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Courses - Faculty of Science


Psychology

Stage I

PSYCH 108
15 Points

Individual, Social and Applied Psychology

Topics covered may include: developmental and social psychology including group behaviour, the measurement of mental abilities, intelligence, models of personality, clinical and health psychology, methods of therapeutic intervention, and the psychological similarities and differences between cultures. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.

PSYCH 109
15 Points

PSYCH 109G
15 Points

Mind, Brain and Behaviour

Topics covered may include: the nature of sensory and perceptual processes, the cause of perceptual illusions, the structure and function of the human brain, approaches to animal and human learning, models of human language and memory, and the design of psychological experiments. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.

Stage II

PSYCH 200
15 Points

Foundations of Developmental Psychology

How do children’s minds develop, how do they work, and how do they influence children’s behaviour? Students will learn the theoretical perspectives and methods that scientists use to investigate the developing mind in infancy through late childhood. Topics of particular focus include learning and memory, concepts and categories, language, the self and identity, social cognition, attachment, and emotion.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

PSYCH 201
15 Points

Perception and Cognition

An introduction to a variety of topics in human experimental psychology. Topics covered may include: perceptual processes, attention, memory, mental imagery, language development, theory of mind, problem solving and decision making. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

PSYCH 202
15 Points

Biopsychology

Provides a basic introduction to the structure and function of the brain, neuropsychology, and genetic and hormonal influences on behaviour. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103

PSYCH 203
15 Points

Learning and Behaviour

A consideration of the environmental factors that control and modify animal (including human) behaviour. Generally, an experimental laboratory approach is taken, and quantitative theories are stressed. Topics include: classical and operant conditioning, theories of reinforcement, the stimulus control of operant behaviour, behavioural analyses of problem solving, concept learning and language, choice, self control, remembering and experimental design. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103

PSYCH 204
15 Points

Social Psychology

Focuses on humans as social beings. Covers topics such as social cognition, attitudes, group processes, interpersonal relationships, and language communication. The course may include participation in and completion of a research project.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

PSYCH 207
15 Points

Theories of Personality and Development

The major personality theories are presented including: Behavioural, Cognitive, Social-Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Humanistic/Phenomenological, Trait/Dispositional and Biological/Evolutionary. The hypotheses generated by these theories, about development from early childhood onwards and about 'normal' and 'abnormal' behaviour, will be discussed and evaluated in terms of empirical evidence and utility. Attention will be paid to cultural issues of relevance in a New Zealand context.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

PSYCH 208
15 Points

Producing Psychological Knowledge

How do you go about answering a research question? What is a research question anyway? Which research methodology and method will best provide the types of answers you are looking for? Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and why and how we know it, including philosophy of science, methodology, ethics, research outcomes, and particular methods.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

PSYCH 209
15 Points

Special Topic

PSYCH 211
30 Points

Psychology for Society

Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and why and how we know it, including philosophy of science, methodology, ethics, research outcomes, and particular methods. Embeds a focus on the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand within which psychological knowledge is applied. Introduces broad content in preparation for more advanced study.

PSYCH 212
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology

Stage III

PSYCH 300
15 Points

Applied Psychology

Discusses psychological issues relating to illnesses and well-being of people in the workplace. Consideration will be given both to the theoretical models which have been developed and to the types of methodology used in their investigation. Emphasis is given to the interplay between science and practice.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 302
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 303
15 Points

Cognitive Science

Provides an introduction to cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered include: visual and auditory perception, attention, memory, thinking and problem-solving. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 304
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 305
15 Points

Human Neuroscience

Covers material relating to the neural basis of cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and language. Students will be introduced to different methods of inferring mind-brain relations in normal and neurologically-impaired individuals, and different ways of conceptualising mind-brain relations, such as connectionism and modularism.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or MEDSCI 206 or PHYSIOL 220

PSYCH 306
15 Points

Research Methods in Psychology

Deals with principles and practices relevant to psychological research, including philosophy of science, research ethics, research design, measurement of dependent variables, describing and analysing data, and interpreting results. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 308
15 Points

PSYCH 308A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 308B
7.5 Points

Directed Study

A course of research supervised by a staff member and written up as a course for publication instead of a final examination. Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125Corequisite: Student must be enrolled in (or have completed) an additional 45 points at Stage III in Psychology courses and Programme Director approval

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 308 A and B, or PSYCH 308

PSYCH 309
15 Points

Learning

A discussion of how behaviour is controlled and modified by discriminative stimuli and by consequential reinforcers and punishers. The emphasis is on laboratory research with animals, but with some human data also considered. Topics include: choice behaviour, punishment, avoidance, psychophysics, memory, and cognition. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences

Restriction: PSYCH 362

PSYCH 310
15 Points

Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Describes and evaluates psychological approaches to the assessment and treatment of those mental health problems, in adults and children, most commonly encountered by clinical psychologists. Consideration is given to work in mental health, corrections, child protection and neuropsychology rehabilitation. Issues relevant to Māori mental health, gender, cross-cultural work and prevention are included.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 311
15 Points

Advanced Topics in Social Psychology

Focuses on a number of key topics in social psychology. Modules examine interpersonal influence and close relationships, collective behaviour, prejudice and social issues, and social identity and well-being.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 313
15 Points

Psychology of Communication

Studies the links between psychological processes and communication difficulties. Hearing, speech, language and voice will be covered. A range of communication difficulties and communication differences will be introduced and the psychosocial aspects will be discussed, including impact on self-esteem, health-related quality of life, peer/interpersonal relationships and educational and behavioural consequences in children and adults.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 315
15 Points

Special Topic

PSYCH 317
15 Points

Evolution, Behaviour and Cognition

How does behaviour in non-human animals evolve? Do other animals have language? Do they have culture? Can human behaviour be explained in evolutionary terms? This course addresses these questions and the methods that can be used to answer them.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences

PSYCH 319
15 Points

Psychology and Gender

The study of gender is crucial to understanding many everyday aspects of our lives, as well as many contemporary social issues. This course provides an introduction to selected key issues in the critical psychology of gender, from a social constructionist perspective. Topics that will be covered include gendered bodies, masculinity and femininity, sexuality, rape, and mental health.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 30 points at Stage II in Gender Studies

PSYCH 320
15 Points

Culture and Psychology

It is through culture that we make sense of ourselves and our world. Of key interest is how culture, ethnicity and context all play a major role in understanding human experience including behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and analytic skills, and helping students think about their own values and norms from a cultural perspective.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

PSYCH 323
30 Points

Changes across the Lifespan

Development is a lifelong process. Classic and modern theories of development provide a foundation for understanding changes and continuities across the lifespan. Students will learn how we develop key social, emotional, and cognitive abilities across infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Developmental psychology will then be applied to understand developmental challenges, atypical development, and the role of social context.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 211

PSYCH 324
30 Points

The Behaving Brain

Human brains are enormously complex, and they serve a wide range of human needs, from perception to language to social interactions. Brains are also subject to growth, learning, insult, and ageing. Introduces research and theory on neural and cognitive science, as well as opportunities to apply this knowledge.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 211

PSYCH 325
30 Points

Social Processes

Social processes heavily influence how we think, feel, and behave. Students will learn about how social cognition, social influence, attitudes, politics, and identity shape our lived experiences. Explores various topics, which may include prejudice and intergroup relationships, romantic relationships, workplace and organisational dynamics, gendered practices, indigenous psychologies, and the evolution of religion.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 211

PSYCH 326
15 Points

Life Span Development

The development of people across the life span is studied. Describes key milestones in development and examines the causes and processes that produce stability and change in people's development over time. Topics discussed will include aspects of cognitive, social and physical development with consideration given to biological, societal and family influences. Attention will also be given to development within the New Zealand context.

Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

Restriction: PSYCH 316

PSYCH 327
15 Points

Special Topic

PSYCH 328
15 Points

Special Topic

PSYCH 370
15 Points

PSYCH 370A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 370B
7.5 Points

Research Project

The main focus of the research project is to undertake practical research-related activities under the direction of a supervisor. The work undertaken will be communicated by the student in the form of a research report. The research activities across the year will give students a broader experience of research and academic activities in the School of Psychology. Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125Corequisite: 45 points at Stage III or above in Psychology and Head of School approval

Restriction: PSYCH 308

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 370 A and B, or PSYCH 370

PSYCH 399
15 Points

Capstone: Communicating Psychology

Focuses on communicating psychological ideas and research using different media (e.g., podcast, short film, print media, symposia, grant proposals). Students will be required to work in groups, but to also engage in individual activities to demonstrate their own understanding of the topics explored by them and others in this course.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage III in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125

Diploma Courses

PSYCH 651A
30 Points

PSYCH 651B
30 Points

Practicum

This includes a practical component of up to 1,500 hours of supervised work in an approved applied psychology setting, with an emphasis on the application of research principles and designs. Evaluation is by internal assessment and assessment by field supervisors.

Restriction: PSYCH 650

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 651 A and B

PSYCH 690A
15 Points

PSYCH 690B
15 Points

Graduate Diploma Research Project

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 690 A and B

PSYCH 691A
15 Points

PSYCH 691B
15 Points

Postgraduate Diploma Research Project

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 691 A and B

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

PSYCH 700
15 Points

Political Psychology

Provides an overview of the intersecting fields of psychology and political science. Seminar-based topics include personality and politics, political socialisation, voting behaviour, media effects, rational choice vs. symbolic politics, the competency of the electorate, the psychology of legitimacy, and other timely issues. Attention will be paid to the international literature, though New Zealand-based research will also be discussed.

PSYCH 707
15 Points

Psychology of Offending

Covers psychological theories of crime and violence, empirical research relevant to the assessment and treatment of youth and adult offending, with particular emphasis on violent and sexual offending, and the range of roles for psychologists in forensic and correctional settings such as prisons, community and forensic psychiatric hospitals.

PSYCH 708A
15 Points

PSYCH 708B
15 Points

Clinical Neuropsychology

Consists of: an introduction to neuroanatomy and neuropathology, seminars on the major areas of neuropsychological dysfunction, introduction to community-used test materials and theoretical issues of neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological dysfunction, individual assessment and individual case studies.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 708 A and B

PSYCH 714
15 Points

Cognitive Neuroscience

An advanced seminar on cognitive neuroscience. Topics may include: neuroanatomy, neuroimaging methodologies, neurological and developmental disorders, and the organisation of higher cognitive functions such as attention, language, memory and executive functions. Emphasis will be placed on current developments relevant to the understanding of human psychological processes.

PSYCH 715
15 Points

Psychology and Sustainability

Human behaviour and thinking is central to both the sustainability problem and viable solutions. This course considers the psychological barriers to thinking and acting sustainably and how theories and research on emotions, modelling, identity, belonging, moral development and the evolution of cooperation can be applied to overcome these barriers. There will be particular emphasis on how to develop 'sustainability consciousness' in individuals and organisations.

PSYCH 716
15 Points

Social Psychology and Interpersonal Processes

Key empirical and theoretical areas in contemporary social psychology form the basis of this seminar-based course. Topics will include social cognition, interpersonal influence, communication, and close personal relationships. Students will also conduct small research projects investigating central topics covered in the course.

PSYCH 717
15 Points

Community Psychology

The application of psychological knowledge and research skills to issues faced by communities. Students will design an intervention relevant to a social issue. Theoretical approaches to working in community settings and the practical challenges involved will be discussed.

PSYCH 718
15 Points

Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation

Major theories used in clinical practice to understand psychological problems will be discussed, including behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, systems and psychodynamic models. Emphasis is on assessment and formulation of clients' problems rather than therapeutic intervention. Approaches covered are those that are most commonly employed by psychologists practicing in New Zealand.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 723

Restriction: PSYCH 709

PSYCH 720A
15 Points

PSYCH 720B
15 Points

Directed Study

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 720 A and B

PSYCH 721
15 Points

Consciousness and Cognition

Discusses recent research on consciousness from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered may include: implicit learning, implicit memory, blindsight, the split-brain syndrome, amnesia and hemineglect.

PSYCH 722
15 Points

Human Learning and Development

Focuses on the processes and factors that influence human learning in infancy through childhood. Topics discussed may include: early social cognition, language development and the factors that influence school and life success. Consideration will be given to diverse contexts and populations.

PSYCH 723
15 Points

Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment

Provides an overview of common mental health problems in childhood and adulthood and the methods that clinical psychologists use to assess these. Examines theories of causation and risk factors for a number of mental health problems. Also introduces and critiques diagnostic tools and psychometric instruments used in assessment.

Corequisite: PSYCH 718

PSYCH 725
15 Points

Evolution and Human Behaviour

Investigates the psychology of humans from an evolutionary perspective. Specific topics may include the evolution of language, religion, mental time travel, social learning, and cognitive nudges, biases and heuristics.

PSYCH 726
15 Points

Emotion and Identity

Explores current psychological theory and research on emotion, adding perspectives from sociology, history and cultural studies as well as neuroscience. Topics include the embodied nature of affect; emotion, relationships and social life; emotion and sense of self, subjectivity, narrative and personal history; emotional contagion in crowds and groups; and the power of social norms around public emotional expression.

PSYCH 727
15 Points

Functional MRI

A comprehensive overview of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a focus on its use in the cognitive neuroscience of memory and aging. Designed for beginners, topics include experimental design, image acquisition and pre-processing, analysis methods, localisation/anatomy and interpretation. Classes will include a lecture and/or a seminar followed by a hands-on laboratory working with fMRI data to consolidate learning.

PSYCH 728
30 Points

PSYCH 728A
15 Points

PSYCH 728B
15 Points

Portfolio in ABA

A series of written clinical assessment and intervention projects in applied behaviour analysis demonstrating appropriate use of the scientist-practitioner model. Projects will be conducted within each of the placements completed during the internship course PSYCH 651. The portfolio should provide evidence of appropriate mastery of basic behaviour-analytic skills, client-centred responsibilities, and foundational knowledge of applied behaviour analysis.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 750, 751, 754

Corequisite: PSYCH 651, 757

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 728 A and B, or PSYCH 728

PSYCH 730
15 Points

Professional Psychology Practice in New Zealand

Aims to equip students with knowledge and skills required for registration as a psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Topics include the structure and functions of the Psychologists Board/Health and Disability Commissioner, cultural competency (obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safe practice), professional ethics (Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/New Zealand) and related legislation.

PSYCH 731
15 Points

Social Psychology and Intergroup Processes

Focuses on the application of social psychological knowledge and theory to the understanding of broad social and cultural processes and phenomena, such as violence, prejudice, group behaviour and conflict, intergroup dynamics, collective behaviour, social beliefs, cultural differentiation and contact.

PSYCH 733
15 Points

Critical Health Psychology

Utilising the frameworks of critical psychology, including gendered, Indigenous and intersectional frameworks, this course examines ways of theorising, understanding and promoting health for individuals, communities and societies.

PSYCH 736
15 Points

Human Brain Mapping

Introduces human brain mapping based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Topics include MRI data acquisition, processing and analysis, as well as interpretation of analysis outcomes and fundamentals of neuroanatomy.

PSYCH 737
15 Points

Work and Well-Being

Reviews concepts, methods, applications and current research relevant to the impact of work on employee well-being, including topics such as the employee lifecycle, stress, well-being, positive psychology, emotion, bullying and work-life balance.

PSYCH 741
15 Points

PSYCH 741A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 741B
7.5 Points

ABA: Communicating Behaviourally

Provides the opportunity to gain practical experience with a range of mediums for communicating behavioural concepts.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 741 A and B, or PSYCH 741

PSYCH 742
15 Points

Neuroscience of Awareness

An advanced seminar on the neuroscience of awareness and related topics. The course will primarily consist of student-led discussion of original research, with particular emphasis on areas of active controversy or debate. In addition to the theoretical discussion of human awareness, there will be a strong focus on the methods and practice of research in human neuroscience.

PSYCH 743
15 Points

Critical Qualitative Research in Aotearoa

Equips students with conceptual, theoretical, political and practical understandings of what it means to do critical, qualitative research in psychology in Aotearoa. Situates methods in relation to who researchers are, where we are, and how we collaborate, including obligations and opportunities provided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Indigenous-led approaches.

PSYCH 744
15 Points

Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology

Covers applications of the general linear model to research design and analysis. Topics include: univariate techniques (analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, regression) and multivariate techniques (multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, multivariate regression, and factor analysis).

Prerequisite: PSYCH 306

PSYCH 746
15 Points

Perception, Cognition, Action

Seminar-based introduction to theories and models linking (human, animal and machine) perception, cognition and action, with emphasis on competing approaches to perceptual-motor control and learning, using evidence from classic and contemporary research in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

PSYCH 749
15 Points

PSYCH 749A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 749B
7.5 Points

Applied Behaviour Analysis Ethics

Investigates the similarities and differences between the NZPB and BACB codes and discusses how to reconcile the two in practical situations. Discusses the current legislation and frameworks that apply to clinicians working with vulnerable people, and the impact of culture when applying codes and working ethically. Different methods of ethical problem solving are covered.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 749 A and B, or PSYCH 749

PSYCH 750A
15 Points

PSYCH 750B
15 Points

ABA: Methods and Measurement

A study of the underlying concepts and principles involved with modifying an individual human or animal's behaviour in some applied setting. Appropriate and effective applications of scientific principles of learning will be taught, as will pertinent topics researched in the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour. Topics will include the application of research into associative learning, reinforcement, punishment, extinction, avoidance, stimulus control and choice.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 750 A and B

PSYCH 751A
15 Points

PSYCH 751B
15 Points

ABA: Concepts and Principles

A study of the techniques and issues involved with modifying an individual human or animal's behaviour in some applied setting. Appropriate and effective applications of scientific principles of learning will be taught, as will pertinent topics researched in the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour. Topics will include the application of research into associative learning, reinforcement, punishment, extinction, avoidance, stimulus control and choice.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 751 A and B

PSYCH 754
15 Points

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Study of the behavioural aspects, aetiologies and therapeutic interventions for disorders usually diagnosed during childhood that are associated with reduced abilities to learn. Examples include intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) and pervasive developmental disorders (e.g., autism).

Restriction: PSYCH 752

PSYCH 755
15 Points

Gender, Power, and Sexuality

This seminar-based course will allow students to explore a broad range of topics such as: sexual coercion, prostitution, rape, pornography, safer sex, lesbian and gay sexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, sexology, sex therapy, intersex, transgender, sexuality and culture. The emphasis will be on looking at questions from the perspective of theoretical approaches such as Foucault's work on sexuality and feminist theories.

PSYCH 756
15 Points

Dynamics of Brain and Behaviour

Examines the behavioural and neural changes that result from normal development, those that may arise in the context of neurological diseases and disorders, and the changes that can be elicited via interventions. Topics include the design and implementation of interventions to improve mental and physical health, methods to evaluate characteristics of change, and the precise mechanisms of neural and behavioural change. Recommended preparation: PSYCH 305

PSYCH 757
15 Points

PSYCH 757A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 757B
7.5 Points

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis

Advanced education and training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in preparation for a professional career. Topics include ethical, professional, and practical issues confronting behaviour analysts in employment; recent research in ABA and other sciences with respect to clinical, educational, and other populations with whom behaviour analysts typically work.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 750, 751

Corequisite: PSYCH 651

Restriction: PSYCH 753

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 757 A and B, or PSYCH 757

PSYCH 758
15 Points

Ethnicity, Identity and Culture

Students will draw upon Indigenous and cultural psychological frameworks to examine how psychological research is conducted with ethnic communities, and will examine the influences of culture, values and beliefs across selected topics (e.g. resiliency, language and masculinity).

PSYCH 759
15 Points

Advanced Behavioural Psychology

Examination of selected topics in contemporary behavioural psychology. The specific topics covered depend partly on student interest, exploring research on the relation between behaviour and environment, considering both animal and human behaviour, and both lab-based research and translation of that research into understanding behaviour of significance to society.

PSYCH 761
15 Points

Organisational Psychology

Focuses on attitudes and behaviours at work that reflect or impact on the relationship between employee and employer, with a particular emphasis on topics that are proposed to impact on employee well-being and productivity (e.g., job satisfaction, motivation, leadership). Students will be encouraged to adopt a scientist-practitioner perspective, through class discussions and assignments.

PSYCH 763
45 Points

PSYCH 763A
22.5 Points

PSYCH 763B
22.5 Points

Portfolio of Professional Practice Reports

A portfolio of original reports associated with the student's practicum experience and demonstrating the ability to make appropriate use of the scientific literature in solving problems in professional practice, as required by the New Zealand Psychologists Board for the practice of psychology.

Corequisite: PSYCH 651

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 763 A and B, or PSYCH 763

PSYCH 764
15 Points

Dual Process Theories of Human Cognition

Explores how dual-process theories in cognitive, social and developmental psychology account for human thought and action in terms of the interaction between automatic (implicit, parallel) and controlled (explicit, serial) processes. Topics of focus include memory, learning, numerical cognition, theory of mind, moral reasoning, attribution, executive functioning and decision making.

PSYCH 765
15 Points

Special Topic: Pacific Psychologies

Explores how Pacific knowledges and worldviews shape and are shaped by Pacific communities to make meaning of and respond to a broad range of topics relevant to psychology.

PSYCH 766
15 Points

Occupational Health Psychology

Students will focus on the in-depth treatment of this area, focusing primarily on occupational stress, including coverage of topics such as: work, life, and family, job insecurity, workplace incivility, abusive supervision, positive aspects of workplaces, as well as stress management interventions.

PSYCH 767
15 Points

Gender Violence

What does it mean to say that violence is gendered? How does a gender analysis shape our understanding of the nature of problems like sexual violence, domestic violence, street harassment and online abuse? And how does it guide our responses to the harm of violence and our strategies for prevention? This course will bring a critical feminist lens to understanding key questions, theories and debates in research on gender violence.

PSYCH 768
15 Points

Special Topic: Sex and Well-Being

PSYCH 769
15 Points

Special Topic: Developmental Psychology: A Critical Lens

PSYCH 770
15 Points

Behavioural Insights

Explores how cognitive biases and errors cause us to behave in irrational ways and how nudging and debiasing can mitigate these effects. Introduces students to methods to run behavioural insight analyses in real-world settings.

PSYCH 771A
30 Points

PSYCH 771B
30 Points

Clinical Practice 1 and Professional Issues

Consists of two parts: First, psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Consideration of psychotherapy research and practical exercises are incorporated. Secondly, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 771 A and B

PSYCH 772A
30 Points

PSYCH 772B
30 Points

Clinical Practice 2

Advanced psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two, 200 hour placements, in either an adult setting or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 772 A and B

PSYCH 773A
60 Points

PSYCH 773B
60 Points

Clinical Internship

Includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1500 hours in an approved health setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routing clinical practice. A university-based seminar series that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 773 A and B

PSYCH 774A
30 Points

PSYCH 774B
30 Points

Clinical Internship Part Time

Includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1500 hours in an approved health setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routing clinical practice. A university-based seminar series that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 774 A and B

PSYCH 775
15 Points

Special Topic: Visual Perception in Brains and Machines

Explores current debates on how to build and assess computational models of human visual perception. Students will learn how state-of-the-art artificial systems perform visual tasks, and gain hands-on experience interacting with these systems. Literature from the field of visual neuroscience will examine the ways in which these models may work similarly to, and differently from, human vision.

PSYCH 776
15 Points

Special Topic: Psychology of Music

Music is a cultural signature of our species, appearing frequently in daily life, across human societies, and throughout our history with striking diversity. This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the psychology of music.

PSYCH 777
15 Points

Special Topic: Illusory Line Motion

PSYCH 778
15 Points

Topics in Sensation and Perception

A range of topics in Sensation and Perception will be explored, including those of applied interest, experimental approaches, and methods. Examples include cross-modal effects on taste perception, misophonia and misokinesia, the five basic tastes, false memory for foods, threshold estimation, preference testing, the auditory sensory meridian response, and other contemporary topics.

PSYCH 779A
7.5 Points

PSYCH 779B
7.5 Points

Research and Communication Skills - Level 9

Advanced skills associated with developing innovative research designs and communicating information about research designs, outcomes, and the implications of one’s findings are essential to the research process. Students will undertake exercises designed to develop these advanced skills, including writing a research proposal, presenting a seminar on their research project, preparing and presenting a research poster, and additional seminar-based exercises directed at research skill development.

Corequisite: PSYCH 780

Restriction: PSYCH 788, 789

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 779 A and B

PSYCH 780A
15 Points

PSYCH 780B
15 Points

Honours Research Project - Level 9

Corequisite: PSYCH 779

Restriction: PSYCH 788, 789

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 780 A and B

PSYCH 788A
22.5 Points

PSYCH 788B
22.5 Points

Honours Dissertation in Psychology - Level 9

Restriction: PSYCH 789

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 788 A and B

PSYCH 790
45 Points

PSYCH 790A
15 Points

PSYCH 790B
30 Points

Dissertation in Organisational Psychology - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 790 A and B, or PSYCH 790

PSYCH 793
60 Points

PSYCH 793A
30 Points

PSYCH 793B
30 Points

Dissertation - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 793 A and B, or PSYCH 793

PSYCH 794A
30 Points

PSYCH 794B
60 Points

Thesis in Organisational Psychology - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 794 A and B

PSYCH 796A
60 Points

PSYCH 796B
60 Points

Masters Thesis in Psychology - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 796 A and B

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

PSYCHOL 700
15 Points

Special Topic: Wairua, Wellbeing and Cultural Considerations

Wairua is multi-faceted and central to holistic wellbeing. This course privileges Mātauranga Māori in the exploration of wairua and wellbeing and will provide a strong foundation for working with Māori. Students engage with topics relevant to indigenous cultural considerations in psychological research and practice. Includes self-reflection and group work in a wānaga/noho marae setting.

PSYCHOL 701
15 Points

Special Topic

Named Doctoral Courses

PSYCH 800
120 Points

Scientist-practitioner Model

Advanced research based psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse ages, cultures and clinical settings, and for complex clinical issues. Cognitive, behavioural, systemic, and mātauranga Māori models are central. Development of leadership, integrity, cultural sensitivity and other professional competences to allow registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Supervised practicum experience includes three 200-hour placements and a 1,500 hour internship.

PSYCH 801
30 Points

Scientist-practitioner Model 1

Research based psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Advanced clinical research design, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, supervision practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment. Includes one 200-hour placement in either an adult or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

PSYCH 802
30 Points

Scientist-practitioner Model 2

Advanced psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy, family therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two 200-hour placements, in either an adult setting or child and family setting. One of these may, depending on staff availability, be in a specialist setting. Options may include: clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, assessment and psychological treatment of psychoses, child and adolescent clinical psychology, drug and alcohol addiction, and others. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 801

PSYCH 803
60 Points

Internship

This includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1,500 hours in an approved setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routine psychological clinical practice. A university based seminar course that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 801, 802

PSYCH 897
90 Points

Portfolio of Clinical Research

Five original research projects demonstrating appropriate use of the scientist-practitioner model (single case design, programme evaluation or group research may be included). One project will be conducted within each of the three placements associated with the courses PSYCH 801 and 802, and two within the Internship, PSYCH 803. At least one project should be related to research with an adult population, and at least one with a child and family population. The Portfolio will be examined by two internal academic psychologists and assessed by the two external Thesis examiners.

Restriction: PSYCH 894, 895

PSYCH 899
150 Points

Thesis

An original research dissertation completed over the three years of the degree (75 points in year 1, 60 points in year 2, and 15 points in year 3). The research may be basic or applied, but must be relevant to some area of clinical psychology and represent a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.

Restriction: PSYCH 896

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