What will I learn?

In this elective students will investigate and gain an understanding of the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. Students will examine what factors influence its function and how they can more effectively use their brains and what happens when our brain does function correctly. Students will explore why sleep is vital, and why we dream. Students will also investigate the concept of consciousness and altered states of consciousness such as hypnoses and lucid dreaming. 

Students will also investigate and gain an understanding of what makes us individuals. Students will discuss theories of moral, emotional and cognitive development and debate about the impact of nature and nurture on human development. Students will examine what factors influence a person’s attitudes and value structures and why some people choose to behave in pro or anti-social ways. 

What will I do?

This unit will involve practical investigations and psychological and theoretical research. 

What will this lead to?

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

Explain theories of sleeping and dreaming; recognise anatomical features and functions of the brain and nervous system; understand some effects of brain injury and mental illness; explain theories of attitude formation; recognise factors that influence all aspects of psychological development; understand the impact of social pressures of individual behaviour; explain various fields of psychology.

Why choose this subject?

The skills and knowledge gained in this subject will module and be valuable to students wishing to study VCE Psychology and VCE Biology. VCE Psychology is often selected in Year 10 as an early VCE subject. It is highly recommended that students wishing to complete VCE Psychology in Year 10 have completed the Year 8 Intro to Psych unit. 

Duration

3 periods per week for one semester

Head of science: Lisa Crute