PSY102 CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN
PSYCHOLOGY
Week 1 Introduction to PSY102
What is Psychology
Psychology is defined as the science of behaviour and mental process.
PSY102 Assessments
1: Weekly quizzes (50%)
2: Critical reflection paper (50%)
- One topic liked and disliked (first person)
- I learned …
- Compare and contrast
Suitcase analogy (what is hidden deep down in our suitcase?)
- Things people do not want to come out (become exposed).
- Know what is in your suitcase and what makes it rattle.
Where can my degree lead me ?
- Clinical psychology
- Community psychology
- Educational and developmental psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Health psychology
- Organisational psychology
- Sport and exercise psychology
- Counselling
- Social work
- Education
Apply psychological principles to personal, social and group issues
- Plan and implement
- Think critically
Career access planning
- Where am I now ?
- What do I want to get out of my studies ?
- How do I obtain this ?
,No placements however jobs and volunteer opportunities may be available via
- Student hub
- Community organisations
- Search for work integrated learning
What employers are after:
- Curiosity
- Persistence
- Risk taking
- Flexibility
- Optimism
- The mind is the most complex part of the human body, so complex it cannot even
understand itself.
- Do we have free will ? Or are we driven by our environment, biology and non conscious
influences?
Week 2 Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology Lecture
- Mental illness defined: several mental disorders ranging from depression, anxiety,
stress and eating disorders.
- Mental health defined: state of wellbeing
4 features of mental illness:
1. Departure from normal: everyday life (different for everyone).
2. Distress: behaviour, though and emotions.
3. Dysfunction: influence on daily function.
4. Dangerousness: to self (harm or suicide) or others (aggression or homicide).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychosocial intervention CBT focuses on challenging and changing
unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional
regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target
solving current problems.
Consequences of poor mental health on the individual:
- Inability to work
, - Economic struggles
- Poor social interactions
- Poor self esteem
Three causes for mental illness:
Psychological
Biological
Social (environmental)
Patient assessment:
- What is the problem ?
- What has triggered it ?
- What is preventing a resolution ?
- What strengths does the client have to help them resolve the issue ?
It is crucial the therapist understands the complexity of triggers, risk factors and strengths of the
client.
- Inaccurate thoughts
- Focus on negatives
- Emotions treated as fact (emotional reasoning their emotions/thoughts are facts)
- Psychodynamic theories: how experiences shape one's consciousness, thoughts, feelings
and behaviours.
- Psychology the study of behaviour and mental processes. The human mind is the most
complex physical object.
Week 4 Health Psychology
Health Psychology Lecture
Health Psychology is the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness
and health care. The understanding how psychological behavioural, and cultural factors
contribute to physical health and illness; how psychological behaviours can affect an individuals
health directly (e.g. psychological seizure girl).
Health psychology consist of two main strands
- Public health promotion: Health psychologists may work with clients encouraging safety
precautions in the workplace or assisting smokers.
- Managing health conditions Health psychologists may work with patients suffering from
chronic illness on how to manage pain, patients who may have type one or two
diabetes, athiritist, lung issues. Health psychologists may try to encourage lifestyle
changes and discuss how patients can adapt to health complications. Mild symptoms of
mental health issues can coexist with health conditions which health psychologists can
PSYCHOLOGY
Week 1 Introduction to PSY102
What is Psychology
Psychology is defined as the science of behaviour and mental process.
PSY102 Assessments
1: Weekly quizzes (50%)
2: Critical reflection paper (50%)
- One topic liked and disliked (first person)
- I learned …
- Compare and contrast
Suitcase analogy (what is hidden deep down in our suitcase?)
- Things people do not want to come out (become exposed).
- Know what is in your suitcase and what makes it rattle.
Where can my degree lead me ?
- Clinical psychology
- Community psychology
- Educational and developmental psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Health psychology
- Organisational psychology
- Sport and exercise psychology
- Counselling
- Social work
- Education
Apply psychological principles to personal, social and group issues
- Plan and implement
- Think critically
Career access planning
- Where am I now ?
- What do I want to get out of my studies ?
- How do I obtain this ?
,No placements however jobs and volunteer opportunities may be available via
- Student hub
- Community organisations
- Search for work integrated learning
What employers are after:
- Curiosity
- Persistence
- Risk taking
- Flexibility
- Optimism
- The mind is the most complex part of the human body, so complex it cannot even
understand itself.
- Do we have free will ? Or are we driven by our environment, biology and non conscious
influences?
Week 2 Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology Lecture
- Mental illness defined: several mental disorders ranging from depression, anxiety,
stress and eating disorders.
- Mental health defined: state of wellbeing
4 features of mental illness:
1. Departure from normal: everyday life (different for everyone).
2. Distress: behaviour, though and emotions.
3. Dysfunction: influence on daily function.
4. Dangerousness: to self (harm or suicide) or others (aggression or homicide).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychosocial intervention CBT focuses on challenging and changing
unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional
regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target
solving current problems.
Consequences of poor mental health on the individual:
- Inability to work
, - Economic struggles
- Poor social interactions
- Poor self esteem
Three causes for mental illness:
Psychological
Biological
Social (environmental)
Patient assessment:
- What is the problem ?
- What has triggered it ?
- What is preventing a resolution ?
- What strengths does the client have to help them resolve the issue ?
It is crucial the therapist understands the complexity of triggers, risk factors and strengths of the
client.
- Inaccurate thoughts
- Focus on negatives
- Emotions treated as fact (emotional reasoning their emotions/thoughts are facts)
- Psychodynamic theories: how experiences shape one's consciousness, thoughts, feelings
and behaviours.
- Psychology the study of behaviour and mental processes. The human mind is the most
complex physical object.
Week 4 Health Psychology
Health Psychology Lecture
Health Psychology is the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness
and health care. The understanding how psychological behavioural, and cultural factors
contribute to physical health and illness; how psychological behaviours can affect an individuals
health directly (e.g. psychological seizure girl).
Health psychology consist of two main strands
- Public health promotion: Health psychologists may work with clients encouraging safety
precautions in the workplace or assisting smokers.
- Managing health conditions Health psychologists may work with patients suffering from
chronic illness on how to manage pain, patients who may have type one or two
diabetes, athiritist, lung issues. Health psychologists may try to encourage lifestyle
changes and discuss how patients can adapt to health complications. Mild symptoms of
mental health issues can coexist with health conditions which health psychologists can
