Courses

2024-2025 Academic Year

PSYC 1110
Introduction to Psychology as a Natural Science 0.5 unit
An introduction to psychology as a natural science. Areas surveyed will include, but will not be limited to, the biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, as well as a brief overview of the history and methodology of psychology.

PSYC 1120
Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science 0.5 unit
An introduction to psychology as a social science. Areas surveyed will include, but will not be limited to, social psychology, personality theory and psychological disorders and therapy.

PSYC 2205
Abnormal Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
A survey of issues concerning the field of abnormal psychology. Major psychopathologies are examined and theories in the area are studied.

PSYC 2206
Drugs and Behaviour 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110
An examination of the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs from a biopsychosocial perspective. The course content will cover both illicit (e.g. cocaine, marijuana) and non-illicit (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, nicotine) drugs, as well as core concepts of pharmacology and addiction, within a framework that incorporates basic principles and applied research.

PSYC 2208
Social Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
A study of topics in social psychology such as person perception, prejudice, group processes, attitude formation and change, and conformity.

PSYC 2213
Emotion and Motivation 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1120
A scientific study of human emotion and motivation. Students will explore primary and complex emotions as well as sexual, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, hunger and addiction through research projects and readings.

PSYC 2214
The Neurobiology of Learning & Memory 0.5 unit
Prerequisite: PSYC 1110 and 1120
A study of the principles and theory behind the neural basis of reinforcement, learning, and memory. These topics will be considered at different levels of biological organization, from molecular and cellular to behavioral. Further, human problems, such as addiction and the development of anxiety disorders, will be discussed.

PSYC 2215
Cognitive Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
An examination of research and theory dealing with cognitive processes. Topics to be examined include attention, memory, mental representation, language and problem solving.

PSYC 2216
Sensation and Perception 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and an additional 4.5 units of university credit
A survey of the psychological research designed to study the mental events involved in information extraction. Topics covered could include vision, audition, size and shape constancy, form and pattern perception, attention and illusions, and perceptual development.

PSYC 2217/BIOL 2217
Brain and Behaviour 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 or BIOL 1152
A study of the neural basis of human behaviour. Topics will include development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and the biological basis of sensory and perceptual processes, consciousness and sleep, attention, learning, emotion, motivation, psychopharmacology, and disorders of the nervous system.

PSYC 2220/FSGN 2220
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
A critical examination of the findings and theories in the psychology of adulthood and aging. Topics to be covered will include identity and interpersonal behaviour, memory and intelligence, social-life changes and successful aging.

PSYC 2221
Developmental Psychology I 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
An introductory course on human development from conception through adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research are studied. Topics covered may include genetics, heredity, the pre and perinatal periods, physical growth, motor skills, learning and perception.

PSYC 2222
Developmental Psychology II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2221
An introductory course on human development from conception through adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research are studied. Topics covered may include emotion, social cognition, gender roles, moral development, familial and extra-familial influences.

PSYC 2225
Introduction to Clinical Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2205
A survey of issues within the field of clinical psychology.
Clinical assessment and intervention approaches are examined, including their theoretical underpinnings.

PSYC 2250/BIOL 2250
Animal Behaviour 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120 or BIOL 1153
An introduction to the biological bases of behaviour in animals, covering genetic, developmental, neural, ecological and social aspects.

PSYC 2260/BIOL 2260
Fundamentals of Neuroscience 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1152 or PSYC 1110
A course about the physiological and biophysical mechanism that enable the nervous system to receive, process and transmit information on the molecular, membrane, cellular and system levels.

PSYC 2265/WOMS 2265
Psychology of Gender 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, or WOMS 1110
Explore understandings of sex, gender and related identities embedded within interpersonal, familial and cultural contexts. Empirical and conceptual research is critically reviewed through feminist and social constructionist frameworks on topics such as “doing” gender, gender socialization, transgender, discrimination/leadership, and media portrayals.

PSYC 2267
Human Sexuality 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
The study of human sexuality from its historical, psychobiological, and developmental perspectives. Topics will include: the psychobiology of the human sexual response, relationships and behaviour, development of human sexuality, social construction of sexuality, and contemporary social and health issues.

PSYC 2270
Positive Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1120
Reviews psychological research on enhancing personal well-being and a sense of meaningfulness. The field emerged in response to the discipline’s focus on psychopathology. Drawing on theoretical perspectives of Maslow, Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, topics addressed may include satisfaction, self-actualization, meaningfulness; contexts that enhance happiness; cultural and geographic differences in “the good life”.

PSYC 3301
Research Methods in Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, MATH 2208 and 2209
An introduction to research design and methodology in the study of behaviour. Emphasis is upon formulation of research questions, data analysis, evaluation of results, and reporting of scientific information. Note: Students who have received credit for PSYC 2209 may not take this course for credit.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

PSYC 3302
Psychology of Learning and Behaviour 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, and 3.0 units of University credit at the 2000 level or above
The study of behaviour and learning principles as influenced by different theoretical orientations (e.g., behaviourism, cognitive learning, social learning, humanistic), including the benefits and limitations of these approaches. Application of these principles across clinical, community and educational environments will also be studied.

PSYC 3305
Forensic Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2205
An introduction to the applications of psychology to the criminal justice system (e.g., courts, corrections, policing). Emphasis will be placed on psychological aspects of criminal behaviour and criminal investigation.

PSYC 3307
Roots of Modern Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, and a 2000 level PSYC course
A lecture/seminar course dealing with the development of the science of psychology. Particular emphasis will be given to the development of modern scientific reasoning and its relationship to such twentieth-century systems of psychology as structuralism, functionalism, psychoanalysis, behaviourism, and Gestalt psychology.

PSYC 3309
Community Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2205 or 2208
An introduction to the methods of research and current findings in the area of community psychology. Problems of mental health, aging, environmental protection, delinquency and unemployment may be among the areas studied.

PSYC 3310
Cognitive Development 0.5 unit
Prerequisites(s): PSYC 2222
A critical examination of some of the basic concepts, theories, and empirical findings in cognitive development. Content includes the important work of the past and contemporary work in cognitive development.

PSYC 3311
Language Development 0.5 unit
Prerequisites(s): PSYC 2222 and either PSYC 3301 or CHYS 3311
A survey of normal language development in children. Phonological, pragmatic, semantic, and syntactic aspects of the language learning process are examined, with an emphasis on theoretical explanations of their development. More briefly, language disorders may be discussed.

PSYC 3312
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3301, and an additional 1.5 units of PSYC at the 2000 level or above
An introduction to advanced research methods. Topics will include experimental design, statistical analysis, and reporting of results. At the end, the student is expected to have designed an independent research project, submitted a written proposal, and presented the project at a departmental student conference.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

PSYC 3313
Social Development 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2222
A review of theory and research on how we learn to form and maintain social relationships as well as how the social environment shapes our development. The interaction between biological, emotional, cognitive, and contextual influences on development will be an important theme throughout the course.

PSYC 3315
Personality 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of PSYC at the 2000 level or above
Individual style is largely defined by our personality or characteristic patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour. Accordingly, students will be taught how to interpret and synthesize research relating to human biology, development, learning, thinking, emotion, motivation, and social interaction thereby providing a complete picture of the individual.

PSYC 3317
Moral Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, and 3.0 units of university credit at the 2000 level or above
An examination of contemporary theoretical perspectives on moral reasoning, emotions, and behaviour. Questions raised by current research discussed, including: How does moral thinking develop, and how does it relate to behaviour? Is there an evolutionary basis to moral thinking? Should our moral beliefs be influenced by findings from psychological research?

PSYC 3319
Adolescent Development 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2222
A study of the physical, cognitive and social development of adolescents in the context of family and peer relationships. Possible topics addressed include pubertal timing, gender roles, sexuality, vocational development and participation in risk-taking behaviours (e.g. substance abuse, early parenthood).

PSYC 3330
Selected Topics in Psychology 0.5 unit
PSYC 3331
Selected Topics in Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 10 units of university credit, which must include at least 0.5 unit of Psychology at the 3000 level or above
An opportunity to explore selected topics in psychology at an advanced level. Topics will vary from year to year.

PSYC 3332/BIOL 3332
Human Neuropsychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC/BIOL 2217 or PSYC/BIOL 2260
A study of the neural bases of mental function. The neural mechanisms of complex cognitive processes such as object recognition, spatial processing, attention, language, memory, executive functions and emotion will be reviewed from the human clinical perspective.

PSYC 3333
Foundations of Counseling 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1120, and either PSYC 2270 or PSYC 3315, or permission of the instructor
Explores major theoretical approaches to counseling, such as person-centered, Jungian, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural, including those that are indigenous-created and feminist-informed. Focusing on qualities of the counselor-client relationship, applications of counseling practices and ethical guidelines for counsellors are reviewed. Assessment includes experiential, reflective activities to support personal growth in selfawareness.

PSYC 3334
Foundations of School Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2222
Explores the role of the school psychologist as a specific clinical discipline within psychology. This course will explore how psychologists practice in schools, discuss issues of accessibility in schools, apply the psychology of learning, and review the skills and knowledge required of school psychologists.

PSYC 3360
Science and Knowing 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120, and PSYC 3301 or another research methods course
An interdisciplinary survey of different viewpoints on science and research, including postpositivism, postmodernism, social constructionism, phenomenology, and chaos theory, Links will also be made between method and methodology.

PSYC 3365/WOMS 3365
Psychology of Women 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2265 or 0.5 unit of a Women’s Studies course at he 2000 level or above
A study of the psychosocial issues that pertain specifically to women. The course will utilize a feminist empiricist perspective to critically review a variety of topics, including: feminist epistemological positions, gender construction across the lifespan, women and work, motherhood, health, intimate relationships.

PSYC 3370
Psychological Tests and Measures 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2209 and an additional 1.5 units of PSYC at the 2000 level or above
An introduction to psychological measurement and psychometrics. Topics include scale development, standardized scores, reliability, validity, and the value and limitations of psychological testing. A variety of intelligence, achievement, aptitude, and personality tests and the various strategies used to measure these constructs will be studied.

PSYC 4402
Directed Research 1.0 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3301, an additional unit of PSYC at the 3000 level, and written permission of a faculty supervisor
A course consisting of an extended research project in a specified area of psychology. This will take the form of a laboratory apprenticeship, consisting of laboratory or field research under the supervision of a faculty member. Requirements include a proposal, data analysis, write up, and presentation at the departmental conference. Note: Students may not take PSYC 4402 and either PSYC 4403 or PSYC 4404 with the same faculty member.

PSYC 4403
Directed Study 0.5 unit
PSYC 4404
Directed Study 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3301 and written permission of faculty supervisor
When more than 0.5 unit of directed study is taken, each 0.5 unit must be supervised by a different faculty member. A course permitting students with advanced standing to pursue study in a specified area of psychology. This study may take the form of a laboratory apprenticeship, which consists of laboratory or field research under the direct supervision of a faculty member, or directed readings in a chosen area of psychology.

PSYC 4405
Senior Seminar 0.5 unit
PSYC 4406
Senior Seminar 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): enrollment in the PSYC honours program, or 1.5 units of PSYC at the 3000 level or above, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in PSYC courses and permission of the course instructor
A seminar devoted to current problems in psychology in order to assist students who are majoring in psychology to integrate their knowledge of the discipline. Extensive reading, reports, and projects will be presented by each student. Topics will be available at registration.

PSYC 4407
Issues in Clinical Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2225 and 1.5 units of PSYC at the 3000 level or above
A comprehensive overview of the field of clinical psychology focusing on theory, research, and practice from the scientist-practitioner framework. Major theoretical models of psychological disorders are described along with their practical applications for assessment, treatment and management.

PSYC 4410
Childhood Psychopathology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2222 and a 0.5 unit of PSYC at the 3000 level
The etiology, manifestations and management of childhood disorders (e.g. autism, learning disabilities, conduct disorders) will be considered from various developmental theoretical perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the research contributions critical to each area.

PSYC 4417
Developmental Neuroscience 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC/BIOL 2217 or PSYC/BIOL 2260 and 0.5 additional unit of PSYC or BIOL at the 3000 level or above
An exploration of the field of developmental neuroscience including core theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline. The course focuses on the influences of brain maturation and the environment on psychological development and behaviour post-natally, including a discussion of the neurodevelopmental correlates of developmental and psychiatric disorders.

PSYC 4432
Advanced Seminar in Biological Psychology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC/BIOL 2217 or PSYC/BIOL 2260
An examination of current topics in biological psychology. Course content will change from year to year to incorporate recent research findings; however, human and animal research conducted across a range of methodologies (e.g. neuroimaging, immunocytochemistry, behavioural neuroscience) will be examined within a framework that incorporates basic principles and applied research.

PSYC 4499
Honours Thesis and Seminar 1.0 unit
Prerequisite(s): 15.0 units of university credit, including PSYC 3312 and 3370, and admission to the honours program
Students will complete a research thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The associated seminar is devoted to presentations and discussions of students’ thesis research and current faculty research interests.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.