PSYC2006 Developmental Psychology I (3 Credits)
This is the first of a two-part course on human development across the lifespan. This section involves the examination of major research and theoretical perspectives on development and the processes of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception through the early childhood. Both environmental and biological influences on development will be addressed through the presentation of research and a discussion of cognitive-developmental theory, socio-cultural theory, information processing perspective, evolutionary theory, and theories on language development and personality. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107.
PSYC2007 Developmental Psychology II (3 Credits)
This is the second of a two-part course on human development across the lifespan. This section of the course involves the examination of the processes of physical, intellectual, emotional and social development through the life stages of middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Research on the role of both environmental and biological influences on development will be presented and various theoretical perspectives will be considered, including: evolutionary theory, behaviorism, cognitive-developmental theory, information processing, ecological systems theory, and sociocultural theory. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107.
PSYC2127 Scientific Method & Analysis 2 (3 Credits)
This course examines research methods and design of experiments. Students will study a variety of inferential statistical procedures. Prerequisite: STAS 2126 or PSYC 2126 or equivalent statistics course (min 60%).
PSYC2656 Physiological Psychology (3 Credits)
This course examines how biological factors shape the behavior of organisms. Through lecture, discussion and virtual labs, students will learn about the methods and strategies of physiological research and how they have been used to give us insight into addictions, sleep, learning and memory, sexual behavior, eating, vision and communication. Students are also guided in learning how to read and write experimental psychology papers. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107 or any introductory biology course.
PSYC2706 Emotion (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to the nature of emotion and its social, cognitive, biological, and clinical aspects. The course covers a broad range of issues such as theories of emotion, classification of emotions, culture and emotion, development of emotion, positive and negative emotions, and the effect of emotion on our higher order thinking processes and general health. Moreover, this course will address the essential issue of how to ask the appropriate research questions regarding emotion. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107.
PSYC2707 Motivation (3 Credits)
This course looks at the motivation in human beings and animals, including the many theories and experiments concerning behavioural, instinctual, physiological and cognitive aspects of motivation. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107.
PSYC2906 Receptor Processes and Perception 1 (3 Credits)
A scientific study of how organisms, especially humans, obtain information about their external and internal environments. Topics include: the physical stimuli, pertinent receptor processes, neural encoding, perceptual processing; the development of object perception; perceptual constancies, and distortions; the psychophysical methods, from classical methods to modern signal detection concepts and techniques. Prior scientific knowledge of elementary physics and biology is helpful. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC 2905 and PSYC 2906.
PSYC2907 Receptor Processes and Perception 2 (3 Credits)
A scientific study of how organisms, especially humans, obtain information about their external and internal environments. Topics include: the physical stimuli, pertinent receptor processes, neural encoding, perceptual processing; the development of object perception; perceptual constancies, and distortions; the psychophysical methods, from classical methods to modern signal detection concepts and techniques. Prior scientific knowledge of elementary physics and biology is helpful. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC 2905 and PSYC 2906/ 2907.
PSYC3006 Personality and Adjustment I (3 Credits)
A systematic description and evaluation of various personality theories and their application to personality assessment and personality change. The course examines empirical findings regarding basic personality processes, personality development, and adjustment. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107 plus 6 PSYC credits.
PSYC3007 Personality and Adjustment II (3 Credits)
A systematic description and evaluation of various personality theories and their application to personality assessment and personality change. The course examines empirical findings regarding basic personality processes, personality development, and adjustment. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107 plus 6 PSYC credits.
PSYC3206 Fundamentals of Psychometrics (3 Credits)
This course examines the theoretical background of tests; the nature of psychological measurement; consistency and validity. Topics include: interpretation of test scores; measurement of achievements, abilities, personality and interest: using psychological tests in education, industry and clinic; description of some of the widely used psychological tests; and ethical issues in psychological testing. Prerequisite: PSYC2127.
PSYC3156 Basic Research Practicum (3 Credits)
The Basic Research course is intended to provide third-year students, who are capable of succeeding in the Honours program in Psychology, with an opportunity to extend and integrate their knowledge of and skills in psychology through active participation in meaningful research projects under the supervision of a faculty member of the Department of Psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 2127.
PSYC3256 Design and Analysis I (3 Credits)
Topics include univariate analysis of variance including factorial designs; multiple regression; the design of complex psychological experiments; the gathering, scrutiny, and transformation of psychological data; performance and interpretation of advanced computer analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 2127.
PSYC3306 Learning (3 Credits)
The goal of this course is to examine the bases of learning and behaviour. Topics include types and mechanisms of learning, the variables and conditions that contribute to the learning process, consideration of experimental findings and theoretical issues related to learning. Applications of learning theory will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107 plus 6 PSYC credits.
PSYC3406 Psychology of Education I (3 Credits)
This course explores the principles of teaching and learning: the relevance of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the individual; an introduction into the research in educational psychology and the assessment of attitudes, abilities and achievement; creativity and originality; interpersonal and group dynamics of educational situations considering the assets and limitations of current educational practices, and the exceptional learner in educational contexts. Prerequisite: PSYC1106, PSYC1107, PSYC2006 and PSYC2007 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107 and EDUC2005 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107, 3 years relevant professional experience and department's permission. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3406 and PSYC3405.
PSYC3407 Psychology of Education II (3 Credits)
This course explores the principles of teaching and learning: the relevance of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the individual; an introduction into the research in educational psychology and the assessment of attitudes, abilities and achievement; creativity and originality; interpersonal and group dynamics of educational situations considering the assets and limitations of current educational practices, and the exceptional learner in educational contexts. Prerequisite: PSYC1106, PSYC1107, PSYC2006 and PSYC2007 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107 and EDUC2005 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107, 3 years relevant professional experience and department's permission. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3407 and PSYC3405.
PSYC3606 Psychopathology 1 (3 Credits)
This is the first course of two that examines abnormal human behaviour. The course considers the cognitive, affective, and physiological manifestations of various psychopathological disorders. It will also include a discussion of theoretical frameworks from a range of perspectives (i.e., biological, learning, psychodynamic, social, cognitive). Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and PSYC 1107 plus 6 PSYC credits. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC 3605 and PSYC 3606 and PSYC 3607.
PSYC3607 Psychopathology 2 (3 Credits)
Topics include: principles of teaching and learning; relevance of physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the individual; an introduction into the research in educational psychology and assessment of attitudes, abilities and achievement; creativity and originality; interpersonal relations and group dynamics of educational situations considering the assets and limitations of current educational practices; and the exceptional child in educational contexts. Prerequisite: PSYC1106 and PSYC1107, PSYC2006 and PSYC2007 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107 and EDUC2005 or PSYC1106, PSYC1107, 3 years relevant professional experience and department’s permission. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3407 and PSYC3405.
PSYC3706 Cognitive Psychology 1 (3 Credits)
This course is a review of the principal concepts and research concerning human thought and language. Topics usually discussed include memory, problem solving, reasoning, concept formation, the comprehension and production of language, cognitive development and language development. Prerequisite: PSYC1106, PSYC1107and 6 PSYC credits. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3705 and PSYC3706/7.
PSYC3707 Cognitive Psychology 2 (3 Credits)
This course is a review of the principal concepts and research concerning human thought and language. Topics usually discussed include memory, problem solving, reasoning, concept formation, the comprehension and production of language, cognitive development and language development. Prerequisite: PSYC1106, PSYC1107 and 6 PSYC credits. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3705 and PSYC3706/7.
PSYC3806 Social Psychology 1 (3 Credits)
This is the first of two parts of a course that examines human social functioning as it pertains to social thinking, social influence, and social relations. The emphasis in this first part deals with the impact of social thinking and social influence on human behaviour. Topics include the self, social beliefs and judgments, attitudes, culture and language, conformity, persuasion, and group influence. Prerequisite: PSYC1106 and 1107. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3805 and PSYC3806/7.
PSYC3807 Social Psychology 2 (3 Credits)
Examines the methods of social psychology; conformity and normative behaviour; mass communication, propaganda, and persuasion; theories and measurements of attitudes; aggression, prejudice; interaction, attraction and encounter groups. Prerequisite: PSYC1106 and 1107. Students may not retain credit for both PSYC3805 and PSYC3806/7.
PSYC3906 Special Topics in Psychology I (3 Credits)
Advanced coverage of particular topics in psychology with accompanying practical work. Specific content varies from year to year, depending on which faculty member teaches the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 1106 and 1107 & department’s permission.
PSYC3916 Advanced Readings in Psychology (3 Credits)
This course is intended for the advanced student in a particular topic of psychology. The course is only given with the written consent of the instructor following arrangements made between the student and the instructor before registration. Restricted to 3rd or 4th year students of a specialized program with a min. 70% (B) overall average in PSYC courses. Prerequisite: Department’s permission.
PSYC3917 Special Projects Course (3 Credits)
Advanced students who have demonstrated above average ability to design and execute empirical investigations may apply for this course through the department. Before registration, the student will submit a proposal to the department for approval. All experiments are expected to be completed under the supervision of a faculty member. The final product must be submitted in a form compatible for submission to a refereed scientific journal and is reviewed as specified by the department. This course is restricted to 3rd- or 4th-year students of a specialized program with a min. 70% (B) overall average in PSYC courses. Prerequisite: Department’s permission.
PSYC4006 History of Psychology (3 Credits)
This course consists of a survey of the historical development of psychology, with an introduction to major theories influential during that development. Prerequisite: Minimum 42 credits in a specialized program or department’s permission.
PSYC4007 Contemporary Theory and Research in Psychology (3 Credits)
This course consists of a survey of major theoretical approaches in contemporary psychology, with examination of major research questions and theories in different specialty areas. Prerequisite: min 42 PSYC credits in a specialized program or department’s permission.
PSYC4026 Forensic Psychology (3 Credit)
This course introduces students to key components of forensic psychology. Forensic psychology deals with the application of psychological knowledge or methods to tasks faced by the legal system. Lectures and reading material will focus on the role of psychology in courts and police investigations, as well as forensic clinical settings. Topics include the forensic mental health system in Ontario, mental illness and offending, offender personality, assessing individuals for risk of violence, criminal profiling, school violence, sexual offences, intimate partner violence, trial consultation, eyewitness identification, and jury selection. The course will incorporate the history of areas within forensic psychology as well as recent theoretical developments and research advancements. Prerequisite: PSYC1106 & PSYC1107, PSYC3606 & PSYC3607.
PSCY4206 Fundamentals of Clinical and Counseling Psychology I (3 Credits)
This course is intended to present an introduction to psychology in applied settings, with an emphasis on exposure to a variety of contrasting theoretical models underlying practice in counseling. Issues related to the use of clinical assessment procedures in working with clients will be discussed. The goals of the course are to allow the student to gain familiarity with some of the present theories of clinical and counseling psychology, to assist the student in developing an appreciation for the application of clinical techniques in an applied setting, and to gain an appreciation for the basic issues in counseling practice. This course will provide an overview of the therapeutic process and the practical elements of the counseling interaction, clinical assessment procedures, and a variety of ethical and professional issues in counseling. Prerequisite: Minimum of 42 PSYC credits in a specialized program (including PSYC3606 and PSYC3607 OR PSYC3006 and PSYC3007) or department’s permission.
PSYC4506 Advanced Experimental Psychology I
This course examines recent theories and research in a selected field of experimental psychology. Prerequisite: Restricted to students with a minimum of 42 Psychology credits. Course prerequisites may apply.