Psychology

PSYC1003 is a prerequisite for PSYC1004PSYC1004 is a prerequisite for all remaining Psychology courses.

NOTE: See the beginning of Section F for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.

PSYC1003Introductory Psychology I3 ch (3C/WEB)

An overview of psychology as well as an introduction to the biological basis of behavior, motivation, learning, sensation, perception, memory, thinking and language. Students may be requested to participate in research and some course credit may be earned in this way.

PSYC1004Introductory Psychology II 3 ch (3C/WEB)

Examines social behaviour, personality, assessment, abnormal psychology, and psychological therapy. Students may be requested to participate in research and some course credit may be earned in this way.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1003
PSYC1273Life Span Development3 ch (3C)

An introduction to theory, methods, and research findings in lifespan developmental psychology. The life cycle as a whole and basic processes in socialization, cognition, and personality development will be examined. This course is designed primarily for Nursing students. Enrolment of other students is by permission of the instructor. Students currently enrolled in the BN program are exempt from the PSYC 1004 prerequisite requirement. NOTE: Students who take PSYC 1273 may not take PSYC 3201 or PSYC 3293

PSYC2102Research Methods in Psychology3 ch (3C 1L)

An introduction to the methods and theory of empirical and experimental research in psychology. The logic of hypothesis construction and testing in relation to various areas of psychology are examined. Students will be required to complete an experiment. 

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in PSYC 2901

PSYC2693Foundations in Perception and Cognition3 ch (3C)
This course provides students with foundational knowledge in theory, methodology, and research findings in the field of cognitive psychology. Students who have completed this course will be adequately prepared to take upper level courses on topics such as sensation & perception, attention, memory, mental imagery, knowledge, language, thinking, and reasoning.

Prerequisities: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC2712Foundations in Neuroscience3 ch (3C)
An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of nervous systems with a special emphasis on behavioural indices of function. Illustrative examples of both human and animal research are surveyed.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC2901Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Psychologists3 ch (3C)

Designed to acquaint the student with the basic tools of statistics which are used to summarize and analyze psychological data. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3033Health Psychology3 ch (3C/WEB) (LE)

An aggregate of the scientific and professional contributions of the discipline of psychology towards promotion of a holistic approach for the maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness including etiologic as well as diagnostic correlates of health and illness.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3035Environmental Psychology3 ch (3C)
Examines the interplay between the individual and the environment. The influence of the positive and negative effects of the environment on human behaviour and well-being is examined. Topics include environmental risk perception; environmental stressors; the effects of natural and constructed environments; the health effects of environmental quality; including climate change risks; and suggested ways to foster pro-environmental behaviour.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3201Child Development3 ch (3C)

A study of theory, methods and research findings in infancy and childhood. Examines social, cognitive, emotional and physical development. Credit will not be granted for both PSYC 3201 and ED 3021. Students who completed PSYC 2201 cannot get credit for PSYC 3201.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3263The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour3 ch (3C)

Examines psychological based theories of crime and the contribution of psychology to the understanding of criminal behaviour and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3265Forensic Psychology3 ch (3C)

This course will focus on the application of psychological principles within legal contexts (e.g., legal decision-making, eye witness memory) and in relation to policing practices (e.g., interrogation practices, credibility assessment). 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3293The Psychology of Aging3 ch (3C)

Focuses on the changes in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development associated with aging, beginning in young adulthood, and extending to late adulthood. We will examine such topics as physical and intellectual change, personality and social development, marriage, the family, vocational development, retirement, and issues dealing with death and dying. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 2201 or PSYC 3201 or ED 3021

PSYC3323Community Psychology and Mental Health3 ch (3C/WEB)

Psychological perspectives are presented to inform our understanding of the nuances of psychological health/mental wellness, mental illness prevention, and public health initiatives as they relate to mental health in the community and general population context. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3343Human Sexuality3 ch (3C/WEB)

Provides an introduction to the psychology of human sexuality, including examination of topics such as sexual anatomy, sexual behaviour, sexual response, sexual dysfunction and therapy, sexual variation and other topics of interest.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3362Introduction to Guidance and Counselling3 ch (3C/WEB)
Introduction to the core counselling skills (e.g. paraphrasing, emphatic responding) used in the helping professions which will include active learning opportunities.

Prerequisites:
PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3383Sensation and Perception3 ch (3C)

Provides a broad introduction to sensation and perception. We will explore how brain structure and neural functioning underlie how we process and interpret information from our environments. Although the course will focus on visual and auditory perception, other sensory modalities may be discussed.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3393Systems of Therapy3 ch (3C/WEB)

The array of contemporary psychotherapeutic techniques is examined with emphasis on the relationship that exists between the theoretical and historical background of a therapy and the form it assumes when put into practice.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3401Social Psychology3 ch (3C)
The scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. The course examines methods and findings related to topics such as the self in society, attitude formation, judging others, conformity, aggression, prejudice, and attraction. Students who completed PSYC 2401 cannot get credit for PSYC 3401.

Prerequisites:
PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3412Advanced Social Psychology3 ch (3C)

Examines foundational works in social psychology as well as most recent research that is of particular interest. Potential topics include the nature of love, conspiratorial beliefs, learned helplessness, and prejudice. 

Prerequisite: PSYC 3401
PSYC3414Media Psychology and Technology3 ch (3C)
This course will introduce students to the topic of media psychology. Students will learn about the theories and research framework that seek to explain (1) how we process media and (2) how media influences our attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Special attention will be given to specific topics like advertising, media violence, sex in the media, and social media.

Prerequisites:PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3416Psychology of Happiness3 ch (3C/WEB)
Examines the study of individual characteristics and environmental factors that are associated with increased subjective well-being. Topics will include loss and trauma, models of personality, emotional expressivity and valence, mindfulness, and psychological resilience.

Prerequisites:
PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3453Diversity and Culture in Psychology3 ch (3C/WEB)

Examines how culture may affect a variety of human behaviours, beliefs, and attitudes. Potential topics include variations in romantic relationships, morality, personality, and social etiquette. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3461Personality3 ch (3C/WEB)

What do we mean when we refer to someone's personality? How do we look at and understand personality in research and clinical settings? The purpose of this course is to provide and initial overview and analysis of the major perspectives on human personality. By the end of this course, you will have a working understanding of major personality theories, as well as how these theories can be applied to real-world settings using empirical research and practice. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3493Changing Behaviour3 ch (3C/WEB)

There are many strategies to understand and change human behaviour. This course will focus on strategies drawn from learning theory and applied behavioural analaysis, as well as other psychological principles that guide how we can influence behaviour change.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3503Learning3 ch (3C)

A survey of principles of both instrumental and classical conditioning focusing on animal subjects. Such topics as biological constraints on learning, cognitive interpretations of learning, and memory processes will be included. There will be various demonstrations throughout the course. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3553Psychopathology3 ch (3C/WEB)

This course provides an initial overview of the major types of psychological disorders. Emphasis will be placed on broad theoretical and clinical issues relevant to assessment, diagnosis, and classification of adult disorders. Furthermore, etiology and phenomenology of a number of disorders will be explored. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3603Attention and Memory3 ch (3C)

This course provides an examination of cognitive processes involved in attention and memory. We will examine how we mentally prioritize certain objects or events based on our level of interest, and how prior experience influences these actions. We will then consider how attention affects the encoding, storage, and subsequent recall of information in our memory systems.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2693
PSYC3632Motivation3 ch (3C)

Focuses on human and/or animal motivational processes that initiate and guide goal-directed behaviours and the maintenance of these behaviours as important determinants of adjustment. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3695Psychology of Music3 ch (3C)
This course will provide a broad introduction to the psychology of music. Topics covered will include the origins of music in humans, music acquisition during childhood and adolescence, how music interacts with emotions, well-being, and other cognitive abilities, the process of performing music, and the neuroscience of music.

Prerequisites:
PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3712Behavioural Neuroscience3 ch (3C)
This course builds on the basic principles of biological psychology by exploring in detail the brain processes related to topics such as memory, consciousness, and cognitive processes, as well as sensation and perception.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2712
PSYC3714Animal Communication (Cross-Listed: BIOL 3714)3 ch (3C)
An overview of animal communication and its biological significance, with emphasis on vocal communication. The course will discuss various systems of communication in terms of production, perception, and the conveyance of vital information, with reference and comparison to human communication where applicable. The ways in which communication systems are shaped by - and in some cases contribute to - evolutionary processes will also be discussed.


Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004, or BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1205

PSYC3723Introduction to Human Neuropsychology3 ch (3C)

A review of human neuroanatomy with a focus on recent theories and findings regarding the functional organization of the brain. The principles of cerebral asymmetry, disconnection syndromes, and the functions of the occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal lobes are examined. A special emphasis is placed on the role of brain systems in sensory motor skills, higher order cognitive functions and personality. 

Prerequisite: PSYC 2712

PSYC3724Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology (Cross-Listed: HEAL 3102)3 ch (3C)

Explores the neuropsychological sequelae of the most common neurological and psychiatric disorders seen in the practice of clinical neuropsychology, including vascular disorders, traumatic head injuries, epilepsy, tumours, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, and neuro-degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. 

Prerequisite: PSYC 2712 or PSYC 3723

PSYC3725The Dementias3 ch (3C/WEB)

An introduction to a devastating group of diseases which cause irreversible decline in cognitive functioning. The etiological models, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, treatment, care, and management issues of the most common types of dementias are explored including cortical (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontal Lobe diseases) and subcortical (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and AIDS) dementias.

PrerequisitesPSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3726Neurobiology of Learning (Cross-Listed: HEAL 3103)3 ch (3C)
In this course students will explore the process of memory and corresponding anatomic regions of the brain that are involved in learning and memory. Using a series of podcasts, webinars, and interactive workshops, students will explore the current understanding of the neurobiology of learning and memory. Required neuroanatomy linked with memory, attention, consolidation, recall, and cognitive load will be reviewed. In the course, students will apply basic concepts to their individual areas of interest.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2712 and one of BIOL 1415, BIOL 2015, BIOL 2065, BIOL 2245, BIOL 2485 OR permission of the instructor
PSYC3743Comparative Psychology3 ch (3C)

Development of psychological theory by the comparison of data from different species. Emphasizes the evolution and adaptive significance of behaviour. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3752Drugs and Behaviour3 ch (3C)

A survey of all classes of psychoactive drugs and their influences upon cognition, behaviour, and physical functioning. Such topics will be discussed in relation to their underlying biology, including the role of the brain in acute drug responses, long-term effects, and dependence. In the process of doing so, the course will also address issues related to the history of psychoactive drug use, addiction, and legality.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004
PSYC3803Industrial Psychology3 ch (3C/WEB)

Application of psychological knowledge to business and industrial problems.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004

PSYC3913Introduction to Statistical Inference and Experimental Design in Psychology3 ch (3C 1L)

This course provides an introduction to research design and statistical inference in psychology. Topics covered are computational procedures and theory up to analysis of variance, including multiple comparisons and multiple regression. Students will also learn how to analyse data using one or more statistical packages. NOTE: Credit can be obtained for only one of STAT 2793, BA 2606, PSYC 3913.

PrerequisitesPSYC 2901

PSYC4021Cognitive and Psychophysiological Research3 ch (3C) (W)

This course is an applied research methods course focusing on cognitive and psychophysiological research. Students will focus on theoretical and methodological issues related to stress, cognitive function, motivation, individual differences, and neuroscience. Students will also gain hands-on experience in creating experimental programs for studying these phenomena, and will have the opportunity to execute a research project using their programs. 

Prerequisite: PSYC 2102
PSYC4101Advanced Topics in Psychology3 ch (3C/S) (W)
An advanced course that will provide an in-depth analysis of current theory, research and its applications in a specific area of psychology.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1004 and completion of 60 ch in any discipline
PSYC4111Conducting Research Studies3 ch (3C/S) (W)

The purpose is to enable students to become actively involved in basic research. This involvement will take the form of participation in research, reading and discussion of research topics, and development of research skills.

PrerequisitePSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor
PSYC4121Basic Research I3 ch (3C/S) (W)
This course permits students to become actively involved in a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Requirements of this course may involve conducting a literature review, designing a research study, seeking ethical approval for research, collecting and analysing data, and writing a report with their results. The actual course requirements will be determined by the faculty member supervising the project.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2102 and permission of the faculty supervisor
PSYC4122Basic Research II3 ch (3C/S) (W)

This course is a continuation of PSYC 4121. Requirements of this course may involve conducting a literature review, designing a research study, seeking ethical approval for research, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a report with their results. The actual course requirements will be determined by the faculty member supervising the project. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 4121 and permission of the faculty supervisor
PSYC4142Honours Research Seminar3 ch (3C/S)
In this seminar course, students will be exposed to topics relevant to the research process including future opportunities for students, ethics requirements for animal and human research, research design, data analyses, writing and presenting, etc. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR).

Prerequisite:
One of: PSYC 4021PSYC 4111, PSYC 4121PSYC 4122, PSYC 4201 and acceptance into the Psychology Honours Program
PSYC4143Designing Research Proposals3 ch (3C/S) (W)

Under the direction of a supervisor a student develops a proposal which is assessed and approved by the Department. A letter grade will be assigned.

Prerequisite: One of PSYC 4021, PSYC 4111, PSYC 4121, PSYC 4122, PSYC 4201; and acceptance into the Psychology Honours Program

PSYC4145Honours Thesis3 ch (3C/S) (W)

Under the direction of a supervisor a student conducts, completes and defends the research. A letter grade will be assigned.

Prerequisite: A grade of B+ or higher in PSYC 4143

PSYC4201Special Topics in Experimental Psychology3 ch (3C/S) (W)
An advanced course in research design. Topics will include research ethics, research design, and synthesis of research results.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102. Not suitable for students who have completed or are enrolled in PSYC 4142
PSYC4233Program Evaluation3 ch (3C) (W)

A seminar course focusing on review of the principles and methods used in planning and conducting program evaluations. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor

PSYC4263Field Placement in Criminal Justice I3 ch (3PRAC) (LE)

The field placement is designed to provide students with practical experience in a community correctional setting that provides services for federal paroles. The course has limited enrollment and is open to 3rd - 4th year psychology & sociology majors with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). 

Prerequisites: PSYC 3263 and PSYC 3493 and SOCI 2611 and SOCI 3614 and permission of the field placement co-ordinator

PSYC4264Field Placement in Criminal Justice II3 ch (3PRAC) (LE)

The field placement is designed to provide students with additional practical experience in a community correctional setting that provides services for federal paroles. The course has limited enrollment and is open to 3rd - 4th year psychology & sociology majors with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). 

Prerequisites: PSYC 3263 and PSYC 3493 and SOCI 2611 and SOCI 3614 and permission of the field placement co-ordinator

PSYC4265Field Placement in Clinical Psychology3 ch (3PRAC) (LE)

Exposure to community mental health settings, with the goal of gaining applied supervised experience with individuals who have mental health, behavioural and/or intellectual challenges. Enrolment is limited to Psychology Major/Honour students with a minimum CGPA of 3.3 (B+) and is subject to permission of the instructor. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR).

Prerequisites: PSYC 3553, PSYC 3493, and either PSYC 3362 or PSYC 3393, and permission of the field placement co-ordinator

PSYC4266Field Placement in Aging I 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE)
This field placement is designed to provide students with experience working with the individuals living in retirement homes offering a range of options from independent to assisted living. Students will gain practical experience (e.g. working with recreation directors creating programming opportunities for residents; learning about proper approaches to interacting with residents, etc.). Students will work for 3 hours a week for the duration of the term in their field placement. This course has limited enrolment and is open to students completing the Minor in Gerontology. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR).

Prerequisite:
PSYC 3293 and permission of the field placement co-ordinator
PSYC4267Field Placement in Aging II3 ch (3PRAC) (LE)
A continuation of PSYC 4266. This field placement is designed to provide students with experience working with individuals living in retirement homes offering a range of options from independent to assited living. Students will gain practical experience (e.g., working with recreation directors creating programming opportunities for residents; learning about proper approaches to interacting with residents, etc.). Students will work for 3 hours a week for the duration of the term in their field placement. This course has limited enrolment and is open to students completing the Minor in Gerontology. Grades are awarded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR).

Prerequisite:
PSYC 3293 and permission of the field placement co-ordinator
PSYC4293Adolescence3 ch (3C/S)
A seminar course examining physical, cognitive, social and emotional development in adolescence.


Prerequisites
: 
PSYC 3201 and PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor 

NOTE: Students who take PSYC 1273 may not take PSYC 3201PSYC 3293, or PSYC 4293.

PSYC4313Testing and Measurement3 ch (3C/L) (W)

A seminar course focusing on the major principles and other relevant issues in the development and application of psychological tests. Emphasis will be placed on the development, use, and evaluation of psychometric characteristics of tests in various spheres of life.

PrerequisitePSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor and PSYC 3913

PSYC4463Attachment and Human Relationships3 ch (C/S) (W)

This seminar course focuses on an in-depth analysis of attachment theory, research, and its applications. An attachment framework will be used to explore topics such as interpersonal relationships, intimacy, loneliness, solitude, well-being, and attachment-based psychotherapeutic interventions.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor and PSYC 3461

PSYC4493Developmental Psychopathology3 ch (3C/S) (W)

A seminar course that introduces students to the literature of maladaptive behaviour within the developmental perspective. Specific disorders of childhood and adolescence will be included in the seminar topics.  

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor and PSYC 3201 and PSYC 3353 or permission of instructor

PSYC4583Advanced Perception3 ch (3C/S) (W)

A seminar course that provides an in-depth discussion and analysis of selected problems in perception. Topics may include optical illusions, spatial frequency representation, perceptual development, multi-sensory perception, and motion perception. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor, PSYC 3383

PSYC4712Neuroplasticity (Cross-Listed: HEAL 4102)3 ch (3C/S) (W)
A seminar course exploring the topic of plasticity within the central nervous system. Neuroplasticity will be discussed at a variety of levels, from individual neurons to large-scale brain changes, and with reference to learning and memory, neuropathology, lifestyle, and other factors.

Prerequisite: One of PSYC 2712 or PSYC 3711 and one of PSYC 3712 or PSYC 3723
PSYC4733Cognitive Neuroscience3 ch (3C/S) (W)

A seminar course examining the biological processes that underlie human cognition. Topics may include decision-making models, learning, categorization, and metacognition. Discussion surrounding the tools and methods used to study these topics will also be covered. This course will include written assignments and in-person presentations.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor, PSYC 2712, and either PSYC 3383 or PSYC 2693

PSYC4813Substance Use Disorders3 ch (3C/S) (W)

A seminar course that covers a broad spectrum of topics in the area of addiction including the epidemiology of substance abuse and dependence, the biopsychosocial bases of addictive behaviours, as well as, issues of comorbidity, prevention, and intervention. 

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor and one of PSYC 3752 or PSYC 4833

PSYC4833Psychopharmacology3 ch (3C/S) (W)

A seminar course focusing on the pharmacological treatments for various psychopathologies, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, and other related disorders. The emphasis will be on the neurological bases of these psychopathologies and the pharmacological agents used to manage them. This course will include  written assignments and in-person presentations.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor and PSYC 2712