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 Studies 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 Psychology. The department does not offer Psychology as an Area of Concentration in the General BA Program.
Note on Honours Courses
Courses designated with (H) are designed for students in a psychology honours specialization. This includes B.A. Honours Psychology (PYSC) major or minor, B.A. Information Systems and Human Behaviour (ISHB) major, B.Sc. Psychology: Brain and Cognition (PBC), major or minor, and the Neuroscience (NEUR) minor. (H) courses are Honours level requiring for registration a cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology or registration in the ISHB major, NEUR minor, or PBC major or minor. Unless otherwise specified, all other courses may be taken by students in a general or honours program, providing the prerequisites are met.
Core Courses
Students must complete at least 3.00 credits (2.00 credits for the PSYC minor) of the following 2000-level Psychology courses. 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.
| 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):
| 6 of the 2000 level Psychology core courses listed above | ||
| PSYC*1000 | [0.50] | Introduction to Psychology |
| PSYC*1010 | [0.50] | Quantification in Psychology |
| PSYC*2040 | [0.50] | Research Statistics |
| PSYC*2360 | [0.50] | Introductory Research Methods |
| PSYC*3250 | [0.50] | Psychological Measurement |
2.00 additional Psychology credits at the 3000 level or above (see Graduate Studies Advisory Note).
1.50 additional psychology credits at the 4000 level (See Graduate Studies Advisory Note).
Notes:
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PSYC*1010 should normally be completed by the end of semester 2
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PSYC*2360 should normally be completed by the end of semester 4
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PSYC*2040 SHOULD NORMALLY BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF SEMESTER 4.
Note: The regulations of the B.A. program state that 7.00 credits 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 Studies 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 (the Honours Thesis courses) which would otherwise satisfy the 3000-4000 level elective requirement for the major.
These students are encouraged to complete the Psychology major as follows:
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6 of the 2000 level Psychology core courses
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an additional 0.50 credits in Psychology at the 3000 level or above
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0.50 electives at the 4000 level
Students should note that the Honours Thesis courses are normally taken in a Fall-Winter sequence worth the equivalent of 1.50 credits toward the 20.00 credits Honours B.A. degree requirements.
Minor (Honours Program)
(May not be taken in combination with a Psychology Honours Major)
A minimum of 6.00 credits is required including:
| PSYC*1000 | [0.50] | Introduction to Psychology |
| PSYC*1010 | [0.50] | Quantification in Psychology |
| PSYC*2360 | [0.50] | Introductory Research Methods |
2.00 credits in the 2000 level Psychology core courses listed above
2.50 credits in Psychology at the 3000/4000 level
Note: Courses designated with (H) in Section XII—Course Descriptions, are Honours level courses requiring for registration a cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology.