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Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Undergraduate | GRF-CCJ10 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
Examine how psychologists use psychological theory and research within the criminal justice setting. Focus on psychological assessments in court, criminal behaviour and responsibility, predicting dangerousness, juries and eyewitness testimony.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
About this subject
The subject allows students to focus on both the academic and vocational aspects of forensic psychology and will assist in developing skills to critically evaluate criminal justice processes. With this in mind, the three aims of the subject are:
- To examine the various ways that psychologists interact with the legal system and apply research and theory to legal problems;
- To provide a working knowledge of the psychological theories that underpin human behaviour in the criminal justice system, including the behaviour of witnesses, children, jurors, and offenders.
- To critically review the research in forensic psychology and to enable students to become intelligent consumers of this research.
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology; Crime in Context
- Theories of Crime
- Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
- Sexual Offenders
- Violent Offenders
- Eyewitness Testimony
- Profiling
- False Allegations and Confessions
- Mental Health Law and Offending
- Juries and Decision Making
- Assessment of risk, dangerousness and recidivism
This subject provides an introduction to the various domains of expertise of forensic psychologists. It examines the way in which psychologists produce and use psychological theory and research within the criminal justice setting. In particular, the subject focuses on the use of psychological assessments in court, issues of criminal responsibility and predicting dangerousness, jury processes and decision-making, eyewitness testimony, the use of psychological knowledge in prisons and the psychology of criminal behaviour.
Assessment details will be advised at the beginning of the subject offering.
- Essay 1 (40%)
- Quizzes (20%)
- Invigilated Exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Others
Students who have completed more than 2 OUA units (GPA 4.0+) and are planning on completing the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice are strongly encouraged to enrol in the course. Part of this process will involve registering your study plan with Griffith University, which will help to ensure that you are studying the required units.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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