2007-2008 University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar

X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Psychology (PSYC)

Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

The discipline of Psychology is normally associated with the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the health professions. Specialization in Psychology at Guelph is available as a B.A. honours program major, a B.A. honours program major (co-op), and as an honours specialization in the B.SC. program (described in the schedule of studies for B.SC. programs). Through its different undergraduate programs, the Psychology Department attempts to provide a) a broad general education emphasizing psychological theory and methodology, with an empirical basis in course work (e.g. experiments and projects); b) an appropriate background in psychology for those who leave the University with an undergraduate degree to embark on careers in related areas (e.g. social services); and c) a sound preparation for graduate study in psychology. Students intending to apply for admission to graduate programs in Psychology are advised to refer to the Graduate Advisory Note.

A cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology is required to enter or continue in the Honours Psychology program major in semesters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Minors

Students interested in a Minor in Psychology should examine the schedule of studies for the Minors in Cognitive Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Behaviour, or Social Psychology. Within the BA Degree program, these are the only Honours Minors available from the Psychology Department. The department does not offer Psychology as an Honours BA Minor, or as an Area of Concentration in the General BA Program.

Note on Honours Courses

Courses marked (H) are designed for students in a psychology honours program, the Information Systems and Human Behaviour program, the Developmental Psychology Minor program, the Educational Psychology Minor program, the Organizational Behaviour Minor program, the Social Psychology program, the Cognitive Neuropsychology Minor program, or Human Resources Management major of the Bachelor of Commerce program. Students in other programs wishing to take these courses must obtain the permission of the instructors concerned. Unless otherwise specified, all other courses may be taken by general, honours, and students from other programs, providing the prerequisites are met. Courses designated with (H) are Honours level courses requiring for registration a cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology, or registration in either the HRM Major or ISHB Major.

Core Requirements

Each of the Psychology programs requires that students complete at least 6 of the following 2000 level Psychology courses (3.00 credits). Psychology students are advised that they are normally expected to complete at least four 2000 level Psychology core courses prior to attempting any 3000 level Psychology courses.

However, students should take the 3000 level methodology courses PSYC*3320(H), PSYC*3370(H) and PSYC*3380 (H) as early as possible, even though 4 core courses may not have been taken.

PSYC*2310 [0.50] Introduction to Social Psychology
PSYC*2330 [0.50] Principles of Learning
PSYC*2390 [0.50] Principles of Sensation and Perception
PSYC*2410 [0.50] Behavioural Neuroscience I
PSYC*2450 [0.50] Introduction to Developmental Psychology
PSYC*2650 [0.50] Cognitive Psychology
PSYC*2740 [0.50] Personality

Major (Honours Program)

A minimum of 9.00 credits in Psychology is required, including (see notes below):

PSYC*1100 [0.50] Principles of Behaviour
PSYC*1200 [0.50] Dynamics of Behaviour
6 of the 2000 level Psychology core courses listed above
PSYC*2010 [0.50] Quantification in Psychology
PSYC*2360 [0.50] Introductory Research Methods
PSYC*3250 [0.50] Psychological Measurement
PSYC*3320 [0.50] Statistical Principles in Psychological Research

1.50 additional credits at the 3000 level or above (Students electing to take PSYC*3370 and PSYC*3380 will need to select only 0.50 additional credits at the 3000 level or above in order to satisfy this requirement.) (see Graduate Advisory Note).

1.50 additional psychology credits at the 4000 level (See Graduate Advisory Note).

Notes:

  1. PSYC*2010 should normally be completed by the end of semester 3

  2. PSYC*2360 should normally be completed by the end of semester 4

  3. PSYC*3320 SHOULD NORMALLY BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF SEMESTER 4.

  4. NOTE: that PSYC*3320 is a prerequisite for PSYC*3370 and PSYC*3380 and that PSYC*3320 is an (H) designated course.

Note: The regulations of the B.A. program govern the number of credits that must be taken at the 3000 level or above (see B.A. Program Regulations). With permission of the Psychology Department PRIOR to course selection, up to 1.00 non-psychology credits that would enhance the student's studies in Psychology, especially in preparation for post-graduate work, may be credited towards the total number of credits required for graduation in the honours program major in Psychology.

Graduate Advisory Note: Most graduate programs require the student to have at least a B+ average in order to be considered for admission. Students contemplating graduate work in Psychology are strongly advised to complete the major by completing 0.50 electives credits at the 3000 level or above and 0.50 elective credits at the 4000 level beyond PSYC*4870 and PSYC*4880 which would otherwise satisfy the 3000-4000 level elective requirement for the major.

These students are encouraged to complete the Psychology major as follows:

  1. PSYC*1100 and PSYC*1200

  2. 6 of the 2000 level Psychology core courses

  3. PSYC*2010 and PSYC*3320

  4. PSYC*2360 and PSYC*3370 and PSYC*3380

  5. an additional 0.50 credits in Psychology at the 3000 level or above

  6. PSYC*3250

  7. PSYC*4370 or PSYC*4900

  8. 0.50 electives at the 4000 level

  9. PSYC*4870 plus PSYC*4880

Students should note that an Honours Thesis is normally taken as a Fall-Winter sequence worth the equivalent of 1.50 credits toward the 20.00 credits Honours B.A. degree requirements.