Overview
The discipline of psychology has a long history of using research and theory to provide explanations for the complexities of human behaviour. Yet, we live in a world that is rapidly changing – environmentally, socially, politically, and technologically. In this unit, you will learn how psychology is responding to contemporary challenges, particularly when it comes to diverse and vulnerable groups in our society. You will be exposed to critical and emerging issues in the study of psychology. Drawing on a scientist-practitioner approach, you will examine how psychological theory and research can be applied to the identification and evaluation of solutions to these challenges.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CC42 Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students perceived the unit as not directly relevant to their future role as psychologists.
In tutorials make the connection between the practical application of psychological knowledge to societal issues and students’ potential future professional roles more explicit.
Feedback from SUTE
Guest lectures were enjoyable and engaging.
Continue to incorporate guest lectures from engaging and knowledgeable researchers and presenters.
Feedback from SUTE
Practical application of psychological knowledge was valuable.
Continue to examine how psychological knowledge can be effectively applied to real‑life contemporary issues.