Mental Health and Individual Differences unit (PSY124)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Human behaviour is universal, but its expression, nature, and intent vary across cultures and contexts. Why do individuals behave the way they do? Lecture content will introduce and explore theoretical descriptions of individual differences such as personality and intelligence that can impact behaviour in a variety of contexts, as well as some of the factors which can influence psychological well-being, such as stress and coping. This unit also introduces the study of psychological pathology (psychopathology), including a critical consideration of psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions. Tutorials will build on lecture content, support the development of reflective practice, and will facilitate the development of basic communication skills including counselling and professional communication.

Summary

Unit name	Mental Health and Individual Differences
Unit code	PSY124
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Doctor Daniel Zuj
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain key psychological disorders, therapeutic approaches, and major theories across areas of individual differences, including intelligence, personality, and cultural perspectives.
• Apply psychological concepts and diagnostic/therapeutic frameworks to analyse case material and real-world scenarios.
• Evaluate debates, controversies, and cultural considerations in the study of mental health and individual differences.
• Use scientific writing, research skills, and evidence-based reasoning to communicate to defined audiences.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KHA111

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	ON CAMPUS STUDENTS 2hr online lecture weekly 2hr practical class (on campus) weekly. 2hr independent learning weekly ONLINE STUDENTS 2hr online lecture weekly 2hr practical activities (online) weekly. 2hr independent learning weekly
Assessment	Quizzes (15%)|Individual Differences Essay (25%)|Case Report (30%)|Final exam (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

It is important that you have ongoing access to these required readings, so they will be available for a limited loan period from the University of Tasmania Library collection. You are, however, strongly encouraged to buy these books as they will be useful resources throughout your study.  D.A. Bernstein, J. A. Pooley, L. Cohen, S. Provost, J. Cranney, and N. Drew (2023). Psychology: Australian and New Zealand Edition. (4th Ed). Australia: Cengage Learning

Recommended

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Lecturers may recommend articles and chapters relevant to specific content. These recommended readings may be provided for you via the Reading List link on MyLO, or you may have to employ your research skills to find the materials through the library.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.