Overview
REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN BEHAVIOURAL PSYCHOLOGY (HBP)
Duration: 4 years: Normal entry
3 years: Special/Mature entry
Actual Credit Load: 492
Minimum Credit Load: 480
Maximum Credit Load: 540
Maximum MBKs Credit Load: 408
ZNQF Level: 8
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
- To inculcate in students the ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of psychological theories, research methods and applications.
- To instill in students the ability for critical thinking required to apply psychological theories and methods in addressing behavioural problems.
- To capacitate students to apply psychological skills and techniques to a variety of dysfunctional behaviours.
To produce graduates who are ethically and socially responsible.
- To mould and produce graduates who can effectively write, present, and effectively communicate research findings to others.
2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For all pathways, candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a relevant Science subject at Grade C or better
| Normal Entry: At least 5 ‘O’ Level passes/National Foundation Certificates including
English Language, Mathematics and a relevant Science subject at Grade C or better plus a minimum of any 2 “A” Level passes or relevant National Certificate |
| Special Entry: At least 5 ‘O’ Level passes/National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a relevant Science subject at Grade C or better plus a professional qualification such as a Diploma in a Psychology-related field in which candidates must be employed |
| Mature Entry: At least 5 ‘O’ Level passes/National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a relevant Science subject at Grade C or better. Candidates must be at least 25 years of age and have a minimum of 3 years of working experience in a Psychology-related field in which they must be employed.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS |
| · Areas of study: Behavioural Psychology; Psychology Theories and Models; Assessment, evaluation and respective interventions for dysfunctional behaviours
in diverse life settings · Special focus: Behavioural Psychology, with special emphasis on theory-based research used to describe, explain, predict, modify and/or promote human behaviour and mental processes · Orientation: Applied scientific model premised on the student-centred approach to the assessment of the nature and extent of human psychosocial challenges, and to the designing and implementation of appropriate interventions · Distinctive features: The programme builds in students the research-technology-innovation management continuum and focuses on knowledge, skills and application development used to alleviate/terminate dynamic and contemporary human behavioural issues 4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION Careers : · Counsellors, Educators, Juvenile correctional/rehabilitation centres, social workers, community development practitioners, motivational speakers · Human and social services in settings including academia, clinical, occupational, environmental, sports, and community psychology; Public/government and private/ non-governmental institutions requiring psychological services Further Education: Master’s programmes in Behavioural Psychology specialty areas; Postgraduate studies in the Psychology special area 5. PROGRAMME DELIVERY · Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, role-plays, field visits/trips, individual and seminar/group presentations, independent study, active research · Assessment and Evaluation Methods: Written assignments, presentations, tests, research projects, work-related learning reports, and end-of-semester examinations 6.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES |
| On successful completion of this programme, graduates should be able to: |
| • Apply acquired research skills and engage in innovative problem-solving research that addresses behavioural problems. |
| • Develop and apply interpersonal skills to different contexts. |
| • Utilise imparted behaviour change skills for the betterment of self and others. |
| • Understand and differentiate age-related behavioural problems. |
| • Understand concepts and overarching theories in Behavioural Psychology.
• Explain, evaluate and predict human behaviour and mental processes. • Work with clients, supervisors and supervisees in line with values and rules of professional conduct for Behavioural Psychologists. • Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments. 7.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS Refer to Section 4 of the Faculty Regulations |
Programme Structure
| Level 1 Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 131: History of Behavioural Psychology | 12 |
| PSY 132: Introduction to Psychology | 12 |
| PSY 133: Introduction to Social Psychology | 12 |
| HCS 135: Introduction to Information Technology | 12 |
| CS 131: Communication Skills | 12 |
| Level 1 Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 132: Behavioural Gerontology | 12 |
| HBP 133: Behaviour Theory in Practice | 12 |
| HBP 134: Forensic Behavioural Science | 12 |
| PSY 135: Psychology Concepts, Methods and Applications | 12 |
| PSY 136: Contemporary and Applied Social Psychology | 12 |
| Level 2 Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 231: Psychobiology | 12 |
| PSY 233: Principles of Learning | 12 |
| PSY 234: Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics | 12 |
| GSS 231: Gender Studies for Social Sciences | 12 |
| ENT 235: Entrepreneurship | 12 |
| Level 2 Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 231: Mediation and Negotiation Strategies | 12 |
| HCP 232: Childhood, Adolescence & Adulthood Development | 12 |
| PSY 238: Personality | 12 |
| PSY 239: Cognitive Psychology | 12 |
| PSY 240: Ethics and Professional Practice | 12 |
| Level 3 Semester 1 (Work-Related Learning) | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 330: Work-Related Learning Placement Report | 40 |
| Level 3 Semester 2 (Work-Related Learning) | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 331: Work-Related Learning Report | 30 |
| HBP 332: Academic Supervisor’s Report | 20 |
| HBP 333: Employer’s Assessment Report | 30 |
| Level 4 Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HBP 431: Multi-Dysfunctional Behaviours | 12 |
| HBP 432: Perception and Action | 12 |
| PSY 432: Psychometrics | 12 |
| PSY 434: Educational Psychology | 12 |
| PSY 435: Health Psychology | 12 |
| Level 4 Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 438: Principles of Psychotherapy | 12 |
| PSY 439: Contemporary Critical Psychology | 12 |
| HBP 433: Lifestyle Behaviour Change | 12 |
| HBP 434: Evolution of Behaviour and Cognition | 12 |
| HBP 435: Dissertation | 24 |
| Total Credits | 492 |
Synopses
MODULE SYNOPSES
HBP 131 History of Behavioral Psychology
The module equips students with the knowledge to be able to trace the philosophical foundations of Behavioural Psychology to the present state of the discipline. Changes through the different perspectives are driven by the battle over what (subject) and how (methods) the content should be studied are highlighted as well as the prominent associated personalities.
PSY 132 Introduction to Psychology
The module introduces students to the richness and diversity of Psychology’s fundamental principles, theories, concepts and findings, and equips them with tools necessary for the study of human behaviour and mental processes. Major domains of Psychology as a discipline are also explored on the basis of classic studies, and of current and emerging research, including reference to the DSM-5 in discussions of psychological disorders.
PSY 133 Introduction to Social Psychology
The module covers the nature and causes of individual/group behaviour and thought processes in social settings; the way people think about, feel, and behave, and how they influence and are influenced by others; perspectives, empirical research methods, findings; impression-formation, conformity, prosocial behaviour, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, stereotyping, prejudice; analysis of theory and research in Social Psychology.
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology
Refer to the Department of Information Systems.
CS 131 Communication Skills
Refer to the Department of Communication Skills.
HBP 132 Behavioural Gerontology
This module examines associated professional and research issues. The focus is on the utilization of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); behavioural analyses of older adults, who have multiple diagnoses; assessment techniques and best practices to facilitate behaviour change in older adults; addressing societal needs for behavioural analysis services and considering advanced professional issues in this area.
HBP 133 Behavior Theory in Practise
This module introduces measures of behavior and data collection procedures used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Concepts covered are: skills for selecting, defining, observing, measuring, recording and compiling observed and background information about behaviour to support behavior change strategies; schedules of reinforcement and punishment.
HBP 134 Forensic Behavioural Science
This module explores the interdisciplinary nature of Forensic Behavioural Science as an emerging field at the interface of the human services and criminal justice systems. It also examines possible risk and preventive factors that underlie criminal behavior; challenges faced by people with disabilities in correctional systems; utilization of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) in law enforcement and in the prevention of criminal behavior tendencies.
PSY 135 Psychology Concepts, Methods and Applications
This module builds on the Introduction to Psychology module. Covered concepts, theories and methods augment the central themes and controversies of the discipline acquired earlier. This provides students with an understanding of the human mind and behaviour. Also examined are the psychodynamic perspective, humanism, post-modernism, personality, intelligence, and mental and behavioural issues. In workshop teams, students debate on raised issues.
PSY 136 Contemporary and Applied Social Psychology
The module focuses on challenges addressed by Social Psychology. Topics include attitudes and attitude change; prejudice, discrimination; aggression, conflict, conflict resolution; group behaviour; Social Psychology in politics, law and health; tendency to conform to social norms; Applied studies; application of Social Psychology basic principles to find, understand, interpret and use more specialized, and applied research findings.
PSY 231 Psychobiology
The module is on how biological processes influence human behaviour and mental functioning. It equips students with knowledge of genetics and the role of various body systems such as the nervous and endocrine systems in behaviour; the organisation, function and role of homeostatic organs in behaviour; and the human anatomy in explaining behaviours.
PSY 233 Principles of Learning
The module focuses on students’ mastery of critical and creative thinking. topics include principles of learning, conditioning, motivation, memory, and associated neurobiological mechanisms; integration of principles with a socio-psychobiological context to explain and analyse (ab)normal behaviour; appropriate terminology used in explaining how the principles were arrived at from experimental studies.
PSY 234 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics
The module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative paradigms/approaches and to respective methods. It allows students to demonstrate an understanding of the use of statistical tables and formulae in analysing and interpreting research data. It also exposes students to the association of variables, regression and prediction, statistical inferences and hypothesis-testing, Chi-square (x2) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
GSSS 201 Gender Studies for Social Sciences
This Gender Studies for Social Sciences 201 (GSSS201) module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS201 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself
ENT 235 Entrepreneurship
Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship
HBP 231 Mediation and Negotiation Strategies
The module focuses on the use of alternative dispute resolution processes which have rapidly increased in both public and private sectors as a less formal, cost-effective strategy to resolve problems, improve working relationships, and enhance productivity. Emphasis is on behaviour patterns that characterize conflicts; the need for behaviour change; Theory and practice of mediation, focusing on practical problem-solving and negotiation skills.
HCP 232 Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood Development
The module provides knowledge on developmental theories and age-related changes in the human lifespan. Emphasis is on holistic development in all developmental domains; Effects of attachment patterns and parenting styles on behavioural outcomes, and children’s rights; Effects of body changes, peer relationships, and initiations in adolescence; Theories of career choices; Midlife crises; Theories of ageing, developmental challenges and old age home life.
PSY 238 Personality
This module covers Personality and Motivation theories for students to gain an appreciation of approaches that can be considered in conceptualising personalities. Topics covered include An overview of Personality Psychology; Basic assumptions of human nature; and perspectives of personality, including the psychodynamic, dispositional, learning, behavioural and the humanistic-existential perspectives.
PSY 239 Cognitive Psychology
The module provides students with an understanding of how humans organize and interpret information to produce a conscious experience of objects, events, situations and people. Topics include perception, attention, accommodation, assimilation, information processing, memory, language and thought processes. The module also explores ways by which cognition is utilised by humans in an attempt to ensure continued survival.
PSY 240 Ethics and Professional Practice
Students are oriented on: professional psychological assessment and psychotherapist identity; ethical, legal and professional codes of conduct; the Health Professions Act Chapter 27: 19 and the requisite Mandate; safe, acceptable practice; professional issues associated with risk in working with clients in diverse settings/circumstances; individual and team-based service models; communication and implications on practice; intern supervisee-supervisor relationships.
HBP330 Work-Related Learning Placement Report
The student will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.
HBP 331, HBP 332, HBP 333: Work-Related Learning
During the 2 semesters, students are placed in organisations/institutions/companies/(non)- governments, among other placements, to gain the requisite practical experience. The exposure prepares students for professional socialisation while they also benefit from the provision for mechanisms of situated cognition.
HBP 431 Multi-Dysfunctional Behaviours
The module gives an overview of behaviours that are deemed dysfunctional in various settings. Explanations are given of what makes such behaviours dysfunctional by considering how they negatively impact the individuals themselves as well as on others around them. Behaviour change promotes everyone’s general well-being and productivity.
HBP 432 Perception and Action
The module exposes students to the influence of one’s perception of their surroundings on dysfunctional behaviour. Focus is on the involvement of one’s past experiences, environmental cues/triggers, and genetic, hormonal and functional systems. Concepts covered include the examination of the interface/relationship between social learning, neurology and psychiatry and their effect to their effects on brain lesions, trauma, toxicology and various mental under-developments.
PSY 432 Psychometrics
The module provides students with a grounding in the comprehension and application of psychometric tests, related theories, the nature and essence of psychometrics, test construction and use, and enhancement of effectiveness. Topics covered are methods of observing and measuring human behaviour; psychometric assessment methods and practice; testing principles of validity, reliability, standardization and on adopting/ adapting tests.
PSY 434 Educational Psychology
The module covers themes on general and specific learning, and socio-emotional difficulties in educational settings. It illustrates and integrates problems of learners with disabilities with the use of respective special teaching-learning methods. Also covered are case studies, surveys and consultations with education specialists, rehabilitation workers and other relevant pedagogy. Learners covered in this module range from kindergarten up to university students.
PSY 435 Health Psychology
This is an introduction to Health Psychology which examines the psychosocial impact of health, illness, and disability on individuals/family/society. Topics covered are the biopsychosocial approach to Health Psychology; health beliefs, attitudes and behaviour; patient-practitioner relationships; chronic and terminal illnesses; health promotion in local cultural contexts, on policy and health-provision in Zimbabwe; planning and evaluating interventions.
PSY 438 Principles of Psychotherapy
The module acquaints students with major approaches, namely the psychoanalytic, Adlerian, person-centred, rational-emotive, humanistic, and behavioural. It also explores: current issues/practices in psychotherapy, emotional, relational, behavioural and cognitive mechanisms of change, and empirical evidence for psycho-therapeutic processes; emotion regulation, cultural competency, therapeutic boundaries, principles, philosophy, tenets of the approaches, and therapist self-care.
PSY 439 Contemporary Critical Psychology
The module examines the implications of debates between mainstream and critical approaches to Psychology; philosophical foundations from Foucault and the analysis of bio-power, Derrida on deconstruction and Mbembe and the post-colony. Implications of the challenges are examined in relation to Mkhize, Burman and Gergen, and others. Attention is on relationships between critical theory and qualitative research methodologies in Health Psychology.
HBP 433 Lifestyle Behaviour Change
The module covers the relationship between lifestyle behaviours and health; application of Psychology to understanding choices of lifestyles which result in dysfunctional behaviours; use of Health Psychology Models in the prediction and change of negative lifestyle behaviours.
HBP 434 Evolution of Behaviour and Cognition
The module builds students’ knowledge of the background in behaviour evolutionary processes and analyses. Topics covered includeevolution of behaviour, which forms the basis for current and/or future behaviours; analysis of comparative approaches to behavioural ecology, Evolutionary Psychology and behavioural change.
HBP 435 Dissertation
Students identify psychosocial problems and conduct research to address them. They apply previously taught research concepts and statistical skills, conceptualize ideas, review relevant literature, use appropriate methods/tools, collect, present, analyse and interpret data from which they draw conclusions and suggest recommendations. Under the guidance of a lecturer in the Department, students pursue a study on a relevant topic of their interest.