Psychology

Undergraduate Courses

For more information on Psychology Courses select one of the following:

  • 1000 Level
  • 2000 Level
  • 3000 Level
  • 4000 Level
1000 Level Courses in Psychology
GROUP A Psy 1210 (Mind & Brain)
Psy 1220 (Evolutionary Psy)
Psy 1230 (Memory )
Psy 1235 (Learning)
GROUP B Psy 1240 (Human Develoment)
Psy 1250 (Social Behavior)
Psy 1260 (Personality)
GROUP C Psy 1200 (Introduction)

 

1000 Level Course Descriptions

1200.1(.2) Introduction to Psychology (Group C)
A survey of the science and application of psychology.

Note: This course is recommended for students not planning a major in psychology. It may be used to satisfy one quarter of Faculty of Arts' regulation 3d. Please note that this course may not be used by B. Sc. Students to satisfy the requirement of a science elective under regulations 3.e., 6.e., 10.c., and 12.b. for B.Sc. degrees.

1210.1(.2) Mind and Brain (Group A)
An overview of the biological foundations of attributes of the brain including consciousness, memory, language, and perception.

1220.1(.2) Evolutionary Psychology (Group A)
An analysis of the biological events that shape human behavior. Topics include evolution and social, sexual, and aggressive behavior.

1210.1(.2) Mind and Brain (Group A)
An overview of the biological foundations of attributes of the brain including consciousness, memory, language, and perception.

1230.1(.2) Memory (Group A)
A review of research and theory in memory.

1235.1(.2) Learning (Group A)
A review of the fundamental principles of learning and their applications to human behaviour.

1240.1(.2) Human Development (Group B)
An examination of theories of human development across the life span.

1250.1(.2) Social Behavior (Group B)
An introduction to the study of social behavior and to contemporary theory and research in the field.

1260.1 (.2) Personality: Normal and Abnormal (Group B)
History, concepts, models and methods in personality theory and research.

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2000 Level Courses in Psychology
GROUP C 2340 Research Methods in Psychology
2350 (Psychological Statistics)

 

2000 Level Course Descriptions

2340.1(.2) Research Methods in Psychology (Group C)
Prerequisite: six (6) credit hours in PSYC.

This course familiarizes students with basic principles of experimental and corelational research design, survey design and construction, reliability, validity, qualitative methods, and research ethics.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 1.5 hrs a week. 1 semester.

2350.1(.2) Psychological Statistics (Group C)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2340 or SOCI 2364 if doing a double major in Psychology and Sociology/Criminology.

Statistics with interpretation for the social sciences. Topics will advance areas learned in the prerequisite course and will cover simple and two-way ANOVA, regression, and correlation.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

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3000 Level Courses in Psychology
GROUP A Psy 3307 (Biological Origins)
Psy 3309 (Human Factors)
Psy 3349 (Drugs & Behavior)

Psy 3355 (Cognitive Psychology)
GROUP B Psy 3316 (Social Cognition and Emotion )
3317 (Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations)
Psy 3320 (Psychology and Law)
Psy 3327 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Psy 3329 (Child Develoment)
Psy 3332 (Adolescent Develoment)
3335 (Abnormal Psychology: History and Theory)
3336 (Abnormal Psychology: Specific Disorders)
Psy 3347 (Longevity and Aging )
Psy 3348 (Gender Roles)
Psy 3349 (Drugs & Behavior)
Psy 3360 (Sport Psychology)
Psy 3386 (Behavior Analysis & Change)
Psy 3389 (Personal Adjustment)
GROUP C Psy 3399 (Special Topics)

 

3000 Level Course Descriptions

3307.1(.2) Biological Origins of Behavior (Group A)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in psychology at the 1000 level.

An examination of the evolutionary origins of language, parent-child relationships, courtship, mating, aggression, motivation, and emotion.

3309.1(.2) Human Factors and Performance (Group A)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC.

An examination of human performance in technological environments including the design of tools, systems, and environments.

3310 An Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (Group A )
Prerequisite: (PSYC 1210 or 1230) and 2350.

A review of the empirical research and theory in cognitive neuroscience, a sub-discipline of psychology that concerns the linkage between mind and brain. Students will be exposed to topics concerning the neural bases of sensation, object recognition, action, emotion, memory, language, attention, and executive control. Classes 3 hrs. a week and lab 3 hrs a week.

3316.1(.2) Social Cognition and Emotion (Group B)
Prerequisite: one of PSYC 1240, 1250, or 1260.

An examination of the social aspects of cognition and emotion. Topics will include attitudes and their formation, impression formation, attribution theory, social biases, decision making, and the relation of emotion to behaviour.

3317.1(.2) Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSY 1250.1(.2)
An examination of key topics in social psychology of group dynamics and intergroup relations. These include conceptualizations of groups and group behavior, the roots and consequences of prejudice and stereotyping, theories of intergroup relations, social identity, and responses to discrimination.

3320.1(.2) Psychology and Law (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

A review of empirical studies of pre-sentence legal procedures, including the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the role of experts in the courts, jury selection, and subject apprehension and interview.

3327.1(.2) Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

Introduction to methods and problems in industrial/organizational psychology. Representative topics will be drawn from the area of organizational behaviour, personnel psychology, human factors, and consumer behaviour.

3329.1(.2) Child Development (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2340

A survey of physical, perceptual, cognitive, and social development of the child from infancy to preadolescence.

3332.1(.2) Adolescent Development (Group B)
Prerequisite three (3) credit hours in PSYC

An examination of the biological, cognitive, and personal growth of adolescents. Topics include physical growth patterns, development of interpersonal relationships, cognitive growth, and theories of adolescent development.

3335.1(.2)Abnormal Psychology: History and Theory (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1260

A focus on the essentials of history, theories of etiology, assessment, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

(Note: Credit for this course will not be granted if PSY 335.1(.2) was completed prior to 1 September 2003)

3336.1(.2) Abnormal Psychology: Specific Disorders (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 3335 which may be taken concurrently.

A course which focuses on the description, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of specific disorders.

Note: Credit for this course will not be granted if PSYC 335.1(.2) was completed before 1 September 2003 with the exception of students who completed PSYC 335.1A in the 2002-2003 academic year. Credit for PSYC 3336.1(.2) will also not be granted if PSYC 339.2C was completed in the 2002-2003 academic year.

3338.1(.2) Introduction to Forensic Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 3335, or equivalent; which may be taken concurrently.

A review of psychological methods, research and theory that is applied to legal system tasks; an introduction to forensic assessment, and treatment in a legal context.

3347.1(.2) Longevity and Aging (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC.

An overview of the neuropsychological, physiological, clinical and personological aspects of the later phases of life. Normal and abnormal patterns of aging are examined. Topics include research from neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, personality, clinical psychology, gerontology and geriatrics.

3348.1(.2) Gender Roles (Group B)
[WMS 3348.1(.2)]
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

An introduction to the psychological concept of gender as it relates to behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development. Theories as to the sources of gender differences and similarities will be reviewed and discussed in relation to the impact of gender roles on intimate relationships, family, work, and physical and mental health.

3349.1(.2) Drugs and Behavior (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1210

Effects of psychoactive drugs on normal and abnormal behaviour and on consciousness. Explanations are in terms of brain functioning. Discussion of methods used in the study of drug effects on animals and humans.

3351 Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC.

An introduction to the field of addictions including the full continuum from low harmful involvement to chemical dependency and problem gambling, including a review of the major perspectives or models used to conceptualize addiction problems. The strategic process related to planning, delivering, and evaluating addiction-related prevention and treatment programs and services will also be reviewed.

3355.1(.2) Cognitive Psychology (Group A)
Prerequisite: one of the following courses: PSYC 1210, 1230, or 1235.

A survey of basic perceptual and cognitive processes including attention, sensation, perception, pattern recognition, learning, and memory.

3360.1(.2) Applied Sport Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

An examination of sport psychology as applied to performance enhancement, anxiety control, and psychologically healthy lifestyles. This course emphasizes the application of sport psychology to improve the quality of sport and life experiences.

3365 Educational Psychology
Prerequisite: 3 credit hours in PSYC

This course draws upon psychological principles, theories, and methodologies as they apply to issues of teaching and learning in classrooms. The objectives of this course are threefold: (1) to examine the implication of specific psychological theories for learning and teaching in practice; (2) to explore how human developmental processes and individual motivation influence teaching and learning; and (3) to examine and understand instructional practices that promote learning.

3366 Teaching and Learning
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive view of the domains of teaching and learning through the study of such topics as learners and learner characteristics, conditions for learning, the social context of schools and its implication for teaching, curriculum considerations, and promotion of effective teaching.

3386.1(.2) Behavioral Analysis and Change (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1235 and 2340 [2340may be taken concurrently.]
A review of the principles, procedures, and empirical and theoretical underpinnings of behaviour modification.

3389.1(.2) Psychology of Personal Adjustment (Group B)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

A comprehensive series of presentations covering the application of psychological concepts and principles to personal adjustment. Topics include awareness, past experiences, beliefs, critical thinking, control, values, motivation, stress, self-deception, and coping.

3392 Occupational Health Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisites: three (3) credit hours in PSYC

This course examines current issues pertinent in occupational health psychology including workplace stress, violence in the workplace, and occupational safety. In addition to these content areas, the course will consider relevant legislation, preventive strategies, and the management of occupational health and safety issues in today's workplaces.

3393 The Psychology of Leadership (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1250

An examination of leadership theories in the context of organizational systems, Special topics include, but are not limited to, women and leadership, team leadership, and leadership ethics. Practical applications are considered with respect to leadership in organizations.

3826 – 3849 Special Topics in Psychology (Group C)
Prerequisite: three (3) credit hours in PSYC. Courses on selected psychological topics.

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4000 Level Courses in Psychology
GROUP A Psy 4407 (Intro to Ethology)
Psy 4408 (Comparative Ethology)
Psy 4409 (Brain Foundations)
Psy 4410 (Neuropsychology)
Psy 4413 (Thinking & Reasoning)
Psy 4414 (Environmental Cognition)
Psy 4418 (Environmental Psychology)
Psy 4420 (Disabilities)
GROUP B Psy 4417 (Interpersonal Relationship)
Psy 4425 (Organizational Development)
Psy 4426 (Personnel Training & Development)
Psy 4427 (Organizational Psychology)
Psy 4428 (Personnel Psychology)
Psy 4429 (Psychology and Religion: A Survey )
Psy 4430 (Psychology and Religion: Application)
4431 (Development and Social Context)
4432 (Attitudes and Persuasion)
Psy 4434 (Personality)
Psy 4436 (Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Psy 4441 (Psychological Tests)
Psy 4442 (Psychological Assessment)
Psy 4450 (Behavior Problems of Children)
4456 (Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy)
Psy 4460 (Advanced Sport Psychology)
Psy 4486 (Behavior Therapies)
Psy 4489 (Psychology of Well Being)
Psy 4490 (Health Psychology)
Psy 4497 (Community Psychology)
GROUP C Psy 4401 (Advanced Statistics)
Psy 4421(History of Psychology)
Psy 4445 (Directed Research)
Psy 4446 (Seminar in Psychology)
PSY 4500.1(.2)
Psy 4549.0
Honours Thesis

 

4000 Level Course Descriptions

4401.1(.2) Advanced Statistics (Group C)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350

The application and interpretation of factorial analysis of variance, repeated measures designs, multiple regression, and various correlation techniques for the social sciences.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

4407.1(.2) Introduction to Ethology (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 1220 or PSYC 3307 or permission of instructor.

Introductory study of the principles of early and modern ethology. Topics include instinct and learning, communication, navigation, and behavioral genetics.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

4410.1(.2) Human Neuropsychology (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSYC 3310.

Background to the clinical understanding of brain-behavioral relations will be provided with special emphasis on higher cortical functions. An introduction to neuropsychological testing and its role in the assessment of neurobehavioral pathology.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

4411 Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience (Group A)

Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 3310 A seminar on contemporary cognitive neuroscience research and theory. Topics may include any of the following: perception, attention, consciousness, executive control, decision-making, memory, emotion, social neuroscience, neuroeconomics, neurolaw, and applied neuroscience.

4413.1(.2) Thinking and Reasoning (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and 3355. Completion of 4401 is advised.

An examination of higher-order cognitive processes including problem solving, concept formation, knowledge representation, language, reasoning, decision making, creativity and intelligence. Information-processing and connectionist models will be reviewed.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

4414.1(.2) Environmental Cognition (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350.1(.2) and 3355.1(.2).
An examination of the manner in which individuals perceive, represent, and adapt to three-dimensional space, including discussions of way finding, route learning, spatial perception, and orientation.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

4417.1(.2) Interpersonal Relationships (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350.1(.2) and one of the following courses: PSYC 1240.1(.2), 1250.1(.2), or 1260.1(.2).
Intensive coverage of aspects of interpersonal behavior. Topics will include relationship development and maintenance, friendships, sibling relationships, liking and loving, social and cultural influences on interpersonal relationships, sexuality, and gender differences in interpersonal relationships, including dating behaviors and attitudes.

4418.1(.2) Environmental Psychology (Group A)
Prerequisite: PSY 2350.1(.2).
The study of behavior in its relation to the environment. Topics include personal space, crowding, the city, architectural design, and behavior.

4420.1(.2) Disabilities (Group A)
Prerequisite: Twenty-four (24) credit hours in PSYC including PSYC 2350.

This course will examine the biological, psychological, and social impact of various types of acquired and developmental disabilities. This course is divided into three parts: (1) review genetic and environmental factors associated with developmental disabilities; (2) review of the physiological aspects of various types of acquired and developmental disabilities and the outcome; and (3) address the historical, political, ethical issues dealing with persons with disabilities in Canada.

4421.1(.2) History of Psychology (Group C)
Prerequisite: twenty-four (24) credit hours in PSYC including PSYC 2350.

An examination of the origins and development of modern psychology.

4424 Vocational Psychology (Group B)

Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 4441 (May be taken concurrently) An examination of career development and vocational behavious theories in the context of entering, adjusting to, and exiting the world of work. Special topics include, but are not limited to, career assessment practices, job search, and adjustment issues such as youth employment, unemployment, retirement and outplacement. The students are guided through a self assessment process that results in the construction of a personal career development plan.

4425.1(.2) The Psychology of Organizational Development (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and either PSYC 3327 or MGMT 2383.

An examination of strategies designed to improve organizational effectiveness using behavioral science knowledge. Attention will be devoted to understanding factors that influence the success of organizational change initiatives and the process of change.

4426.1(.2) Personnel Training and Development (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and either PSYC 3327 or MGMT 2383

Intensive examination of topics related to training and systematic organizational development. Emphasis is on application of psychological concepts and principles of learning in the contexts of needs assessment, curriculum development, transfer of training, and evaluation.

4427.1(.2) Organizational Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 3327

Extended coverage of topics in organizational behaviour with an emphasis on the application of psychological concepts to problems encountered in work environments. Topics may include the structure and climate of organizational environments, leadership, communication, motivation and decision-making.

4428.1(.2) Personnel Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and 3327.

Extended coverage of topics in personnel psychology with an emphasis on the application of psychological concepts to problems encountered in work environments. Topics may include job analysis, recruitment and selection, training and performance, performance evaluation, industrial relations, and occupational health and safety.

4429.1(.2) Psychology and Religion: A Survey (Group B)
[REL 4461.1(.2)

Prerequisite: twenty-four (24) credit hours in psychology including PSYC 2350, and one of REL 2201, 2220, 2221 or 2251.

A survey of theory and research in the psychology of religion.

4432.1(.2) Attitudes and Persuasion (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1250 and 2350

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to attitude and persuasion research. Particular attention will be given to reviewing the various theoretical perspectives that have been proposed as explanations for the psychological processes underlying persuasion.

4434.1(.2) Personality (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1260 and 2350.

Examination of selected theories of personality through intuitive, rational, historical, and empirical methods.

4436.1(.2) Counselling and Psychotherapy (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 3336 which may be taken concurrently.

A review of theory, method, and practice in counselling and psychotherapy.

4438.1(.2) Advanced Forensic Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and 3338.

A review of research on assessment tools, intervention effectiveness and epidemiology of criminal behaviour; the application of such research in forensic assessment, and treatment in a legal context.

4441.1(.2) Psychological Measurement (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350.

A review of the nature and use of psychological tests with an emphasis on norms, the interpretation of test scores, test reliability, and test validity.

4443.1(.2) Advanced Psychology and Law (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 3320; 2340 and 2350.

A closer examination of the research on several topics in the area of psychology and law that may include eyewitness testimony, children in the courts, police selection and procedures, workplace harassment and discrimination, jury decision-making, and alternative dispute resolution.

4445.1(.2) Directed Research in Psychology (Group C)
Prerequisite: twenty-four (24) credit hours in PSYC including PSYC 2350.

Research experience for advanced students on problems in psychology. Students must secure the consent of a member of the Department to supervise their work before attempting to register for the course. Classes and labs 6 hrs. a week.

4446.1(.2) Seminar in Psychology (Group C)
Prerequisite: twenty-four (24) credit hours in psychology including PSYC 2350.

A seminar for advanced students on specialty areas in psychology. Extensive reading, oral presentations, and written reports or projects will ordinarily be required.

4450.1(.2) Behavior Problems of Children (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 3329.

A review of emotional and behavioral problems exhibited by children, including a survey of classification systems, assessment, and treatment.

4456.1(.2)Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 4436.

Extended study of selected theories and related techniques. Course work may involve supervised, simulated practice in dyads or small groups.

4460.1(.2) Advanced Sport Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and PSYC 3360.

An examination of human performance in sport. This course emphasizes stress management techniques, and interpersonal and psychological skills as they relate to the pursuit of excellence in sport and life.

4486.1(.2) Behavior Therapies (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSY 3386.1(.2).
A review of behavioristic orientations to therapy including operant, Pavlovian, Hullian, Wolpean, social learning theory, and cognitive behavior-modification approaches.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

4489.1(.2) Positive Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 and 3389.

A comprehensive series of presentations covering the application of “positive” psychological concepts and principles to personal growth and well-being. Topics include communication, relationships, support, and authenticity.

4490.1(.2) Health Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 2350

An examination of the psychological factors involved in health, illness, and treatment. Topics include health research methods, health promotion, modification of health behaviours, stress, coping, social support, and personality.

4497.1(.2) Community Psychology (Group B)
Prerequisite: PSYC 1250 and 2350.

A review of the theoretical and empirical foundations of community psychology. The course explores the development of psychosocial environments, methods of assessing community characteristics and their relevance to mental health, and perspectives in community development and social change. Students will be introduced to applied psychology in relation to consultation, epidemiology, and prevention methods.

4500.1(.2) Honors Seminar (Group C)
Prerequisite: at least forty-two (42) credit hours in PSYC and final year of honours program.

This is a seminar designed for honours students. It reviews the current state of theory and research in psychology and prepares honours students for study in graduate and professional programs related to psychology. Extensive reading, oral presentations, and reports or projects will be required. Seminar.

4549.0 Honors Thesis
Prerequisite: honours standing.

A research project in psychology that will serve as the basis for a written thesis. Honours students must secure the consent of a member of the Department to supervise their work before attempting to register for the course. Classes and lab 6 hrs. a week. 2 semesters.

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This page last modified Friday, 29-Apr-2011 11:20:55 ADT