Studying Psychology at University
Gain an understanding of the human mind and how it influences behaviour. You’ll develop analytical, research and communication skills while studying clinical and health psychology, developmental and social psychology, assessment, intervention and research.
La Trobe University is one of a few institutions that offer several degrees that allow students to study psychology. For example, their Bachelor of Arts offers a major in Psychological Sciences.
Students who are keen to enter a course with a greater focus on psychology, or to pursue a career as a psychologist might opt to enrol in one of two undergraduate degrees. Both the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).**
** Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body.
Bachelor of Psychological Science
This is a 3-year degree that prepares students for a career as a professional psychologist, or in a psychology-related field across industries from clinical psychology to human services and marketing. Graduates of this course planning to continue on in further psychology-related studies will need to apply for an Honours year, such as the 1-year Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. A WAM of 70 is required to be eligible for consideration.
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
This is a 4-year degree that prepares students to become a professional psychologist, build a career in a psychology-related field or pursue research. Automatic progression to fourth year in this course requires a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%.
Exercise and Sports Science/Nutrition Science at ACU
Physical activity and healthy eating are fundamental to good health and wellbeing for all human beings. Not only do they reduce the risk of disease, they improve or maintain overall quality of life through enhanced mental and social wellbeing.
This course is ideal for students who are passionate about fitness and creating a better life for others. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science will uniquely equip graduates to become experts in professions related to both exercise/sport science and nutrition science. Graduates will capitalise on the synergies between the two fields of study to promote optimal health and nutrition through the lifespan.
VCE entry requirements are: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Subject bonuses are awarded to students who attain a study score of 40 in Biology, Chemistry, any English, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 45 in Biology, Chemistry, any English, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 5 aggregate points per study.
Graduates of this double degree will be eligible to apply for further study in nutrition research or in dietetics to become an accredited practising dietitian. In addition, they will be eligible to apply for further study in exercise science/sports science research and clinical exercise physiology to become an accredited exercise physiologist, or further study in high performance sport.
Find out more at Exercise and Sports Science/Nutrition Science.
What is a Sports Physiotherapist?
The Health Times website indicates that sports physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy, and sports physios provide advice on how to avoid sports injuries, treat injuries and help recovery for those playing recreational sport right through to elite sport.
A sports physio is a registered physiotherapist who has achieved further study after completing a physiotherapy degree - in which students achieve an understanding of the physical, structural and the physiological aspects of human form and movement.
To become a sports physio, one will first need to complete a four-year bachelor degree in physiotherapy. Alternatively, students can complete an associated bachelor degree, such as in exercise physiology, followed by a postgraduate qualification in physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists can later choose to practice in sports physiotherapy but are unable to refer to themselves as a sports physio until they have achieved titled membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
What does a Radiation Therapist do?
The Good Universities Guide states that Radiation Therapists design, and administer radiation treatment to cancer patients, and provide related care to patients in conjunction with radiation oncologists or other medical specialists. The Health Times website indicates that a Radiation Therapist is also responsible for collecting relevant patient information and using this information to plan a patient’s treatment. A radiation therapist will work under the guidance of a Radiation Oncologist, in a team of health professionals who care for and treat cancer patients.
Radiation therapists are responsible for supporting the patient throughout their treatment. They must have compassion and strong interpersonal skills. Part of their role is to listen to the emotional concerns and anxieties of the patient and refer them appropriately if needed. The radiation therapist will also assess the patient’s reaction to treatment, providing advice on the side effects of treatment and methods of alleviating these. Radiation therapists often develop close relationships with their patients, as they usually see them five days per week for between three and seven weeks.
To become a Radiation Therapist, students must study radiation therapy at university. Studies in Radiation Therapy in Victoria are offered by Monash University and RMIT University, and Radiation Science units are offered in the Medical Imaging degree offered by Deakin University.
What does a Neuroscientist do?
According to the Medical News Today website neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on behaviour and cognitive functions, or how people think. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that works closely with other disciplines, such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, and medicine. Neuroscientists carry out tests, using various types of technology to help them to diagnose conditions, and they usually specialise in specific areas. These include study of the way the nervous system grows and develops; the way the brain deals with thought, language, memory, and its ability to solve problems; or molecules that help with the way the nervous systems work.
To become a neuroscientist, students generally have to complete a science degree - such as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine with a major in Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne, for example. Completion of a postgraduate qualification is regarded as of great value - such as Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology) and Master of Neuroscience. The following link is very interesting to browse - Master Programs in Neuroscience.
