Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It is a
biological, a social, and a cognitive science. As a biological science, it studies the
physiological mechanisms and evolutionary origins of mental and behavioural phenomena. As a
social science, it studies personality and interpersonal relations and their bases in
social interaction, cognition and emotion. As a cognitive science, it studies such
processes as sensation and perception, abstract thinking, reasoning, language, and memory.
Developmental psychology combines all three aspects in taking for its subject matter the
total life span. The objectives of psychological study are to understand human nature, for
its own sake, and to provide an increasingly reliable basis for the application of
psychological principles to education, social policy, and medical treatment.
Psychologists
use a variety of methods appropriate to the questions they study. Experimentation,
laboratory techniques, observational procedures, measurement, and statistical methods are
among the important tools of the psychologist. Whatever their methods, psychologists share
in their research a commitment to careful and systematic observation aimed at the
formulation of general principles.
In recent years psychology has become increasingly
interdisciplinary. Psychologists work with biologists, geneticists, medical researchers,
physiologists, and biochemists on those questions of a biological nature. They work with
sociologists, criminologists, anthropologists, and economists, among others, on questions
relating to social behaviour. Finally, they work with mathematicians, computer scientists,
philosophers, linguists, and others on questions involving the nature and origins of
knowledge.
Note:
The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the
course is offered every year.
Note:
Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to
fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the
appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
PSYC 1001 (3.00)
Introduction to Psychology I
A general introduction to the concepts, problems, and methods of modern scientific psychology. Topics surveyed include neuroanatomy and other aspects of the biological bases of psychological processes, learning, motivation, sensation, perception, aspects of cognition, memory, and language. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) [Note 1: Students who, prior to September 2000, have successfully completed either PSYC 1001 (Psychological Adaptation) or 1101(Psychological Processes) may obtain credit for either PSYC 1001 (Introduction to Psychology I) or PSYC 1011(Introduction to Psychology II).]
PSYC 1011 (3.00)
Introduction to Psychology II
A general introduction to the concepts, problems, and methods of modern scientific psychology. Topics surveyed include attitudes, stereotyping and other aspects of social psychology, developmental psychology, intelligence, aspects of cognition and language, personality, and the psychology of abnormal behaviour. PSYC 1001 and 1011 may be taken in either order. Neither is a prerequisite to the other. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) [Note 1: Students who, prior to September 2000, have successfully completed either PSYC 1001 (Psychological Adaptation) or 1101(Psychological Processes) may obtain credit for either PSYC 1001 (Introduction to Psychology I) or PSYC 1011(Introduction to Psychology II).]
PSYC 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Psychology
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
PSYC 2001 (3.00)
Research Design and Analysis I
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and PSYC 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course considers a range of research strategies, including descriptive, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental research designs. Other topics include the research process, ethics in research, defining and measuring variables, sampling, and writing a research report. The use of descriptive statistics to evaluate the results of carefully planned research is also described. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour) [Note 1: Students may count for credit toward a degree a maximum of six credits from BIOL 2701, GENS 2431, MATH 2311, and PSYC 2001.]
PSYC 2011 (3.00)
Research Design and Analysis II
Prereq: PSYC 1001, 1011, 2001, and at least a second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2101 (Research Deisgn and Analysis)
This course covers the research process from the development of simple and complex research designs to statistical analyses of the data collected. Topics covered include analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and nonparametric approaches. It also introduces a statistical software package. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 2101 (3.00)
Biopsychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and PSYC 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2051
In this lecture and laboratory course, students will be provided with a basic foundation in the neural bases of behavior. Topics will include the role of evolution and genetics in the development of the nervous system, the structure and function of the nervous system, and the biological bases of perception, movement, eating, drinking, sleeping and dreaming, sexual behaviour, addiction and reward, and memory. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 2121 (3.00)
Behaviour Modification
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2011 (Learning and Memory)
Basic concepts and theories involved in the psychology of learning, the analysis of behaviour and behavioural assessment will be discussed in the context of real life problems. Applications of behaviour modification and behaviour therapy will be discussed in terms of problems associated with parenting, development of social skills, education, disabilities, health and other issues. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 2201 (3.00)
Cognitive Processes
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3021 (Cognition)
This lecture and laboratory course provides an overview of mental processes and activities used in perceiving, learning, remembering, thinking, and understanding. This course will offer students an opportunity to explore current information processing models and their applications. Some of the topics surveyed include attention, memory, language, neurocognition and thinking and reasoning. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 2301 (3.00)
Social Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3081
A lecture and laboratory course introducing students to the field of social psychology. Topics covered will include social cognition, attitudes, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, social influence, helping and aggression, and group processes. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 2431 (3.00)
Child and Adolescent Development
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2401 and PSYC 2411
This course is an overview of social, cognitive, and biological development during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Some of the topics covered include the development of perception, memory, emotions, and family relationships, puberty, identity, peer groups, and adolescent sexuality. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 2601 (3.00)
Psychology of Abnormal Behaviour
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3061
This course will present an overview of psychological disorders: their biological and social origins, classification, symptoms and common treatments. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 2611 (3.00)
Health Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and PSYC 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course will provide an introduction to the psychology of health, including the ways in which thoughts, emotions, and behavior influence one's health. This course will cover both current research and theory in health psychology. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 2701 (3.00)
Personality
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3071
This course will provide an introduction to personality as an enduring, organized pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving. The course will examine key theorists and broader perspectives on personality, as well as the measurement of personality from those perspectives. Examples of perspectives may include dispositional, biological, psychoanalytic, learning, and phenomenological. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Psychology
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
PSYC 3001 (3.00)
Advanced Design and Analysis
Prereq: PSYC 1001, 1011, 2001 and 2011, plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This lecture and laboratory course provides the student with advanced analytic and design tools necessary to interpret the research of others and to conduct original research. Lectures will be supplemented by labs in which students will have an opportunity to practice their skills in answering questions of practical and theoretical interest. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
PSYC 3021 (3.00)
Psychological Measurement and Individual Differences
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at lease third-year standing; or permission of the Department. PSYC 2001 and 2011 strongly recommended as additional prerequisites.
This course examines the history and principles of psychological testing. It is concerned with the logic of test construction and the problems associated with attempts to quantify and assess human abilities and characteristics. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
PSYC 3101 (3.00)
Human Neuropsychology
Prereq: PSYC 2101 and at least three credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course examines the structure and functions of the cerebral cortex. Topics include cerebral asymmetry in function, the anatomy and functions of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, and the neural substrates of higher functions such as memory, language, emotion, spatial behaviour, and attention. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour) [Note 1: PSYC 2001 and 2011 strongly recommended as additional prerequisites.]
PSYC 3111 (3.00)
Conditioning
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3011 (Conditioning)
This lecture and laboratory course examines the role of associative processes in both human and non-human learning. Topics will include habituation, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) [Note 1: PSYC 2001 and 2011 strongly recommended as additional prerequisites.]
PSYC 3151 (3.00)
Drugs and Behaviour
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2111
This course explores principles of pharmacology, neural transmission, behavioural assessment of drug effects, theories of addiction, tolerance, and dependence as a conceptual introduction to behavioural pharmacology. It discusses specific psychopharmacologic issues pertaining to alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, psychomotor stimulants, caffeine, tobacco, hallucinogens, and antipsychotic drugs. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3201 (3.00)
Memory
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This lecture and laboratory course examines contemporary research and theories of human memory. Topics covered will include short-term and long-term memory, forgetting, implicit memory, amnesia, memory and aging, reconstructive processes, mnemonics and imagery. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1.5 Hours)
PSYC 3211 (3.00)
Sensation and Perception
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3121 (Sensation and Perception)
This course will examine how physical energy is translated into sensory information and processed into our perceptions of the world around us. Topics covered will include the psychophysics and neural coding of each of our senses as well as the higher order processes of attention and cognition. In addition to lectures, students are required to participate in scheduled laboratory sessions. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 3221 (3.00)
Psycholinguistics
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3141
This lecture and laboratory course will describe our present state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms underlying the production, comprehension, and use of language. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 3301 (3.00)
Interpersonal Relations
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course examines aspects of interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships. Topics covered include attachment and affiliation, interpersonal attraction, developing and maintaining close relationships, friendship and love, relationship problems, as well as relationship termination. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3401 (3.00)
Language Development in Children
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3131 (Processes of Psychological Development)
This lecture and laboratory course will examine the development of language. The precursors of language in the neonate; phonological, semantic, syntactic and pragmatic development will be covered as well as theories of language acquisition. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
PSYC 3411 (3.00)
Cognitive Development
Prereq: PSYC 2401 or 2431 and at least three credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course examines theories and research methods of developmental psychology, with a focus on research and findings in cognitive development in infancy, childhood and adolescence. It includes theories of how infants and children discover and understand the world, remember information, and solve problems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
PSYC 3421 (3.00)
Adulthood and Aging
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 2421
This course is an overview of social, cognitive, and biological development during early, middle, and late adulthood. Some of the topics covered include career development, menopause, bereavement, late-life changes in memory and sensory processes, and relationships between adults and their parents. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3511 (3.00)
Psychology of Women
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department. Students with a declared minor in Women's and Gender Studies, PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least thirst-year standing can take the Psychology of Women course.
Exclusion: PSYC 2501
This course systematically reviews psychological theories and research findings about women's development. Topics include biological effects on gender development, gender roles, health and reproduction, personality and social interaction, work, sexuality, violence in women's lives, and mental health. The ways that race, ethnicity, class, physical ability, sexual orientation, and age modify women's experience are also considered. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3601 (3.00)
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 2601 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3501 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
This course introduces the main theoretical perspectives, strategies of diagnosis and assessment, and types of intervention used in clinical psychology. Lectures focus on developing a framework for conceptualizing psychological problems, on the basics of interviewing and using psychological tests, and on different types of clinical treatments. It also explores specialized areas of clinical psychology such as child psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and forensic psychology. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3801 (3.00)
Educational Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
An introduction to selected principles, research findings, and theories of psychology considered relevant to teaching and learning. Topics will include such areas as human development and learning including developmental changes, motivational and learning processes, exceptionalities and other individual differences, dynamics of social groups, and the evaluation of teaching/learning. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3811 (3.00)
Disorders of Learning
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
A lecture and laboratory course which will examine the application of scientific findings in psychology to our understanding of disorders of learning. It will apply knowledge in the fields of cognitive science (memory, attention, etc.), neuropsychology, and learning theory to the field of learning disabilities/dyslexia. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 3821 (3.00)
Child Psychopathology
Prereq: PSYC 2431 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3501 Child Psychopathology
This course examines prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major psychological disorders of childhood including: anxiety; mood and conduct disorders; ADHD; autism; and language and learning disorders. The course focuses on examining the current state of research in childhood psychopathology. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
PSYC 3901 (3.00)
History of Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 3091
A course of lectures and seminars surveying the philosophical roots of scientific psychology, placing the problems and concepts of contemporary psychology in a historical context. The course covers the development of psychology from antiquity to the twentieth century. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
PSYC 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 1001 and 1011 and at least six credits from 2000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
PSYC 4101 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Behaviourial Neuroscience
Prereq: PSYC 2101 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Advanced seminar on the relation between brain and behaviour. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4111 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Conditioning
Prereq: PSYC 3111and at least three credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Advanced seminars on Pavlovian conditioning, operant conditioning and other forms of learning in animals and people. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4201 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Cognition
Prereq: PSYC 2201and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Advanced seminars on subjects of current theoretical interest in the psychology of attention, memory and thought. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4301 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Social Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 2301 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
An advanced seminar on selected topics of current theoretical interest in the study of social behaviour. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4401 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology
Prereq: One from PSYC 2401, 2411, 2431, 3421 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the methods and concepts of developmental psychology through intensive treatment of specific research areas. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4411 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Adulthood and Aging
Prereq: PSYC 2421 or 3421 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course will use a seminar format. Specific topics in the field of Adulthood and Aging will be explored in depth (e.g., health and communication across adulthood, collaborative cognition, memory and comprehension of verbal and written information, etc). Theory and research methodology in life-span psychology will also be covered. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4421 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Social Development
Prereq: PSYC 2431 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 4501 Advanced Topics in Social Development
This course provides a thorough examination of specific topics in social development, for example, attachment, abnormal social development, and emotional development of the child. It focuses on current theoretical and methodological issues in the chosen topic area. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4601 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Psychopathology
Prereq: PSYC 2601 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course presents an in-depth examination of theory and research pertinent to a topic of current interest in the field of Psychopathology. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4611 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Health Psychology
Prereq: PSYC 2611 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PSYC 4501 Advanced Topics in Health Psychology
This research seminar in psychoneuroimmunology examines how interactions among behaviour, the nervous system, and the immune system influence health. The broad focus is on relationships among brain, behaviour, and immunity from a life-span perspective and on the implications for disease management within various areas of behavioural medicine.(Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4701 (3.00)
Advanced Topics in Personality
Prereq: PSYC 2701 and at least six credits from 3000 level Psychology courses plus at least third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course presents an in-depth examination of theory and research pertinent to a topic of current interest in the field of Personality. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
PSYC 4903 (3.00)
Honours Seminar
Coreq: PSYC 4990
A seminar for honours students in Psychology that will involve consideration of metatheoretical, psychometric, and ethical issues that inevitably arise in the course of virtually any type of psychological inquiry. In addition to the critical evaluation of classic articles on these topics, students will make periodic presentations of their own ongoing research, which will be open to all members of the Department. (Format: Seminar 2 Hours)
PSYC 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Psychology
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
PSYC 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Psychology
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
PSYC 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
Prereq: PSYC 2011; or permission of the Department
Coreq: PSYC 4903
The senior thesis will involve an experimental research project carried out in close consultation with a member of the Department. (Format: Independent Study/Thesis)
PSYC 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Psychology
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for PSYC 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]