	The lecture content is delivered online via MyLO modules, including short lecture videos, learning activities, demonstrations, and written text.	2	Weekly
	Independent Learning	Reading the assigned sections of the prescribed textbook, as well as independent research of published articles for the written assignments.	2	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

In this unit your active engagement will be monitored in the following ways:
Active participation in discussion forums
Completion of all assessment tasks
Attendance of on-campus practical classes (if you are enrolled as an on-campus student)

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Quizzes	See the MyLO site for the due date	15 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Case Report	Week 4	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Individual Differences Essay	Week 10	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Final exam	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes

Task Description:

You will complete five short online quizzes, each containing 10 questions. These quizzes will assess your understanding of the material covered in the weekly practical classes and are designed to help keep on-track with progressing through the content and apply what you are learning.

Quizzes are completed individually online through MyLO. Each quiz will be open for one week, and you may attempt it once within this window. Questions will focus on understanding and applying ideas introduced in practicals.

Weeks Due:
Various

Task Length:

5 quizzes, 10 questions each

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply key concepts regarding mental health and individual differences	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Case Report

Task Description:

In this assignment, you will apply psychological theory to analyse a client vignette involving a mental health concern. Your task is to write a case report that demonstrates your ability to identify symptoms, apply psychological theory, and communicate your understanding in scientific writing.

This task will involve 3 stages of submission:

Stage 1: Draft submission (due in Week 4; (2%)
You will submit a draft version of your case report.

Stage 2: Peer feedback (due in Week 5; 3%)
You will provide feedback on your peers’ draft assignments.

Stage 3: Final submission (due in Week 6; 25%)
You will revise your assignment based on peer feedback and submit a final version.

Task Length:

1000 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse the vignette to identify key symptoms , patterns, and challenges.	LO2
2	Apply the assigned psychological theory/framework to explain the client’s presenting issues.	LO1
3	Support your explanations with relevant scholarly evidence.	LO4
4	Communicate using plain-language principles, structured organisation, and APA formatting.	LO4
5	Reflect on how engaging in peer feedback processes contributes to your own learning and development of analytical thinking.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Individual Differences Essay

Task Description:

In this assignment you will write an essay that evaluates theories of individual differences in either personality or intelligence. You will be provided with an essay question and theory(ies) to focus on at the beginning of semester. Your task is to demonstrate an understanding of these theories, evaluate their strengths and limitations, and discuss their implications for understanding human behaviour, wellbeing, and/or culture.

Task Length:

1000 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the assigned theories with reference to scholarly sources.	LO1
2	Compare theoretical approaches and evaluate their implications.	LO3
3	Apply your understanding of the theories to individual differences, mental health, wellbeing, and/or behaviour.	LO2
4	Communicate using plain-language principles, structured organisation, and APA formatting .	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Final exam

Task Description:

The Final Exam assesses your understanding of the major topics explored throughout the unit. The exam is designed to evaluate your knowledge of key psychological concepts, as well as your ability to apply, analyse, and communicate ideas relevant to mental health and individual differences.

The exam includes a range of question types that require you to explain important concepts, interpret and apply psychological frameworks, and engage with debates and perspectives covered during the semester.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain central theories, disorders, and approaches covered in the unit.	LO1
2	Apply psychological ideas and frameworks to analyse examples, cases, or situations.	LO2
3	Discuss relevant debates, limitations, or cultural considerations when interpreting psychological topics.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

It is important that you have ongoing access to these required readings, so they will be available for a limited loan period from the University of Tasmania Library collection. You are, however, strongly encouraged to buy these books as they will be useful resources throughout your study.

D.A. Bernstein, J. A. Pooley, L. Cohen, S. Provost, J. Cranney, and N. Drew (2023). Psychology: Australian and New Zealand Edition. (4th Ed). Australia: Cengage Learning