XII. Course Descriptions
Psychology
Department of Psychology
Students wishing to take a 2000, 3000 or 4000 level course without having completed the appropriate prerequisites must receive
permission of the instructor who will determine whether the student has the required background for the course. Students in
all psychology courses will be encouraged to participate in the on-going research of the department.
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.
Psychology Core: courses marked (C) are Psychology core courses. Students registered in psychology programs are advised to
complete at least 2.00 credits of the psychology core at the 2000 level prior to attempting any 3000 level psychology credit.
For courses without semester designations, please check with the department. The remaining courses will normally be offered
as indicated. Advance schedules are available in the department.
| PSYC*1000 Introduction to Psychology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This is an introduction to the content and methods of psychology. It will cover the major areas such as neuroscience, sensation
and perception, learning, cognition, motivation, human development, personality, psychopathology and its treatment, and social
psychology. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
|
| Restriction(s): |
PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| PSYC*2040 Research Statistics F,W (2-2) [0.50] |
| This course emphasizes inferential tests applied to psychological research, skills of data analysis, as well as the use and
interpretation of output from statistical software. Topics covered include the t-test, various forms of analysis of variance,
chi-square, bivariate and multiple regression, as well as multivariate data analysis.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1010, PSYC*2010, STAT*2040 |
| Restriction(s): |
PSYC*3320 |
| PSYC*2310 Introduction to Social Psychology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| The content and research methods of social psychology will be explored in lectures and seminars. Content includes social perception,
attraction, group dynamics, leadership, conflict and cooperation, attitude change, aggression and conformity. (Also offered
through distance education format.) (C)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| PSYC*2390 Principles of Sensation and Perception F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| The course objective is to consider the processes of sensory inputs and perception. Approaches ranging from psychophysiology
and cognitive psychology to physiology and anatomy will be used. In considering the psychology of sensation and perception,
some of the anatomical and physiological aspects of selected senses will be covered in detail and the roles of experience,
organization of inputs, and theories of perception are discussed. Topics to be emphasized will vary with the instructor, but
may include ontogenetic development, learning, and modification of inputs and their perception. Students will participate
in on-line laboratory demonstrations and experiments. (Also offered through distance education format.) (C)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| PSYC*2410 Behavioural Neuroscience I F,W (3-2) [0.50] |
| A general introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. The physiological basis of sensory (input) systems
and the motor (output) system are examined as are central physiological bases of processes such as arousal and emotion. Laboratory
demonstrations and exercises may be included. (C)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| PSYC*2450 Introduction to Developmental Psychology F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| An introduction to and an analysis of the major theories of developmental psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the processes
of development in the child including physical growth, perception, cognition, personality and interactions with the social
environment. The application of developmental psychology to educational and social issues will be discussed. (Also offered
through distance education format.) (C)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| Restriction(s): |
FRHD*2270 |
| PSYC*2650 Cognitive Psychology F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is an introduction to cognitive processes, including topics in the areas of attention, memory, language and reasoning.
Students will be exposed to and participate in on-line laboratory demonstrations and experiments. (Also offered through distance
education format.) (C)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200 |
| PSYC*3020 Psychology of Law U (3-0) [0.50] |
| An examination of psychological methods, findings and theories in the study of law. Topics will include the fallibility of
the eyewitness; juror decisional processes; credibility of witnesses and attorneys; socialization into legal systems, police
behaviour, etc. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3070 Psychology in Human Resource Management U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores the application of psychological theory and measurement in human resources management. A dual perspective
is taken: that of the worker impacted by these practices and that of the manager responsible for implementing them. Specific
topics include recruitment, personnel selection, performance management, training, and executive assessment, development,
and succession. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310 (also see psychology core statement).
|
| Restriction(s): |
BUS*3000 |
| PSYC*3080 Organizational Psychology F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines current theories and practices in organizational psychology. Selected topics may include motivation,
turnover, absenteeism, leadership, job design, work attitudes, organizational justice, and organizational development and
change. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310 (also see psychology core statement).
|
| Restriction(s): |
BUS*2090 |
| PSYC*3100 Evolutionary Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| Evolutionary Psychology (EP) offers a Darwinian frame of reference for studying questions about human nature. After reviewing
basic material on genetics and natural selection, we will examine and criticize the contribution of EP to the understanding
of the various aspects of individual and social behaviour, such as altruism, logic, mate selection, health, morality, aesthetics,
and the role of culture.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2360 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3110 Topics in Health Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course covers research in health psychology. Possible topics include the interplay of psychosocial factors, behaviour,
and physical health; pediatric health psychology; health interventions at the individual, family, group or community levels.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310, PSYC*2450 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3250 Psychological Measurement U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is an introduction to the theory of psychological measurement and measurement procedures presently used in psychology.
Coverage will include such topics as reliability, validity, test construction; and the measurement of ability, personality,
attitudes, interest and achievement. (Also offered through distance education format.) (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2040 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3280 Minds, Brains & Machines F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will introduce the student to basic issues in cognitive science from philosophical and psychological perspectives.
Connectionism, Turing Machines, artificial intelligence, and alternative naturalistic models of the mind will be among the
topics explored.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.50 credits in Psychology or 1.50 credits in Philosophy |
| PSYC*3300 The Psychology of Gender U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will examine the theories and psychological research that deals with the impact of gender upon people's lives
and behaviour. Topics will include gender-role socialization and stereotypes; gender-related status and power differentials;
and gender differences and dynamics in the physiological, intrapsychic, interpersonal, and socio-cultural domains.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200) and at least 1.00 credits of the psychology core (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3310 Applied Social Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| A number of applied issues will be examined from a social psychological perspective. These may include aggression, prejudice,
helping, mental illness, crime and addiction. The format will consist of reading, discussion and research/field projects.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3330 Memory U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is an examination of theoretical and empirical studies of the psychological nature of the acquisition, storage
and retrieval of information. Students will be exposed to and participate in on-line laboratory demonstrations and experiments.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2650 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3340 Psycholinguistics U (3-0) [0.50] |
| An introduction to the conceptions of the structure of language as they relate to processes underlying the acquisition, production,
perception and understanding of speech, and to empirical studies that bear on these conceptions.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
LING*1000 or PSYC*2650 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3350 Cross-Cultural Psychology F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an examination of cultural differences from the perspective of psychology, and of individual and group
relations within and between culturally diverse societies. The primary goal of this course is to provide a framework and knowledge
base with which to understand the various contexts, processes and outcomes of intercultural contact.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
9.50 credits including PSYC*2310 |
| PSYC*3370 Experimental Design and Analysis F (3-1) [0.50] |
| This course is intended for students planning to complete PSYC*4870 and PSYC*4880 in preparation for graduate studies in Psychology. This course emphasizes (1) the model comparison approach to analysis of
variance and (2) effective scientific communication. Issues related to design choice, power, multiple-comparisons and categorical
data analysis will be reviewed. Laboratory exercises will include SPSS applications and research projects. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2360, (1 of PSYC*2040, PSYC*3320 or STAT*2050)
|
| Restriction(s): |
PSYC*3371/2. A minimum grade point average of 75% in Psychology courses.
|
| PSYC*3380 Non-experimental Research Methods W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is intended for students planning to complete PSYC*4870 and PSYC*4880 in preparation for graduate studies in Psychology. This course addresses issues related to the internal and external validity
of quasi-experimental, correlation and other non-experimental research methods, survey sampling and the development and refinement
of survey questions. Course work includes SPSS applications, research projects and style of effective scientific communication.
(H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2360, (1 of PSYC*2040, PSYC*3320 or STAT*2050)
|
| Restriction(s): |
PSYC*3371/2. A minimum grade point average of 75% in Psychology courses.
|
| PSYC*3390 Abnormal Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| Current theory and research in the field of abnormal psychology will be examined in terms of various models (biological, behavioral,
social and psychodynamic). Selected topics may include: stress and anxiety, affective disorders, schizophrenia, psychophysiological
and personality disorders, and mental health. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2740 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3410 Behavioural Neuroscience II U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will focus on contemporary research and theory related to such selected topics as physiological correlates of
memory, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, sensory and motor functions. Both the central and peripheral components of
the nervous system will be examined in relation to the above.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2410 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3450 Social and Personality Development U (3-0) [0.50] |
| An examination of research, methodological issues and theories concerning personality-social development. Topics may include
temperament, imitation, parent-child interaction, and the development of attachments, sex-roles, morality, aggression and
pro-social behaviour.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
FRHD*2270 or PSYC*2450 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3570 The Psychology of Death and Dying U (3-0) [0.50] |
| An examination of theory, research, and issues in the psychology of death and dying. Emphasis is upon the cognitive operations
used to process information about death and the influence of death constructs in daily life. Topics include the development
of death concepts throughout the life-span, death anxiety in society, the needs of the dying person, the psychology of grieving,
and unexpected losses such as deaths by suicide or miscarriage. (Offered through distance education format only.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of PSYC*2310, PSYC*2740, PSYC*2450, work experience in related fields, instructor consent (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3660 Contemporary Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| Some current developments in psychology. Topics will vary with the interests of faculty members assigned to the course and
will be announced prior to the course selection period.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
previous study related to the topic area (also see psychology core statement) |
| PSYC*3690 Community Mental Health U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of community mental health and community psychology. The course
deals with the application of public health concepts to the field of mental health, the epidemiology of mental disorder in
the community, the design and evaluation of preventive programs for populations at risk of illness, and the creation of alternatives
to institutional treatment of the mentally ill. This course should be of special interest to students who are planning to
pursue careers in such human service fields as social work and occupational therapy.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*2310 (also see psychology core statement)
|
| PSYC*3900 Psychology Research Internship F,W,S (0-6) [0.50] |
| This course provides an experiential learning opportunity through the active participation of the student in a faculty member's
ongoing research program. It is expected that students will develop a broader appreciation of the relationship between knowledge,
theory and research while acquiring basic skills in research methodologies and modes of inquiry. The course will require involvement
in both the practice and reporting of research. The student must consult the supervisory faculty member before selecting or
registering for the course.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200), (1 of PSYC*1010, PSYC*2010, STAT*2040) and at least 1.00 credits at the 2000 level of the psychology core
|
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| PSYC*3910 Psychology Externship F,W,S (0-6) [0.50] |
| An independent program of study formally integrating the student's academic study with one or more work experiences, to be
decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty (normally the department's co-op coordinator) prior to
registration in the course. In order to qualify for this course, the student must be employed in a work setting at the time
of registration to help ensure that a suitable project is feasible in the context of a work placement or employment. The department
is not responsible for obtaining employment. The course project is aimed at making a significant contribution to the work
setting. The student must consult with the supervisory faculty before selecting or registering for the course. (Enrolment
is limited. Not open to co-op students.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(1 of PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200), (1 of PSYC*1010, PSYC*2010, STAT*2040) and at least 1.00 credits at the 2000 level of the psychology core) or enrolment in the B.Comm Program, Human Resources
Management Major
|
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| PSYC*4050 Seminar in Animal Learning F (3-0) [0.50] |
| Major areas of research in animal learning will be covered in a seminar format. Students will orally present research articles
and/or review articles in a selected topic in Animal Learning. The selected topic will vary on the basis of the expertise
of the instructor. Students will be expected to develop a research proposal as a significant component of the course. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
14 credits including PSYC*2330, PSYC*2410 |
| PSYC*4320 Advanced Applied Social Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This seminar course deals with topics of an applied social nature. This course may focus on a single or a variety of topics
such as: health, forensics, conflict (inter-group and interpersonal), social justice and cultural issues. This course addresses
both research and practice issues and covers a variety of theories and methodologies. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*3310 or PSYC*3500 |
| PSYC*4330 Advanced Topics in I/O Psychology (H) U (3-0) [0.50] |
| Students will examine theoretical and methodological issues in selected topic areas of industrial/organizational psychology.
The focal area of the course, or range of industrial/organizational topics covered by the course, will vary depending on instructor.
Selected topic areas may include leadership issues, gender issues, human rights issues, recruitment methods and outcomes,
functional job analysis and validation methods, job performance criteria and appraisal tools, selection processes and tools,
organizational justice, work attitudes, and prejudice and discrimination in the workplace. Specific topic areas will be announced
prior to the course selection period. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*3070, PSYC*3080 |
| PSYC*4370 History of Psychology U (3-0) [0.50] |
| The historical roots of modern psychology. Students electing to major by completing the Honours Thesis Courses I and II should
note that they are expected to also take either PSYC*4900, or this course, prior to, or concurrent with, either PSYC*4870 or PSYC*4880 (see Graduate Advisory Note under Major). (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
4.00 credits in psychology, with at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level or above |
| PSYC*4460 Seminar in Clinical Psychology F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course deals with issues and theories in clinical psychology. It is intended primarily for honours students in psychology
who plan to pursue further training in clinical psychology at the graduate level or who plan to work in a setting where knowledge
of clinical psychology would be an asset. Topics may include psychological assessment, treatment, and outcome research. Students
will acquire an understanding of the scientific and professional roles of clinical psychologists, key concepts and techniques
of the major orientations of psychotherapy, and current debates in the field. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*3390 or PSYC*3460 |
| PSYC*4470 Behavioural Neuroscience Seminar W (3-0) [0.50] |
| Major areas of behavioural neuroscience research will be covered in a seminar format. Students will be expected to develop
a research proposal as a significant component of the course, and will prepare for this requirement through oral presentations
and discussions of published research and/or review articles in a selected topic in Behavioural Neuroscience. The selected
topic will vary on the basis of the expertise of the instructor. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
14.00 credits including PSYC*2410 |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in one of: B.A. Psychology major, B.Sc. Psychology: Brain and Cognition major, or Neuroscience minor. |
| PSYC*4500 Current Theoretical Issues in Psychology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| An independent program of study in topics of current theoretical import in psychology, to be decided by the student in consultation
with the supervisory faculty member before the student may select or register for the course. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
4.00 credits in psychology, with at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level or above |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| PSYC*4510 Current Issues in Psychology S,F,W (0-6) [0.50] |
| The study of issues of current interests in psychology. Topics will vary with the interests of faculty members assigned to
the course and will be announced prior to the course selection period. The course is available either as a senior lecture/seminar
course with regularly scheduled class times, or as an independent study course with the topic and schedule decided in advance
by the student in conjunction with a supervisory faculty member. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
4.00 credits in psychology, with at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level or above and previous study related to the topic
area (also see psychology core statement)
|
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| PSYC*4870 Honours Thesis I S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| Under individual faculty supervision, students plan, develop, and write a research proposal and prepare an extensive review
paper on their area of research. Group sessions are held on research ethics, subject protocols and computer data handling
techniques. This course will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Note that enrolment in this course is limited and academic records
are used for student selection. Course registration requires the signature of the Chair or the Associate Chair. This signature
is contingent upon the student demonstrating they have obtained a Thesis Supervisor's signature on the department's Thesis
Registration Form and have an academic standing appropriate for application to graduate programs (see Graduate Advisory under
Major). As well, registration for Honours Thesis I will require that either PSYC*4370 or PSYC*4900 is taken prior to, or concurrent with, either PSYC*4870 or PSYC*4880. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
PSYC*3370, PSYC*3380, 70% average across [(1 of PSYC*1010, PSYC*2010, STAT*2040.), (1 of PSYC*2040, PSYC*3320, STAT*2050)]
|
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| PSYC*4900 Psychology Seminar U (3-0) [0.50] |
| Student seminars and discussions will be organized around theoretical and substantive issues in the discipline of psychology.
A major objective is to assist advanced undergraduate students to achieve a degree of synthesis of materials studied in their
previous psychology courses (also see psychology core statement). Students electing to Major by completing the Honours Thesis
I and II should note that they are expected to also take either PSYC*4370, or this course, prior to, or concurrent with, either PSYC*4870 or PSYC*4880 (see Graduate Advisory under Major). (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
14.00 credits (including 4.00 credits in psychology, with at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level or above) |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in a Psychology Major of an Honours program. |
| PSYC*4910 Co-operative Education Project I S,F,W (0-6) [0.50] |
| An independent program of study formally integrating the student's academic study with 1 or more work experiences provided
by the co-operative education program, to be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty. The course
is normally to be taken concurrently with a co-operative education work term, with the project preferably aimed at making
a significant contribution to the work setting. (H)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
2 co-operative education work terms |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
