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Unit outline_

PSYC5112: Introduction to Experimental Psychology

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

PSYC5112 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. PSYC5112 covers the following areas: neuroscience; human mental abilities; learning and motivation; perception; cognitive processes; mental health conditions.

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 Hilary Don, hilary.don@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam hurdle task Final exam
MCQ and SA exam covering lecture content
50% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Contribution Lecture Engagement
In-person attendance or online viewing of lectures
5% Ongoing 3h/week AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Written work Case Study Essay
Applying scientific literature to form a critical analysis of a case study
20% Week 08
Due date: 25 Sep 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Oct 2026
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement Group Presentation (Part 2)
Individual Q&A related to group presentation
5% Week 12 10 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation group assignment Group Presentation (Part 1)
Group explanation and analysis of psychological research
20% Week 12 10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment summary

  • Lecture Engagement:ÌýIn-person attendance or online viewing of lectures. Weeks 1-13.
  • Essay:ÌýCritical analysis of a case study using scientific literature to form an argument. Due Week 8.
  • Group Presentation 1:ÌýSmall group presentation of a scientific study, together with critical analysis. Week 12.
  • Group Presentation 2: Q&A following presentation, where individual group members will be asked to answer questions. Week 12.
  • Final exam:ÌýThe exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Exam Period.

Ìý

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Performance on assessments is exceptional. Clear mastery of learning outcomes.

Distinction

75 - 84

Performance is of a very high standard. All learning outcomes have been achieved.

Credit

65 - 74

Performance is of a good standard. Acceptable achievement of most learning outcomes.

Pass

50 - 64

Acceptable performance. Most learning outcomes have been met.

Fail

0 - 49

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.Ìý

Ìý

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 theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails 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:

Late submission In accordance withÌýUniversity policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction ofÌý5%Ìýof 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 websiteÌýprovides 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 theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich 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 theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

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 aÌýsimple 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 forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes 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 PolicyÌýreflects 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Neuroscience 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Neuroscience 4-6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Introduction to tutorials and the essay Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Learning 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Neuroscience tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Learning 4-6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Essay Writing 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Cognition 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Learning tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Cognition 4-6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Essay writing 2 tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Mental abilities 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Learning 2 tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Mental abilities 4-6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Cognition tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Mental Health Conditions 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Mental Abilities tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Mental Health Conditions 4-5 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 11 Mental Health Conditions 6-8 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Mental Health Conditions tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Perception 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Perception Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Perception 4-6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Feedback and exam preparation tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 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. Critically analyse and integrate key concepts, theories, and empirical findings across core areas of psychology, includingÌý​cognitive psychology, neuroscience, perception, mental abilities, mental health conditions, and learning and motivation.​
  • LO2. Explain and critically apply basic psychological research methods, and interpret psychological research,ÌýdemonstratingÌýreflexivity and respect for multiple ways of knowing.
  • LO3. Communicate psychological ideas and research findings clearly and effectively through multiple modes,ÌýdemonstratingÌýknowledge and application of APA style.
  • LO4. Apply psychological science to inform personal, social, and workplace experiences and practices,ÌýdemonstratingÌýethical decision-making and cultural responsiveness.
  • LO5. Demonstrate self-regulated learning by applying strategies such as goal setting, progress monitoring, and implementation of feedback, critically reflecting on personal strengths and areas for growth to support academic development and lifelong learning.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This is the first run of PSYC5112. The unit has been optimised for AQF standards for the graduate diploma.

Disclaimer

Important: the ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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 .