VCE Psychology is for students who are interested in exploring how people think, feel and behave. Students will also learn how to learn and to critically evaluate research.
Units 3 and 4 are designed to be taken as a sequence. There are no prerequisites for entry into Unit 3; however students who have not completed Units 1 and 2 may need to undertake preparatory work based on these two Units, as specified by the teacher.
Students explore the role of the nervous system in enabling a person to integrate, coordinate and respond to sensory stimuli. They consider the ways in which stress affects the mind and body, the role that the nervous system plays in these processes and how stress can be managed. Students study the neural basis of memory and learning and examine a range of factors that influence the learning of new behaviours and the storage and retention of information in memory.
Areas of Study include:
How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning?
How do people learn and remember?
Students focus on states of consciousness. They explore the ways in which consciousness can be studied and how states of consciousness can be altered. Students consider the nature and importance of sleep and analyse the effects of sleep deprivation, jet lag and shift work on psychological functioning. Students examine what it means to be mentally healthy. They evaluate the fluctuating nature of mental wellbeing, including contributing factors and interventions. Specific phobia is used to show how a biopsychosocial approach can explain the development and management of a mental disorder. Students explore the concepts of resilience and coping and investigate strategies that contribute to mental wellbeing. Students plan then undertake an experiment and communicate their findings in a scientific poster. A practical work folio must be maintained by the student for record, authentication and assessment purposes.
Areas of Study include:
How do levels of consciousness affect mental processes and behaviour?
What influences mental wellbeing?
How is scientific enquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning?
School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3 contributes 20 per cent to the study score.
School-assessed Coursework for Unit 4 will contribute 30 per cent to the study score.
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination, which will contribute 50 per cent to the study score.
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Students will order the textbook and workbook through the book list
Edrolo Units 3 & 4 Psychology Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)