13.12 Psychology
In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.
Psychology courses are designated by PSYC.
13.12.1 Non-Restricted Courses
PSYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology
is the first half of a two-semester introduction to Psychology as a biological and social science. Topics may include history, research methodology, behavioural neuroscience, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, and memory.
PSYC 1001 Introduction to Psychology
is the second half of a two-semester introduction to Psychology as a biological and social science. Topics may include emotion, motivation, stress and health, personality and individuality, psychological disorders and treatment, and social psychology.
PSYC 2010 Biological and Cognitive Development
is a survey of principles underlying human development from the prenatal stage to adolescence. Topics covered will include biological, physical, linguistic, sensory, cognitive and intellectual changes.
PSYC 2020 Social and Personality Development
is an examination of relevant research on human socialization and personality development with special emphasis on parenting influences, attachment, imitation, sex role and moral development in childhood and adolescence.
PSYC 2150 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
will provide an in-depth overview of the relationship between psychology and the law. A variety of topics will be discussed and critically evaluated, including the use and misuse of psychology-based investigative methods such as offender and geographic profiling, detection of deception, investigative interviewing, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, corrections and treatment, risk assessment, and criminal responsibility.
PSYC 2151 Health Psychology
will explore the history, aims and future of health psychology. Topics covered will consider the contributions of a wide range of psychological theory within the context of psychosocial risk factors for illness, illness prevention, health promotion, and the health care system itself. These theories extend from rather individualistic notions of health and wellness (e.g., personality, attitudes, and behaviour) to concepts associated with characteristics of the broader social environment (e.g., social support, economic challenges, and organizational factors). An overall bio-psycho-social approach to health and wellness is explored.
PSYC 2800 Drugs and Behaviour
is an examination of the neurophysiology of drug action, the measurable effect of drugs on experimentally controlled behaviour, and a survey of information available on common self-administered drugs and their immediate and long-term effects.
PSYC 2920 Research Methods in Psychology for Non-Majors
provides an introduction to the design, understanding, and application of psychological research. Topics covered include understanding and applying scientific method, creating and testing hypotheses, constructing reliable and valid experiments, and the proper use of controls. An emphasis will be placed on thinking critically about psychology and common errors of judgment.
PSYC 3533 Sexual Behaviour
covers the most important aspects of human sexuality with a psychology theory and research framework. The course will examine the biological, behavioural and socio-cultural bases of the human sexual response. Topics include sexual interaction and communication, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, reproduction, sexual orientation, transgender and intersex, variations in sexual behaviour, sex and gender, sexual dysfunction and therapy, and sexual coercion.
PSYC 3640 The Psychology of Abnormal Behaviour
covers problems of definition, the history of beliefs about abnormal behaviour and the implication of a behavioural model for the understanding and control of behaviour problems.
13.12.2 Majors Courses
These courses are restricted to Majors in Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience.
PSYC 2520 Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience
is based on the idea that psychological and neuroscience research efforts are synergistic. Neuroscience research can reveal mechanisms that help explain the mind and behavior, while concepts developed by psychological research often define the topics that neuroscience investigates. The course will survey a broad range of topics that include the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurodevelopment, as well as higher level functions such as motivation, emotion, sleep, memory, language, and mental illness.
PSYC 2521 Introduction to Neuroscience for Behavioural Neuroscience Majors
is a comprehensive survey of the different domains of behavioural neuroscience, with an emphasis on systems level. It will cover a broad range of topics including the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurodevelopment, as well as higher level functions such as sleep, emotion, language, consciousness and mental illness. Students will be able to describe the basic mechanisms involved in neural system function and how these affect behaviour and several forms of neuroplasticity.
PSYC 2910 Research Methods in Psychology I
is an introduction to the design and application of psychological research with particular concentration on understanding and applying scientific method, creating and testing hypotheses, constructing reliable and valid experiments, managing and analysing data sets, using statistical software, and scientific writing. Specific topics include descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency, variability and relative standing, inferential statistics such as t tests for one and two sample designs, correlation and regression, and non-parametric statistics.
PSYC 2911 Research Methods in Psychology II
covers research methods in psychology with a focus on more complex research designs and statistical approaches, within the realm of experimentation and beyond the laboratory. Specific topics include controlling participant variables, using between and repeated measures designs within the context of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Particular ANOVA approaches include one-way and factorial designs, within subject design, and two-way mixed designs.
PSYC 2930 Research and Writing in Psychology
is an introduction to the fundamentals of preparing psychology reports, emphasizing organization, correct use of terminology, adherence to appropriate discipline style, concise and accurate description, preparation of abstracts, and integration of numerical data. Topics for reports will be selected each semester by the instructor.
PSYC 3050 Developmental Psychology
is an examination of the methods of study and an evaluation of current findings and theoretical issues of importance to an understanding of development. Topics will be drawn from perception, learning, cognition, social learning, memory and language development.
PSYC 3100 Social Psychology
is an examination of the concepts and principles involved in social behaviour. Topics covered will include attitudes, social cognition, interpersonal relations, and group processes.
PSYC 3251 Learning
introduces students to topics of learning phenomena and learning theories. Topics to be studied include the evolutionary context of learning, habituation and sensitization, Pavlovian conditioning, operant conditioning, and generalization and discrimination in learning. Applications of learning principles to topics such as child rearing, education, drug use and rehabilitation, as well as to other topics of contemporary interest, will also be discussed.
PSYC 3450 Human Cognition
is an introduction to the experimental study of the mental representations and processes involved in human cognition. Topics such as attention, perception and pattern recognition, concepts and the organization of knowledge, language processes, mental imagery, reasoning, problem solving, decision making and skilled performance will be covered with an emphasis on experimental analysis and techniques.
PSYC 3510 Directed Study
provides an opportunity to work with an individual faculty member on a research project. The student will submit a formal written report of the research conducted. Permission of the instructor is required.
PSYC 3511 Directed Study
provides an opportunity to work with an individual faculty member on a research project. The student will submit a formal written report of the research conducted. Permission of the instructor is required.
PSYC 3650 Abnormal Psychology
is an examination of the nature, explanation and treatment of psychological disorders with an emphasis on research methods and current findings.
PSYC 3750 Animal Behaviour
is an introduction to the mechanisms, development, function and evolution of behaviour in animals. Topics include the history of ethology and comparative psychology, and behavioural ecology; methods of animal behaviour study, behaviour of animals in relation to physiology, learning, communication, mating systems, and other areas in Biology and Psychology.
Biology 3750
PSYC 3800 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
addresses the structure and function of neurons and neural circuits and examines principles of electrochemical neural communication at the macroscopic, microscopic and molecular level. The relevance of this knowledge to understanding brain mechanisms of normal and diseased brain functions will be touched upon. The molecular basis of the formation of some types of memories will be explored.
PSYC 3810 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
examines how organisms adjust their behaviour to regularities in the environment as a result of experience. Experience changes behavior by modifying the nervous system. We will take a multidisciplinary approach, combining information from psychology and neuroscience to study learning and memory. Students will gain an understanding of sensitization, habituation, and classical and operant conditioning using animal models, with a particular emphasis on the synaptic and molecular changes that occur with learning and memory.
PSYC 2825
the former PSYC 3250
PSYC 3820 Research Techniques in Behavioural Neuroscience
allows students to increase their understanding of how knowledge is generated in the study of neuroscience and behavior. Students will visit various on-campus laboratories that are engaged in research relevant to these fields. In addition to observations and hands-on tutorials, readings, discussions, and writing assignments will strengthen students' understanding of the techniques used to answer specific research questions in neuroscience and behaviour.
PSYC 3830 Hormones and Behaviour
explores the behavioural effects of hormones and the question of how hormones act on the brain to influence behaviour. Topics include: basic concepts in neuroendocrinology, reproductive behaviour (sexual and parental), sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour, aggressive behaviour, and the neuroendocrinology of stress, including the effects of stress on the brain and behaviour.
PSYC 3840 Neurobiology of Stress
will cover topics including the effects of stress on the immune system, hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter and neuropeptide release, cognition and emotional processing, and in utero and early postnatal development. The relationship between stress and mental disorders such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and addiction, dementia and age-related cognitive decline as well as resilience to stress will be discussed.
PSYC 3860 Neuropsychopharmacology
introduces students to the neurochemical and molecular underpinnings of behavior, with special emphasis on the biological principles underlying the etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of mental disorders. As a broad subdiscipline of neuroscience, it is ideal for those seeking to integrate neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology and the behavioural sciences. It will provide a thorough understanding and appreciation about how basic and clinical research can be synthesized and used for the development of various forms of therapies.
PSYC 3900 Design and Analysis III
is a course on complex and specialized research design in Psychology. Multifactor research designs that employ both between- and within-subjects independent variables. Advantages and disadvantages of using multifactor research designs to test psychological hypotheses. Hierarchical designs and incomplete factorials. The use of covariates and blocking to increase experimental precision. Problems created by missing data. Single subject designs. How to answer specific psychological questions in the context of complex designs. The design and analysis of non-experimental psychological research. Applications of such techniques as the analysis of variance and multiple linear regression to the data obtained with these research designs, with special attention to problems inherent in psychological research.
PSYC 4050 Selected Topics in Developmental Psychology I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in developmental psychology.
PSYC 4051 Selected Topics in Developmental Psychology II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in developmental psychology.
PSYC 4052 Seminar in Mathematical Cognition
examines the latest research regarding children’s early learning of numbers and later learning of mathematics. Topics may include infants' numerical ability, counting, subitizing, basic arithmetic, fractions, conceptual versus procedural knowledge, individual differences in mathematics, gender differences, and selected topics in mathematics education. These specific topics will be related to developmental theory in order to explore the ways in which cognitive and developmental mechanisms are at play in mathematical learning.
PSYC 3050 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4053 Seminar in Childhood Memories and Forensic Implications
is an overview of issues related to children’s memory for, and ability to talk about, real life events that they have experienced. Topics covered include autobiographical memories, children’s earliest memories and childhood amnesia, and the implications in forensic psychology.
PSYC 3050 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4054 Seminar in Media Use Across Development
examines media’s impacts on our social and cognitive development, focusing on how the use of various forms of media impact infants, young children, adolescents, and emerging adults. The aim is to discuss both the positive and negative consequences media has on our development.
two 3000-level majors courses (other than 3900) and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4070 Research Experience in Development Psychology
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of developmental psychology.
PSYC 4150 Selected Topics in Social Psychology I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in social psychology.
PSYC 4151 Selected Topics in Social Psychology II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in social psychology.
PSYC 4152 Seminar in Skeptical Thinking
will teach you how to identify pseudoscientific ideas that appear in the popular media. Among the issues covered will be the cognitive, motivational, and social determinants of questionable beliefs and controversial therapeutic techniques. Students will be armed with a “Baloney Detection Kit” that will help them distinguish between scientific and pseudoscientific claims.
PSYC 3100 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4153 Seminar in Romantic Relationships
will focus on one of the most impactful social experiences humans have: romantic relationships. In doing so, students will be guided through the prevailing empirical results of this diverse and interdisciplinary field. Among the topics covered will be: introduction to the science of relationships; theory of relationships research; methodology of relationships research.
PSYC 3100 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4154 Seminar in Social Psychology in Everyday Life
explores how human lives intersect with social psychological theories and ideas. The course will explore social psychological theories across many life domains – from relationships, work, finance, and behavioural and cognitive sciences to education and hobbies. Emphasis will be put on how current theories are experienced and expressed in our daily lives. Through project-based learning where science meets creativity, students will explore a variety of social psychological theories.
PSYC 3100 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4170 Research Experience in Social Psychology
will provide research experience in a selection of areas typically studied by social psychologists such as attitudes, prejudice, groups and social cognition. Students will acquire experience with research methods that are used to advance the body of knowledge in social psychology.
PSYC 4250 Selected Topics in Learning and Motivation I
an intensive examination of a specific topic in learning and motivation.
PSYC 4251 Selected Topics in Learning and Motivation II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in learning and motivation.
PSYC 4351 Selected Topics in Perception II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in perception.
PSYC 4370 Research Experience in Perception
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of perception.
PSYC 4450 Selected Topics in Cognition I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in cognition.
the former PSYC 4400
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4451 Selected Topics in Cognition II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in cognition.
the former PSYC 4401
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4452 Seminar in Metacognition
examines a wide variety of topics in the study of metacognition including judgements of learning, influences on judgements of learning, cognitive offloading, metacognitive illusions, predicting memory effects, multi-tasking, and responsible remembering. The focus of this course is on students’ ability to understand and communicate the contents of research articles, as well as how to provide constructive feedback.
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4453 Seminar in Embodied Cognition
builds on an understanding of fundamental cognitive mechanisms, this course provides further exploration of the mechanisms of cognition. Examples of topics to be studied include: What is cognition? What does the brain tell us about cognition? How do scientists study cognition? What is the role of the body in cognition?
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4454 Seminar in Applied Cognition
explores how cognitive processes contribute to real-world activities such as driving, music, eyewitness memory or reading. The focus throughout this course is on how to consume and present these topics to a research audience.
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4462 Human Memory
surveys theories and research about how humans remember information and why they forget. Topics include research on sensory memory, short-term working memory, amnesia, forgetting, memory development, and semantic memory as well as practical issues such as how to improve memory.
PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4470 Research Experience in Cognition
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of cognition.
PSYC 4500 Selected Topics in Psychology I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in psychology that crosses traditional subdisciplines.
PSYC 4501 Selected Topics in Psychology II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in psychology that crosses traditional subdisciplines.
PSYC 4620 Selected Topics in Personality II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in personality.
PSYC 4650 Selected Topics in Abnormal Behaviour I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in abnormal behaviour.
PSYC 4651 Selected Topics in Abnormal Behaviour II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in abnormal behaviour.
PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioral Neuroscience
PSYC 4652 Seminar in Substance Use and Behavioural Addiction in Youth
will focus on the development of substance use and behavioural addictions in young people. Emphasis will be placed on substances and behaviours that are currently at the forefront of much societal debate and have recently generated increased academic research and discussion. Topics reviewed may include opioids, cannabis, internet gambling, video gaming, mobile technology, and social media. These topics will be reviewed primarily within the context of adolescent and young adult development.
PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4653 Seminar in Health Psychology
will focus on various areas of health psychology and behavioural medicine. Topics may include eating disorders; psychological factors affecting medical conditions; chronic disease management; health behaviour changes; chronic pain; substance use and addictive disorders; sleep and health; psycho-oncology; and health promotion.
PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4654 Seminar in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
will review the epidemiology, onset, course, symptom presentations, comorbidity, risk factors, screening/diagnosis, and treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. These topics will be reviewed within the context of adult rather than childhood and adolescent psychopathology.
PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4661 Family Psychology
is a study of the reciprocal relationship between family processes and abnormal behaviour. The course will focus on the role of family dynamics in the etiology of abnormal behaviour, the impact of psychological disorders on family functioning and the application of family therapy to create therapeutic change.
PSYC 4750 Selected Topics in Animal Behaviour I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in animal behaviour.
PSYC 4751 Selected Topics in Animal Behaviour II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in animal behaviour.
PSYC 4752 Seminar in Domestic Animal Behaviour and Interactions with Humans
examines the mechanism, development, function, and evolution of behaviour in domestic animals, with an emphasis on dogs (Canis familiaris). Topics include, but are not limited to, applied animal behaviour, domestic animal cognition, social behaviour and organization, human-animal interactions, and behaviour as a welfare indicator.
PSYC 4753 Seminar in Visual Ecology
will examine the properties of light relevant to understanding animal communication, the origin and evolution of animal vision, the role of vision in communication, how visual systems and animal colouration coevolve with light environments, the detection of motion and polarization, visual modelling and more.
PSYC 3750 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
PSYC 4770 Research Experience in Animal Behaviour
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of animal behaviour. This course may be offered in a usual 12-week semester or as a two-week field course.
Biology 4770
either three hours of lecture per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PSYC 4850 Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic in behavioural neuroscience.
PSYC 4852 Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience (Neurobiology of Time and Space)
will examine selected topics in timing, circadian rhythms, spatial learning and navigation.
PSYC 4853 Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience (Neurobiology of Sex)
will examine the development of sex differences in the brain and behaviour by considering both animal models and human studies.
PSYC 4854 Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience (Neurobiological Diseases and Disorders)
will examine the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases/psychological disorders, and the potential of therapeutic interventions.
PSYC 4870 Research Experience in Behavioural Neuroscience
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of neuroscience.
PSYC 4910 History of Psychology
is a study of paradigms and explanations in contemporary psychology in the context of their historical antecedents.
30 credit hours in Psychology courses required in a Majors program. At the Grenfell Campus only, this must include PSYC 2950.
PSYC 4920 Psychological Testing
focuses on the principles of psychological testing, relevant psychometric properties, and methods by which tests are developed. The course is designed to review the nature and use of psychological tests and will cover topics such as test norms, interpretability, reliability, item analysis, validity, and test development. This course includes a survey development and data management component where students will create and validate their own psychological survey.
PSYC 4980 The Psychology of Money and Financial Behavior
is designed to help students understand the multitude of factors that influence decisions individuals make about money and other related objects of value. These factors include the perceptions, motivations, attitudes, emotions, personality characteristics, and cognitive process that underlie human interactions with money. The course will also explore the developmental and neurological bases of human monetary behavior as well as clinical aspects such as money related addictions, criminality, and psychopathology.
PSYC 499A and 499B Honours Dissertation
is a linked course, based on independent study of an approved problem in Psychology. The topic will be chosen in consultation with the Faculty Advisor. The first semester will normally involve directed reading in this area, and preparation of a dissertation proposal. The second semester will be devoted to conducting the study, gathering data, data analysis and preparation of a formal written report. The dissertation must be submitted for grading before the end of the tenth week of the semester in which the student is registered for 499B.
6
admission to the Honours Program, a minimum of 6 credit hours in Psychology majors courses at the 3000 level or above, and permission of the Department
13.12.3 Psychology Work Term Descriptions
The following Work Term courses are available only to students admitted to the Psychology Co-operative Education Program (PCOP) and who meet continuance requirements as outlined in Program of Study.
In Work Terms I, II, and III, students must register for Psychology 199W, 299W, and 399W respectively.
PSYC 199W Work Term I
normally follows the successful completion of Semester 4. Students are expected to build on classroom learning and develop and practice high standards of behaviour and performance in a work environment.
0
0
co-op professional development sessions
full-time status in previous term; admitted to PCOP
PSYC 299W Work Term II
normally follows the successful completion of Semester 6. Students are expected to further develop and expand their knowledge and work-related skills and demonstrate an ability to deal with increasingly complex work-related concepts and problems.
PSYC 399W Work Term III
normally follows the successful completion of Semester 7. Students should have sufficient academic grounding and work experience to contribute in a positive manner to the problem-solving and management processes needed and practiced in the work environment.
AN = Additional notes. AR = Attendance requirement as noted. CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours. CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described. CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent. Credit is limited to one of these courses. Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination. Credit is limited to one of these courses. These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. |
LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted. LH = Laboratory hours per week. OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars. PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described. UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted. |
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