Science (Psychological and Behavioural Sciences), Bachelor

The Bachelor of Science teaches understanding, reasoning and improving the natural world through systematic observation, experimentation, modelling and calculation. A quality education in science from UWA will equip students with attributes that are highly valued and sought after by a diverse range of employers around the globe, and provides the opportunity to harness the skills and knowledge necessary to make a real contribution to the global challenges facing humanity.

Psychology is a fascinating and diverse area of study that touches upon many aspects of daily life, seeking to answer questions about how and why people behave the way they do. The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major will help you develop a scientific understanding of human thoughts and behaviours, the psychological processes underlying these and the relationship of these processes to brain function. You will find an emphasis on the measurement of psychological abilities, how these develop through the lifespan and the processes that govern the relationships between people and groups in a multicultural society. You will also develop an understanding of how psychological processes are affected by ageing, brain damage and disease. The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major is a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Completion of this major will allow students to apply for further study in Psychology leading to professional accreditation as a psychologist. During the major, you will be exposed to sensitive topics (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). You will also be required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether you can cope with the demands of a psychology major and whether there is anything that would impact upon your ability to complete the requirements of the major. Please note that the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, or the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), as MJD-PSYCH Psychological and Behavioural Sciences; and can only be taken as a second major in the BP001 Bachelor of Arts, the BP002 Bachelor of Commerce, the BP004 Bachelor of Science, the BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), the BP009 Bachelor of Business, or BP011 Bachelor of Environmental Design, as MJS-PSYCY Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. Students enrolled in combined Bachelor-Bachelor degrees are not permitted to enrol in the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major (as either a degree-specific major or a second major), as these courses are not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).