LAWS9800 Civil Law for Psychologists

This course aims to provide psychologists with an understanding of the framework within which Australian law operates, and to explore two particular areas of law of relevance for psychologists: civil notions of responsibility and competence; and family law, including issues concerning child custody and access. This course is offered in Session 2 every second year.

LAWS9810 Criminal Law for Psychologists

An examination of three further areas of law which are of importance for forensic psychologists: the criminal law; the law of evidence; and the law relating to children. This course is offered in Session 2 every second year.

PSYC7000 Research and Evaluation Methods

An examination of threats to the validity of causal inferences from randomised experiments, quasi-experiments and passive observational studies, with particular reference to field studies and program evaluations. Statistical power analysis, the analysis of data from nonequivalent control group designs, interrupted time series analysis, and structural modelling.

PSYC7001 Psychological Assessment 1

A theoretical basis, background information and development of practical skills in methods of assessment typically used in clinical, forensic and organisational psychology. Topics include: the assessment of intelligence in adults and children, assessment of adult abilities, vocational interests, and personality, use of behavioural/structured interviewing, computerised test administration and expert scoring systems, assessment centres, special purpose testing, preparation of assessment reports, the provision of feedback to clients and subjects, and ethical, legal and professional issues. Emphasis will be on the development of practical skills in the administration, scoring and interpretation of standardised psychological instruments.

PSYC7400 Interventions in Forensic Psychology 1

An introduction to clinical practice that covers the major anxiety and mood disorders. This course reviews the major models and research strategies for understanding psychopathology and clinical interventions. Specific psychological disorders are analysed in detail to illustrate the interplay of biological, cognitive, and behavioural models of psychological dysfunction. Each disorder is also described in terms of practical assessment and treatment procedures.

PSYC7401 Interventions in Forensic Psychology 2

Working as a forensic psychologist involves assessing and managing a range of psychological problems. This course provides an overview of a range of assessment and intervention methods applicable to forensic psychology. The emphasis is on the scientist-practitioner model, and how evidence-based interventions can manage presentations within forensic settings. It will focus specifically on the theory and practice of interviewing and counselling forensic clients on topics including the assessment, treatment and prevention of child maltreatment; interviewing child witnesses; specific issues in interventions with crime victims; the prevention of juvenile offending; and interventions involving adult sexual offenders, violent offenders, and suicidal clients.

PSYC7402 Applications of Forensic Psychology

A broad introduction and survey of forensic psychology theories and research, and an examination of issues relevant to applying psychological principles and theories to legal issues. Topics include psychological aspects and applications relevant to investigative and adjudicative aspects of the legal system, such as cognitive interviewing, eyewitness memory, punishment, and issues related to uses of scientific evidence by courts, such as via expert testimony. Alternative theories and methods of conflict resolution are examined, such as therapeutic jurisprudence, restorative justice, conferencing, and conciliation. Contributions of forensic psychologists in research, practice, and policy development are explored.

PSYC7403 Experimental Psychology and Law

In-depth examination of the application of forensic psychology in different settings based on theory and research in social and experimental psychology and allied fields. Topics include aspects of eyewitness identification, jury behaviour, detections of deception, use of hypnosis, trial advocacy tactics, the effects of the media, and the psychology of terrorism, to name a few.

The four Professional and Ethical Practice courses provide an introduction to skills training in a variety of tasks undertaken by forensic psychologists:

PSYC7409 Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 1
PSYC7410 Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 2
PSYC7411 Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 3
PSYC7412 Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 4

Students are not allowed to progress to Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 3 and 4 until Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 1 and 2 are completed.