Psychology - Bachelor of Arts
Overview
As scientists, psychologists conduct research in a wide range of areas, including child development, learning, perception, personality, and social interaction. As practitioners, psychologists apply knowledge acquired through research to alleviate distress and improve the lives of others. Whether through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology prepares students to understand and appreciate the many factors that influence behaviour. Under the guidance of professors with expertise ranging from forensic and clinical psychology to neuroscience and health, students gain hands-on experience in the scientific analysis of behaviour. Opportunities are available to take on independent research projects, enroll in field placements, or register in the honours program. MacEwan’s Psychology majors graduate with the knowledge and critical thinking skills that almost all employers are seeking, with students interested in further studies being well-positioned to apply to graduate programs. Psychology is also a popular major for students wishing to enter professional programs, such as law, medicine, social work, or occupational therapy.
Contact Information
Department of Psychology
Room 6-329, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5305
Faculty of Arts and Science, Program Services (Advising)
Room 6-211, City Centre Campus
T: 780-497-4505
E: artsandscience@macewan.ca
The Bachelor of Arts
Faculty of Arts and Science
MacEwan.ca/BA
MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) is designed to provide a liberal arts education that allows students to explore a variety of academic disciplines and acquire a broad knowledge base that will prepare them for employment or future post-secondary studies. The degree is intended to provide students with breadth, depth, and diversity in the areas of humanities, sciences, social sciences, analytical studies, and fine arts as well as courses focused on language and literature. BA students study subjects in major and/or minor disciplines, and they are required to be familiar with the academic and faculty regulations and procedures as published herein.
General Program Information
The BA program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The degree emphasizes both breadth and depth and has been designed for exceptional flexibility and customization. Students can complete a major and a minor, a double major, or a major and two minors.
Arts Disciplines
| Discipline | Major | Minor | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| Classics | - | ⦿ | - |
| Creative Writing | - | ⦿ | - |
| Economics | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| English | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| French | - | ⦿ | - |
| Gender Studies | - | ⦿ | - |
| History | ⦿ | ⦿ | - |
| Philosophy | ⦿ | ⦿ | - |
| Political Science | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| Psychology | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| Sociology | ⦿ | ⦿ | ⦿ |
| Spanish | - | ⦿ | - |
Science Minors
| Discipline | Minor |
|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | ⦿ |
| Chemistry | ⦿ |
| Computer Science | ⦿ |
| Earth and Planetary Sciences | ⦿ |
| Mathematics | ⦿ |
| Physics | ⦿ |
| Planetary Physics | ⦿ |
| Statistics | ⦿ |
Out of Faculty Minors
| Discipline | Minor |
|---|---|
| Accounting Minor for Arts and Science | ⦿ |
| Arts and Cultural Management | ⦿ |
| Business Law | ⦿ |
| Business Studies | ⦿ |
| Digital Experience Design | ⦿ |
| Finance Minor for Arts and Science | ⦿ |
| Human Resources Minor for Arts and Science | ⦿ |
| Marketing Minor for Arts and Science | ⦿ |
Preparing for Professional Studies
Students intending to enter professional programs at other universities, such as law and education, can take their pre-professional studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University. For example, there is a selection of courses that may be taken to facilitate the transition to an after-degree education program or, if the student prefers, transfer to a Bachelor of Education program after completion of as many as 60 credits of coursework. Students are advised to consult the admissions requirements for the universities and programs of their choice, and to select their MacEwan University courses accordingly. Completion of pre-professional courses at MacEwan University does not guarantee admission to the subsequent professional program. Each professional program requires a separate application and entry is competitive, not automatic.
Degree Requirements
Breadth Requirements
All Bachelor of Arts degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), Honours, or options.
| Breadth Element | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Literacy | ENGL 102 and 3 credits in university English (not including ENGL 111, ENGL 108, or ENGL 211), and 6 credits in a single language other than English or 6 credits in world literature (COMP 102 and COMP 103) | 12 |
| Humanities | CLAS, HIST, HUMN, or PHIL | 6 |
| Sciences | ASTR, BICM, BIOL, BOTN, CHEM, CMPT, EASC, GENE, PHYS, PSYC, SCIE, or ZOOL | 6 |
| Social Sciences | ANTH, ECON, POLS, PSYC, or SOCI | 6 |
| Analytical Studies | LING 101, MATH, PHIL 125, or STAT | 3 |
| Fine Arts | AGAD, ARTE, CRWR, DESN, DRMA, MUSC, THAR, THPR, CLAS 252, CLAS 352, CLAS 353, or CLAS 356 | 3 |
Bachelor of Arts Degree
| Program Element | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Major | The Arts major will range from 42 to 60 credits with a minimum 36 credits taken at the senior-level. | 42-60 |
| Secondary Major or Minor(s) | Students have the option of completing a second Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level. | 18-60 |
| Options | Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses. | Up to 60 |
| Total Degree Credits Including Breadth | 120 |
Bachelor of Arts Honours
| Program Element | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Honour Requirements | Honours requirements are determined by each discipline. | 63 |
| Option Courses, Non-Compulsory Honours Courses, and/or a Minor | Students have the option of completing a minor from outside of the Honours discipline. Some disciplines may require a minor. | 57 |
| Total Degree Credits | 120 |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. In the Faculty of Arts and Science, students typically require a minimum grade of C- to use a course as a prerequisite. Please check course descriptions for more information.
Psychology Requirements - Bachelor of Arts
Psychology Arts Major
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. In addition to the Psychology Major, students will complete one of the following:
- one minor,
- two minors, or
- a secondary Arts major
Students are required to complete option courses as well as fulfill the major(s) and minor(s). All BA degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), or options.
The Psychology Major is 42 to 60 non-duplicative psychology credits with a minimum of 36 senior-level credits. Students must complete a minimum of nine credits at the 300-level and a minimum of six credits at the 400-level, not including PSYC 439. STAT 151 or STAT 161 is required for this major.
Note: Psychology is a competitive major. Psychology applicants are required to have completed PSYC 104, PSYC 105, STAT 151 or STAT 161, and one 200-level PSYC class with no grade lower than C- in any of them. They must also either have completed or be enrolled in PSYC 212 during the winter term when the declarations close. Students will be ranked by their admission grade point average (AGPA), which is calculated using their most recent 24 credits of university-level coursework, without breaking up a term.
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Major
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Major Requirements | ||
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| PSYC 105 | Introductory Psychology II | 3 |
| PSYC 212 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 301 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| Choose 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Personality | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Perception | ||
| Brain and Behaviour | ||
| Principles of Behaviour | ||
| General Major Requirements | ||
| Choose 15 to 33 credits from senior-level PSYC or PABA | 15-33 | |
| Secondary Major or Minor(s) | ||
| Students have the option of completing a second Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level. | 18-60 | |
| Options | ||
| Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses. | 0-60 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Psychology Arts Honours
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Psychology Honours degree program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The Psychology Honours program is comprised of 84 credits designated as Specific Honours Requirements, Approved Honours Options, Courses Outside the Discipline, and Flex Courses (PSYC, PABA, or courses outside of the discipline).
For consideration of acceptance into Psychology Honours, students must present the following:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 university-level credits applicable to the program of study, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 24 of the 45 credits must have been completed in the last 12 months
- A minimum of six PSYC credits completed at the senior-level, including PSYC 212
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 across all senior-level PSYC and PABA courses
Students accepted and enrolled in the Psychology Honours program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. As well, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across all senior-level PSYC and PABA courses for each 12 consecutive months following acceptance into the Honours program. Failure to do so will result in the student's program status reverting to a BA Psychology Major.
Students have the option of completing a minor within the requirements of the Psychology Honours program. Minors are comprised of 18 senior-level credits and can replace the Courses Outside the Discipline and Flex Courses. All BA degrees, including Honours, require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for Honours, minor, or options.
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Honours
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Honours Requirements | ||
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| PSYC 105 | Introductory Psychology II | 3 |
| PSYC 212 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| STAT 252 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| PSYC 301 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 312 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 400 | Psychology Senior Seminar | 3 |
| PSYC 499A | Honours Thesis I | 3 |
| PSYC 499B | Honours Thesis II | 3 |
| Choose 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Personality | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Perception | ||
| Brain and Behaviour | ||
| Principles of Behaviour | ||
| General Honours Requirements | ||
| Approved Honours Options | ||
| Choose 21 credits from senior-level PSYC or PABA courses in consultation with the psychology Honours advisor | 21 | |
| Courses Outside the Discipline | ||
| Choose 15 credits in consultation with the psychology Honours advisor | 15 | |
| Flex Courses | ||
| Choose 6 credits from PSYC, PABA, or courses outside of the discipline in consultation with the psychology Honours advisor | 6 | |
| Options | ||
| Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses. | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Psychology Minor
The Psychology Minor is 18 senior-level credits with a minimum of six credits at the 300- or 400-level, not including PSYC 439. Junior-level PSYC 104 and PSYC 105 are required.
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Requirements | ||
| Choose 18 credits from senior-level PSYC | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Degree Regulations
Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the academic advisors about academic planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.
Academic Residency - Credit Requirements
In addition to the academic residency requirements of the University, Bachelor of Arts students also must complete at MacEwan University:
- A minimum of 24 credits at the senior-level in the major discipline, with 12 of those senior credits completed at the 300- or 400-level. All 400-level requirements are to be completed at MacEwan University.
- If applicable, a minimum of nine credits at the senior-level in a minor, with at least three of those credits at the 300- or 400- level.
Breadth Requirements
Courses taken to fulfil major, minor, or option requirements can also be used to satisfy breadth requirements.
Declaration of a Major and a Minor
Students are advised to declare a primary major and a minor, or a primary major and secondary major, or a primary major and two minors by the time they have completed 45 credits. Majors are selected from Arts disciplines and consist of 42 to 60 junior- and senior-level credits. With the exception of those students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed from any one discipline for credit towards the degree. A major and minor cannot be in the same discipline and students may not declare more than one out-of-faculty minor. Students can re-declare their major(s) and/or minor(s) if required.
For students completing multiple majors or minors, the Faculty cannot guarantee a schedule of classes that will permit the student to complete their degree in eight consecutive fall and winter semesters. Furthermore, depending on the courses in which a student enrols, meeting the requirements of a double major may require the completion of more than 120 credits for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a program advisor in the Program Services Office in the Faculty of Arts and Science and a discipline advisor in their major and minor disciplines prior to declaration.
Graduation Grade Point Average
As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation above, Bachelor of Arts students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the major(s) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the minor(s).
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements are governed by the date on which students declare their major(s) and minor(s). Students who declare their major(s) and minor(s) up to and including February 15 are bound by the requirements of the current academic year. Those students who declare after February 15 are bound by the programs of study and degree requirements of the upcoming academic year as published in the MacEwan University Academic Calendar.
Junior- and Senior-Level Courses
Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior-level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior-level.
Major or Minor 300- and 400-Level Requirements
The 300- and 400-level requirements in the major or minor cannot consist solely of project, field placement, and/or individual study courses.
Maximum Independent Courses
The maximum number of credits for independent work (project, field placement, and/or individual study courses), excluding the Honours Thesis, is 15 credits. Specific disciplines may have further restrictions.
Maximum Junior-Level Courses
A maximum of 48 credits at the 100-level are permitted in completion of the BA degree. Additional courses at the 100-level will be declared extra to the 120 credits required to complete the BA degree and will not be counted toward fulfilment of graduation requirements.
Minimum Arts Courses
Students are required to complete successfully a minimum of 72 credits from Arts courses.
Minimum Passing Grade
A minimum grade of D is required for all Arts degree courses unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Minimum Transfer Grade for Credit
A minimum grade of D is required on any transfer credit granted for the program. Arts and Science courses require a minimum grade of C- when the course is used as a prerequisite. Transfer credit decisions made by the university are final and cannot be appealed.
Out-of-Faculty Options Requirements
Degree options may include a maximum of 15 credits from courses offered by a Faculty or School other than Arts and Science except for those students completing an out-of-faculty minor or those who have met the minor requirements with a diploma. These students must complete their degree options from courses offered within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Fine arts courses taken to fulfil breadth requirements do not count towards the allocation of out-of-faculty credit.
Progression of Studies
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfil Bachelor of Arts or Arts Honours program requirements.
Honours Regulations
Overall Requirements
The Honours program of study consists of 63 to 84 credits as determined by the discipline. Students in the Honours program may choose to complete a minor outside of the Honours discipline. Some disciplines may require a minor.
Course Load
Students accepted into an Honours program must complete 24-credits in each twelve consecutive months they are in the program. Exceptions to this rule may occur with the approval of the Honours discipline advisor.
Grade Point Average Requirement
Students accepted and enrolled in the Arts Honours program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. As well, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline for each twelve consecutive months following acceptance into the Honours program. Failure to do so will result in the student’s program status reverting to a BA with a major in the previous honours discipline.
Graduation Grade Point Average
In order to graduate, students must obtain an overall GGPA of 3.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline.
Additional Degree Regulations - Subsequent Baccalaureate
In addition to meeting the degree regulations listed above, students who already hold a baccalaureate degree must satisfy policies pertaining to subsequent baccalaureate credentials.
Psychology Courses
Psychology
PSYC 104
Introductory Psychology I
3 Credits
A survey of natural science topics in Psychology. The course covers the evolution of psychological sciences, research methods, biological psychology, consciousness, principles and development of perception, motivation, learning, and their relationship to the psychological functioning of the individual. If both PSYC 104 and PSYC 105 are to be taken it is recommended that students take PSYC 104 before taking PSYC 105. Note that this course is typically delivered in a 'hybrid' style, with more online components and fewer in-class hours.
PSYC 105
Introductory Psychology II
3 Credits
A survey of social science topics in Psychology. This course is an introduction to the study of individual and social behavior including individual differences in behaviour, thought, intelligence, human development, personality, social behaviour, stress responses, as well as psychological disorders and their treatment. If both PSYC 104 and PSYC 105 are to be taken it is recommended that students take PSYC 104 before taking PSYC 105. Please note that this course is typically delivered in a 'hybrid' format, with more content delivered online and fewer in-class hours.
PSYC 212
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to experimental and non experimental methods in psychology. Topics covered include philosophy of science; measurement; reliability and validity of methods, measures, and effects; survey design; correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, longitudinal and single-subject designs; biases in experimentation; and research ethics.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 104, PSYC 105, and in STAT 151 or STAT 161 or equivalent.
PSYC 223
Developmental Psychology
3 Credits
Many aspects of human nature and behaviour change during the process of development. This course reviews the physical, sensory, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional changes during various developmental stages. Development in infancy, childhood, and adolescence is emphasized.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105.
PSYC 233
Personality
3 Credits
In this survey of personality psychology, the student is introduced to a number of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to the study of personality. Additionally, assessment methods and research relevant to the study of personality are reviewed.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105.
PSYC 241
Social Psychology
3 Credits
This course is a survey of theories and research on topics such as attitudes and attitude change, person perception, attraction, pro-social behaviour, aggression and applied social psychology. Note: PSYC 241 and SOCI 241 may not both be taken for credit.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 105 or in SOCI 100.
PSYC 258
Cognitive Psychology
3 Credits
This course surveys a number of topics in cognitive psychology including perception, attention, knowledge representation, memory, learning, language, reasoning, and problem solving.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105.
PSYC 267
Perception
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the theoretical and experimental issues associated with the sensory and perceptual experience of the world. The main emphasis is on understanding basic perceptual phenomena, such as the relation between physical stimuli and experience. To this end, we must consider: The nature of the physical stimuli; the anatomy and physiology of the sense organs and receptors; the anatomy and physiology of the neural paths from receptors to the brain; how the brain processes sensory information; and the procedures used by researchers to obtain information about these systems.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104.
PSYC 275
Brain and Behaviour
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology. Topics include sensation, perception, movement, motivation, memory, cognition, learning, and emotion from a biological point of view.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 (Biology 30 or equivalent is strongly recommended).
PSYC 281
Principles of Behaviour
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the principles of learning and behaviour, with an emphasis on the processes of classical and operant conditioning. Basic research findings are discussed as well as the application of those findings to important aspects of human behaviour. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSYC 281 or PABA 281.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104.
PSYC 301
History of Psychology
3 Credits
Psychology is a relatively young science, but its history is varied, intriguing and extends well beyond the first psychologists. From early philosophy, physiology and medicine, through the dawn of evolutionary theories and radical behaviourism, to the cognitive revolution and modern neuroscience, we examine the trends, competing theoretical perspectives and socio-political influences on the discipline in Western society.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in at least one of PSYC 223, PSYC 233, PSYC 241, PSYC 258, plus one of PSYC 267, PSYC 275 or PSYC 281.
PSYC 306
Sports Psychology
3 Credits
This course is a study of the psychological factors that influence and are influenced by participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity, and the application of the knowledge gained through this study to everyday settings.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in at least one of PSYC 223, PSYC 233, PSYC 241, PSYC 258, plus one of PSYC 267, PSYC 275 or PSYC 281.
PSYC 307
Health Psychology
3 Credits
This course examines how biological, psychological, and social factors affect the efforts people make in maintaining health and addressing illness, the effectiveness with which they cope with and reduce stress and pain, and the recovery, rehabilitation and psychosocial adjustment of patients with serious health problems.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105 plus at least two 200-level PSYC courses.
PSYC 312
Advanced Research Methods
3 Credits
This course emphasizes the following aspects of research methodology: design, analysis, ethics, reporting of results, and issues relevant to various areas of specialization in psychology. The advantages and limitations of particular research designs are explored. Students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with different research methodologies along with data collection. Toward the end of the course, students have the opportunity to present the results of original data in various formats. Note: This is a required course for students registered in the honours program.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and consent of the department.
PSYC 315
Computational Thinking
3 Credits
Students will develop computational thinking skills as an approach to problem solving in this course. Students will learn the logical procedures and steps in the computational thinking approach which include decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design. Note: Credit can only be obtained in one of PSYC 315 or MGTS 315.
Prerequisites: Third year standing as well as minimum grades of C- in PSYC 104 or 105, and in one of STAT 151, STAT 161, or MGTS 103.
PSYC 324
Infant Development
3 Credits
This course reviews the biological and sociocultural influences on the development of human infants from conception up to the age of three. Research is discussed that has revealed the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors that serve to distinguish normal from abnormal developments. In addition, issues of concern to caregivers/parents are explored.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 223.
PSYC 326
Atypical Development
3 Credits
This course provides a theoretical and practical framework for conceptualizing atypical development and psychological disorders of children and adolescents. Prevalent clinical phenomena, treatment methods, approaches to preventing psychological disorders, and promoting optimal development are presented. Developmental, individual, familial, and social factors associated with disruptions in normative psychosocial growth are examined.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 223.
PSYC 328
Adult Development and Aging
3 Credits
This course describes and discusses development from early adulthood through the final stages of life. Topics include lifespan development theories and research methods, age changes in cognitive processes, intellectual functioning and personality, changes in relationships and work, physiological changes, psychopathology associated with aging, death and dying, and psychological services for the adult and the aged.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 223.
PSYC 333
Advanced Personality
3 Credits
This course is intended to advance students' understanding of personality theory and research. It provides an in-depth analysis of relevant personality theories, and discusses challenges and controversies in the areas of personality structure and processes.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 233.
PSYC 337
Forensic Psychology
3 Credits
This course surveys the topic areas addressed by researchers interested in the interface between psychology and the law. The course examines the participation of psychologists and the application of psychological science within the criminal justice system. Topics may include: psychological factors associated with eyewitness and jury experiences, risk assessment, criminal profiling and police investigations, mental disability and law, and the influence of psychology in the legal system.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105, and in at least two 200-level courses in PSYC .
PSYC 339
Abnormal Psychology
3 Credits
This course offers an introduction to topics that outline the study of abnormal behaviour. Using an integrated model that encompasses biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives, psychological disorders are examined on a wide range of issues that include assessment, etiology, and treatment. Topics and disorders may include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, eating disorders, sleep-wake disorders, addictive disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 and PSYC 105, plus at least one 200-level PSYC course (PSYC 233 or PSYC 275 recommended).
PSYC 350
Human Memory
3 Credits
This course reviews theoretical perspectives and empirical research methods that are related to the study of human memory. These provide the foundation for reviewing historical approaches, biological bases, multiple forms of memory (e.g., working, semantic, autobiographical), and everyday applications of memory strategies. In addition, this course also reviews the nature of forgetting, amnesia, memory disorders, as well as several applied memory issues (e.g., memory and reality, memory and the law).
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 258.
PSYC 351
Spatial Cognition
3 Credits
This course examines how people learn, remember, and use spatial information such as landmarks to navigate effectively. Students will learn how spatial information is represented and processed in the brain, the role of early-life experience, and training (e.g., playing video games). The course will also explore effects of culture, sex differences and individual differences in navigational ability, and why and how people get lost. Although this course is designed to focus on humans, relevant research on non-human animals is also discussed.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212, and in one of PSYC 258 or PSYC 358.
PSYC 355
Social Cognition
3 Credits
This course focuses on how social interaction is mediated by cognitive mechanisms including perception, attention, memory, thinking, judgments, and reasoning; and it examines the cognition of people, the social situations in which they are encountered and the interpersonal behaviors that arise in those situations. This examination involves reviewing theoretical perspectives (e.g., cognitive, neuroscience, evolutionary) and empirical research on a variety of topics concerning our own and others' thoughts, attitudes, judgments and behaviours in social applications. Note: Both PSYC 241 and PSYC 258 are recommended as prerequisites.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 258 or PSYC 241.
PSYC 358
Comparative Cognition
3 Credits
Cognitive skills and processes differ across species in ways that are functionally significant. This course explores similarities and differences in memory, recognition and discrimination, foraging and tool use, social learning, social intelligence, and communication across a variety of species.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 212 and in either PSYC 281 or PSYC 373.
PSYC 367
Laboratory in Human Perception
3 Credits
This course presents a practical introduction to techniques used to measure perceptual performance. Lectures cover advanced topics in sensation and perception with special emphasis on visual and auditory perception. Students also conduct experiments and complete laboratory assignments that introduce concepts of psychophysical research design and data analysis.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and PSYC 267.
PSYC 369
Psychology of Music
3 Credits
This course reviews theoretical perspectives and empirical research on the psychology of music. Students explore how people perceive, learn, perform, and respond emotionally to music, and how they process music in the brain. Other topics include the evolutionary origins of music, the use of music for therapeutic purposes, and the effect of music training on non-musical skills.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104 and 105, and in at least two 200-level PSYC.
PSYC 370
Human Sexuality
3 Credits
This course offers a multidisciplinary perspective of human sexuality in a diverse world. Human sexual function is explored from biological and developmental as well as psychosocial and cultural perspectives. There is also a comprehensive discussion of human reproduction and medical aspects of sexual function and dysfunction.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in at least three 300- or 400- level PSYC courses.
PSYC 373
Evolution and Human Behaviour
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the study of human behaviour within an evolutionary context. Adaptive physiology, traits, perception, cognition, and other behaviours are explored by examining theories, methods, and results of research from various fields including psychology, anthropology, economics, and biology.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in two 200-level PSYC courses.
PSYC 375
Applied Neuropharmacology
3 Credits
The course focuses on the mechanisms by which clinically active drugs exert their effects. Students gain an understanding of drug action by examining neuropharmacology at molecular and cellular levels of analysis and exploring major neurotransmitter systems in the CNS (central nervous system). The effects of psychoactive drugs on major nervous system functions such as movement, sleep, and memory are reviewed. The pathogenesis and pharmacological management of major neurological and psychiatric disorders are also discussed.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 275.
PSYC 377
Human Neuropsychology
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to changes in behaviour and higher mental processes which result from structural changes to the brain. Through the use of clinical examples, the student becomes familiar with the neuroanatomical correlates of normal and abnormal behaviour in humans. The processes of neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis after insults to the brain is discussed.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 275.
PSYC 385
Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis
3 Credits
This course examines the ways in which principles of conditioning and learning have been applied to areas of human concern. The basic concepts, specific techniques, and ethical issues involved in the field of applied behaviour analysis are surveyed. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSYC 385 and PABA 385.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 281.
PSYC 391
Psychology of Consciousness
3 Credits
The course focuses on the relations between the subjective experience of consciousness and the theoretical concepts from a variety of psychological perspectives, including cognitive science, phenomenology, neuropsychology, developmental processes, evolutionary psychology, cross cultural psychology and transpersonal perspectives. Additionally, various experiences of consciousness are considered including sleep, dreams, drug effects, meditation, hypnosis, daydreaming, paranormal experiences, trance states, and near death experiences.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 233 and at least one additional 200-level PSYC course.
PSYC 398
Independent Study
3 Credits
This course permits a student to work with an instructor to explore a specific topic in depth through research or directed reading in primary and secondary sources. The student builds academic skills under the direction of a faculty supervisor, to complete a research project or to learn a specialized technique. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise his or her project. This course can be taken twice for credit.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
PSYC 400
Psychology Senior Seminar
3 Credits
The Psychology Senior Seminar allows students to integrate and apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout their earlier training. Students focus on contemporary topics and controversies, including issues relevant to both academic and professional psychologists. Note: This course is required for students completing the Honours program in Psychology. Other Psychology majors who have completed PSYC 312 may request permission to enroll if space is available.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 312 and consent of the department.
PSYC 405
Special Topics in Psychology
3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth study of a psychology specialization or of a current issue in psychology. The topic for the course varies term to term and topics are posted in the department and on the department website prior to registration. Specific prerequisites for each topic are also posted, and students are advised to check the descriptions prior to requesting permission from the Chair. In general, these topics are suitable for students in the 3rd or 4th year of their studies.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
PSYC 408
Psychology of Well-being
3 Credits
The scientific study of well-being focuses on the nature, development, and impact of thoughts, emotions, behaviours, strengths of character, environments, institutions, and societies that foster well-being and a meaningful life. This course examines historical and theoretical perspectives on the study of well-being and contemporary research on such topics as positive affect, resilience, self-regulation, mindfulness, and positive organizations. It also examines applications of well-being research to clinical psychology, physical health, and other domains.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and at least two 300- or 400-level courses in PSYC .
PSYC 423
Topics in Development
3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth study of a topic in developmental psychology. The theoretical, methodological and applied issues are emphasized. The topic for the course varies year to year and is announced prior to registration. Possible topics include the role of parents in development, prenatal development, infancy, adolescence, cognitive development, social development, physical development or ecological theories of development.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 223.
PSYC 431
Psychometrics
3 Credits
This course provides an overview of theories, principles, and applications of psychological testing and assessment. The focus is on standardized psychological tests in the areas of intelligence, aptitude, personality, interests, and attitudes and values.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 339 and STAT 151.
PSYC 435
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
3 Credits
This course examines the profession of clinical psychology, including topics such as clinical assessment and diagnosis, clinical judgment and decision making, psycho-therapeutic and community interventions, and professional ethics.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 339.
PSYC 437
Topics in Forensic Psychology
3 Credits
In this course, students critically discuss contemporary issues in forensic psychology in a seminar-based format. Material is drawn from both historical and current primary resources, with emphasis on research literature that explores theoretical and empirical approaches to the topic area. Evaluation is largely based on class presentations, participation, and written assignments. Topics vary from year to year, and may include (but are not limited to) psychopathy, deception, eyewitness memory, risk assessment, sexual and violent offenders, mental illness and crime, malingering, and ethical and legal issues in forensic psychology.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 337.
PSYC 438
Psychological Interviewing
3 Credits
This course concerns the study and development of professional helping skills. Topics include the helping relationship, interviewing skills, listening skills, confrontation skills, ethical and legal decision-making, and prevention of professional burnout. Please note that a large portion of the course involves role-playing exercises and participation in these exercises counts for a significant portion of one's grade. Note: With consent of the department, PSYC 435 may be permitted as a co-requisite.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 435, plus at least two of PSYC 326, PSYC 377, PSYC 385, PSYC 431, PSYC 456.
PSYC 439
Psychology Field Placement
3 Credits
In this course, students are assigned to a psychologist in a public, private, or non-profit program where they apply their knowledge of abnormal psychology in a supervised field placement. Each student is involved in a project that significantly contributes to the organization's clinical practice (e.g., program manual, guidelines for practice) or to the organization's research endeavours (e.g., evaluation of a service within the program). Notes: This course does not fulfill the 400-level credit requirement of the Psychology Major and Minor. The number of placements may be limited in any given term, and therefore course enrollment will be contingent on the student's grades in the prerequisite courses and on the student's interests and skills. Certain placements may require other course prerequisites or co-requisites, depending on the nature of the placement.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 212 and PSYC 339, and consent of the department.
PSYC 440
Practice of Teaching in Psychology
3 Credits
Students learn the skills and expectations associated with teaching psychology at the university level. They function as a teaching assistant and are mentored by various faculty members in the Department of Psychology. Throughout this course, they attend workshops and lectures on teaching methods, evaluation methods, detecting and deterring academic dishonesty, and ethics associated with the practice of teaching. Students are also expected to lead scheduled tutorial sessions and collaborate with a supervising instructor as well as with a TA coordinator.
Prerequisites: Department consent.
PSYC 449
Topics in Social Psychology
3 Credits
This course offers an in-depth study of a specific topic in social psychology. The theoretical, methodological and applied issues are emphasized. The topic for the course varies year to year and is announced prior to registration. Possible topics include eyewitness testimony, prejudice and discrimination, media influences on aggression, and interpersonal attraction.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and PSYC 241.
PSYC 456
Cognitive Assessment
3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of cognitive assessment, including test administration, scoring, interpretation, and report writing. The techniques and tools for evaluating several areas of cognitive functioning including intelligence, attention, memory, language, perception, learning, and complex cognitive processes such as critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity are surveyed. The Wechsler tests (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-IV, WPPSI-IV, WASI) and academic achievement measures are highlighted in this course.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 339.
PSYC 467
Special Topics in Perception
3 Credits
In this course, students critically discuss contemporary issues in sensation and perception in a seminar-based format. Material is largely drawn from both historical and current primary resources, with an emphasis on research literature that explores links between neural mechanisms and perceptual performance. Evaluation is largely based on class participation and written assignments.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and in PSYC 267 or PSYC 275.
PSYC 473
Advanced Evolutionary Psychology
3 Credits
Students examine theory and evidence related to evolutionary psychology as applied to humans and other animals. In addition to analysis of journal articles and other primary sources, students replicate several studies in the laboratory in order to see first-hand some typical research methods associated with the field.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and PSYC 373.
PSYC 475
Comparative Neuroanatomy
3 Credits
This is an advanced course in neuroanatomical organization, examining CNS (central nervous system) functions at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The anatomy and functions of various tract systems and nuclei are compared across species and across levels of the nervous system. Fundamental concepts of nervous system organization, such as principles of neural coding and efficiency in wiring, and columnar organization of the cortex are discussed. The course features a combination of lectures and seminars based on readings of primary empirical literature. This course includes lab work in the gross CNS anatomy of a variety of species.
Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in PSYC 275 and in two of PSYC 358, PSYC 367, PSYC 375, or PSYC 377; or consent of the department.
PSYC 498
Advanced Independent Study
3 Credits
This course permits an advanced student to work with an instructor to explore a specific topic in depth through research or directed reading in primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes and reports the results of their independent research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise his or her project. This course can be taken twice for credit.
PSYC 499A
Honours Thesis I
3 Credits
Under the direction of a faculty member, students conduct an empirical research project culminating in the Honours Thesis and formal presentation of research findings. Note: This course is open only to students in the Psychology honours program. Students complete both PSYC 490A and 490B in consecutive terms to attain credit in this course.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 312 and consent of the department.
PSYC 499B
Honours Thesis II
3 Credits
Under the direction of a faculty member, students conduct an empirical research project culminating in the Honours Thesis and formal presentation of research findings. Note: This course is open only to students in the Psychology honours program. Students must complete both PSYC 490A and 490B in consecutive terms to attain credit in this course.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 312 and consent of the department.
Psychology: Applied Behavioural Analysis
PABA 281
Principles of Behaviour
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the principles of learning and behaviour, with an emphasis on the processes of classical and operant conditioning. Basic research findings are discussed as well as the application of those findings to important aspects of human behaviour. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSYC 281 or PABA 281.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 104.
PABA 385
Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis
3 Credits
This course examines the ways in which principles of conditioning and learning have been applied to areas of human concern. The basic concepts, specific techniques, and ethical issues involved in the field of applied behaviour analysis are surveyed. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSYC 385 and PABA 385.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 281.
PABA 485
Single-Case Research Designs
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to single-case research designs. It examines the use of single-case designs to assess various dimensions of behaviour and evaluate the effects of behavioural interventions. The challenges and limitations of single-case research are discussed, as well as the manner in which single-case data can be used to establish the validity of evidence-based interventions. The course encompasses a broad range of research within both the behaviour analytic literature and other disciplines including school psychology, medicine, and business.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 385.
PABA 486
Behavioural Interventions in Developmental Disabilities
3 Credits
This course examines the application of behaviour analysis in practice with developmental disabilities, specifically in autism. The course examines the research and the clinical recommendations for behavioural interventions in practice. The course also discusses the practice guidelines by the BACB and the National Standards Project in Autism.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 385.
PABA 487
Clinical Behaviour Analysis and Professional Ethics
3 Credits
Psychotherapies rooted in behaviour analysis include functional analytic psychotherapy, behaviour activation therapies, dialectical behaviour theory, and acceptance and commitment therapy. This course will focus on interventions with verbally competent clients (including self-management) by examining language development from a behaviouristic perspective, and by analyzing advanced language and cognition from a post-Skinnerian viewpoint (i.e., relational frame theory, derived relations, rule-governed behaviour, etc.). This course will also focus on the ethical standards for behaviour analysis in professional practice. NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both PABA 386 and PABA 487.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PSYC 281 and PSYC 385.