Psychology
PSYC1003 is a prerequisite for PSYC1004. PSYC1004 is a prerequisite for all remaining Psychology courses.
NOTE: See the beginning of Section F for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.
| PSYC1003 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC1004 | Introductory Psychology II | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC1273 | Life Span Development | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. Note: Students counting credit for PSYC 1273 cannot count credit for PSYC 3201 and/or PSYC 3293. Prerequisite: Enrolment in the BN program or permission of the instructor. | ||
| PSYC2102 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 ch (3C 1L) |
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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: PSYC 2901 with a minimum grade of C. | ||
| PSYC2693 | Foundations in Perception and Cognition | 3 ch (3C) |
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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 and perception, attention, memory, mental imagery, knowledge, language, thinking, and reasoning. Prerequisities: PSYC 1003 and PSYC 1004. | ||
| PSYC2712 | Foundations in Neuroscience | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC2901 | Statistics for Psychologists I | 3 ch (3C) |
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Designed to acquaint the student with the basic tools of statistics which are used to summarize and analyze psychological data. | ||
| PSYC3033 | Health Psychology | 3 ch (3C/WEB) (LE) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3035 | Environmental Psychology | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3201 | Child Development | 3 ch (3C) |
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A study of theory, methods and research findings in infancy and childhood. Examines social, cognitive, emotional and physical development. Note: Students counting credit for PSYC 3201 cannot count credit for ED 3021 and/or PSYC 2201. | ||
| PSYC3263 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 3 ch (3C) |
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Examines psychological based theories of crime and the contribution of psychology to the understanding of criminal behaviour and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders. | ||
| PSYC3265 | Psychology in the Justice System | 3 ch (3C) |
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This course will focus on the application of psychological principles within legal contexts (e.g., legal decision-making, eyewitness memory) and in relation to policing practices (e.g., interrogation practices, credibility assessment). | ||
| PSYC3293 | The Psychology of Aging | 3 ch (3C) |
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Focuses on the changes in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development associated with aging, beginning in young adulthood, and extending to late adulthood. The course 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. | ||
| PSYC3322 | Psychological Health in the Community | 3 ch (2C/1S/3WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3344 | Human Sexuality | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3362 | Counselling Psychology | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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Introduction to the core counselling skills (e.g. paraphrasing, emphatic responding) used in the helping professions which will include active learning opportunities. | ||
| PSYC3383 | Sensation and Perception | 3 ch (3C) |
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Provides a broad introduction to sensation and perception. The course 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. | ||
| PSYC3393 | Psychological Approaches to Therapy | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3401 | Social Psychology | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. Note: Credit cannot be counted for both PSYC 3401 and PSYC 2401. | ||
| PSYC4412 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 ch (3C/S) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3414 | Media Psychology and Technology | 3 ch (3C) |
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This course will introduce students to the topic of media psychology. Students will learn about the theories and research framework that seek to explain how we process media and 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. | ||
| PSYC3416 | Psychology of Happiness | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3453 | Diversity and Culture in Psychology | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3461 | Personality | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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, students 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. | ||
| PSYC3493 | Changing Behaviour | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3503 | Learning | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3553 | Psychological Disorders | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3603 | Attention and Memory | 3 ch (3C) |
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This course provides an examination of cognitive processes involved in attention and memory. The course 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. | ||
| PSYC3632 | Motivation | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3695 | Psychology of Music | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3712 | Behavioural Neuroscience | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3714 | Animal Communication (Cross-listed: BIOL 3714) | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3723 | Introduction to Neuropsychology | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3724 | Clinical Neuropsychology (Cross-Listed: HEAL 3102) | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3725 | The Dementias | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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An introduction to a devastating group of diseases which cause irreversible decline in cognitive functioning. The etiological models, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural 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. | ||
| PSYC3726 | Neuroscience of Learning (Cross-Listed: HEAL 3103) | 3 ch (3C) |
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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 neuroscience 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. | ||
| PSYC3742 | Comparative Psychology | 3 ch (3C) |
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Development of psychological theory by the comparison of data from different species. Emphasizes the evolution and adaptive significance of behaviour. | ||
| PSYC3752 | Drugs and Behaviour | 3 ch (3C) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC3803 | Psychology of Work | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
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Application of psychological knowledge to business and industrial problems. | ||
| PSYC3913 | Statistics for Psychologists II | 3 ch (3C 1L) |
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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 analyze data using one or more statistical packages. Note: Students counting credit for PSYC 3913 cannot count credit for BA 2606 and/or STAT 2793. | ||
| PSYC4021 | Cognitive and Psychophysiological Research | 3 ch (3C) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4101 | Advanced Topics in Psychology | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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An advanced course that will provide an in-depth analysis of current theory, research and its applications in a specific area of psychology. | ||
| PSYC4111 | Conducting Research Studies | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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The purpose of this course 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. | ||
| PSYC4121 | Basic Research I | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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 analyzing data, and writing a report with their results. The actual course requirements will be determined by the faculty member supervising the project. | ||
| PSYC4122 | Basic Research II | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4142 | Honours Research Seminar | 3 ch (3C/S) |
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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. Note: This course will be graded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). Prerequisites: One of: PSYC 4021, PSYC 4111, PSYC 4121, PSYC 4122, PSYC 4201 and acceptance into the Psychology Honours Program. | ||
| PSYC4143 | Designing Research Proposals | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. Prerequisites: One of PSYC 4021, PSYC 4111, PSYC 4121, PSYC 4122, PSYC 4201; and acceptance into the Psychology Honours Program. | ||
| PSYC4145 | Honours Thesis | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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Under the direction of a supervisor a student conducts, completes and defends the research. A letter grade will be assigned. Prerequisite: PSYC 4143 with a minimum grade of B+. | ||
| PSYC4201 | Special Topics in Experimental Psychology | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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An advanced course in research design. Topics will include research ethics, research design, and synthesis of research results. | ||
| PSYC4233 | Program Evaluation | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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A seminar course focusing on review of the principles and methods used in planning and conducting program evaluations. Prerequisite: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor. | ||
| PSYC4263 | Field Placement in Criminal Justice I | 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE) |
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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 third or fourth year psychology and sociology majors with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher. Note: This course will be graded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). Prerequisites: PSYC 3263, PSYC 3493, SOCI 2611, SOCI 3614 and permission of the field placement co-ordinator. | ||
| PSYC4264 | Field Placement in Criminal Justice II | 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE) |
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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 | ||
| PSYC4265 | Field Placement in Clinical Psychology | 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE) |
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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+). Note: This course will be graded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). Prerequisites: PSYC 3493, PSYC 3553, and either PSYC 3362 or PSYC 3393, and permission of the field placement co-ordinator. | ||
| PSYC4266 | Field Placement in Aging I | 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE) |
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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 three hours a week for the duration of the term in their field placement. This course has limited enrolment and preference will be given to students completing the Minor in Gerontology. Note: This course will be graded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). | ||
| PSYC4267 | Field Placement in Aging II | 3 ch (3PRAC) (LE) |
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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 three hours a week for the duration of the term in their field placement. This course has limited enrolment and preference will be given to students completing the Minor in Gerontology. Note: This course will be graded as Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR). | ||
| PSYC4293 | Adolescence | 3 ch (3C/S) |
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A seminar course examining physical, cognitive, social and emotional development in adolescence. Note: Students counting credit for PSYC 4293 cannot count credit for PSYC 1273 PSYC 3293. | ||
| PSYC4313 | Testing and Measurement | 3 ch (3C/L/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4463 | Attachment and Human Relationships | 3 ch (C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4493 | Developmental Psychopathology | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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, PSYC 3201 and PSYC 3553 or permission of the instructor. | ||
| PSYC4583 | Advanced Perception | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4712 | Neuroplasticity (Cross-Listed: HEAL 4102) | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4733 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4813 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. Prerequisite: PSYC 2102 or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor. | ||
| PSYC4833 | Psychopharmacology | 3 ch (3C/S) (W) |
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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. | ||
| PSYC4053 | History of Psychology | 3 ch (3C/WEB) |
|---|---|---|
This course traces the origins and development of modern psychology from its roots in ancient Greece through the philosophical and scientific developments in Europe that have culminated in the broad polymorphic discipline of today. | ||
| PSYC4734 | Applied Neuroscience (Cross-Listed: HEAL 4104) | 3 ch (3C) W |
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Applied neuroscience explores the multidisciplinary applications of neuroscience in real-world settings, drawing on knowledge from many areas of science, including psychology, biology, chemistry, and philosophy. Students will learn about neuroscience techniques, and how they are used to study disease mechanisms and improve treatments. There will be a focus on theories underpinning our current understanding of the neuroscientific and psychological foundations of mental health and human behaviour. | ||
| PSYC4312 | Qualitative Design and Analysis (Cross-Listed: HEAL 4009) | 3ch (3C/L) W |
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The basic principles and techniques used in qualitative and mixed methods research will be introduced. Planning, conducting, reporting, and critiquing the analysis of qualitative and mixed methods data, including different ways to approach research will be discussed. Students will develop familiarity with research tools required for field work such as surveys, interviews, observation, and focus groups. Prerequisites: PSYC 2102 and PSYC 2901 (or equivalent) or an alternate research methods course approved by the instructor. | ||
| PSYC3017 | Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3ch (3C) |
|---|---|---|
This course will explore the dynamic relationship between the human mind and athletic performance. Throughout this course, the mental strategies that drive elite athletes, the psychological impact of competition, and the foundational principles of sports psychology will be explored. Examining how key factors such as motivation, focus, and resilience contribute to peak performance, while also exploring how psychology influences teamwork, leadership, and overall athletic success will be examined. | ||