Music Psychology Research

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

A total of 120 hours (including non-contact time).

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject will encompass an initial exploration of music psychology research. Selected researchers within the field, including music therapists, behavioural neuroscientists, neuropsychologists and experimental psychologists will outline recent and current practical research involving music across the lifespan. Information will be provided on the relationship between music and the brain, as well as music and the body. The development of musical skills at different life stages will be outlined, from birth to old age. Each lecture will be assessed by weekly online quizzes and students will select one topic for specialisation for the final assignment.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Identify relevant research to a range of topics from a range of disciplines
• Present integrated summaries of relevant research studies
• Critically analyse research and varying theories pertinent to Music Psychology

Weekly participation in web-based quiz/discussions (40%); 3000 word written assignment, due end of semester and submitted online (60%).

Rickard, N. & McFerran, K. (2011). Lifelong Engagement with Music: Benefits for Mental Health and Well-Being. Melbourne: Nova Publishers.

For Blended Learning Delivery: Resources available on the LMS will include podcasts of lectures, powerpoint presentations, web based quizzes/discussions, information about seminars and assessment requirements.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed:

• Skills in accessing current research from international databases, web sites, journals and texts;
• The ability to analyse and critique literature and presentations;
• High level conceptual and applied skills.