Psychology (PSY)

PSY-1140  Psychology and Life  (3 Credits)  

This course examines everyday topics related to psychology and personal growth. These topics include the self, personality, human learning, wellness, psychological disorders, the family, parenting, and life transitions. This course will not count as part of a concentration in psychology and is not a prerequisite for any other course in psychology. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-140.

PSY-1160  Introduction to Psychology  (3 Credits)  

A basic understanding and overview of the field of psychology focusing on the scientific method, biological factors, cognitive processes, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, personality and social psychology. Developmental factors of the lifespan are explored along with the definition and treatment of psychological disorders. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-160.

PSY-1168  Sport and Exercise Psychology  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the applied practice of the psychosocial concepts of human behaviour as it relates to physical activity, sport, and health. Concepts affecting both groups and individuals will be addressed. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

PSY-1170  Human Development Across the Lifespan  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the study of human development across the lifespan. Major theories of development are presented with emphasis on the sequence of psychological and social growth. Developmental changes in the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social areas are examined. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-170.

PSY-1171  Child Growth and Development  (3 Credits)  

This course covers the growth and development of children from infancy to middle childhood. Students will have the opportunity to apply major theories of child development to the understanding of early childhood growth and development. The physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, moral, and intellectual development of the young child will be examined. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-171.

PSY-1177  Psychology of Aging  (3 Credits)  

This course provides an orientation to the psychological changes that occur through adulthood and old age. Students will be introduced to basic theoretical models, research methods, and current information. A major goal is to contrast existing myths about adult development with the best available empirical evidence to separate myths from realities. Included is a practical emphasis on measures that may be used to successfully prepare for, or adapt to, the psychological changes of aging. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-177.

PSY-1179  Adolescent Development  (3 Credits)  

This course covers basic knowledge of adolescent biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development. The major theories of adolescent development are presented. The important development tasks of this life stage are taught through the interrelationship of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social factors in adolescent development. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-179.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 OR PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-1191  The Developing Brain  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the growth and development of the brain from conception to middle childhood. Content focuses on current knowledge of neurological development and how it affects physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development during this age period. Emphasis is on how early experiences change a child's developmental outcomes and ways to support early brain development. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1170 or PSY-1171 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2250  Educational Psychology  (3 Credits)  

This course applies the principles of psychology to the teaching learning process within the classroom. Current theories and research in education will be discussed. Topics such as cognitive and moral development, principles of learning, motivation and social cognition will be covered. Not available for supplemental. Not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-250, PSY-175.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2253  Child Psychopathology  (3 Credits)  

This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine, on an introductory basis, the origins and symptoms of the various emotional and behavioural difficulties experienced by young people. Emphasis will be placed on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of organic, social/emotional, developmental, and learning disorders. The information and knowledge obtained in this course will assist the student in understanding the dynamics of mental health and mental illness in our society. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-253.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 or PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2255  Psychology of Sports  (3 Credits)  

The exploration of how psychology is related to sport. A focus on understanding the influence of emotional controls, learning theory, social psychology, and personality theory and how they can be applied to development of athletes and coaches at various levels. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-255.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160, PSY-1170, or PSY-1168 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2260  Abnormal Psychology  (3 Credits)  

This course examines the developmental processes and the manifestations/characteristics/symptoms of the range of the major types of psychopathology. The current Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM) will be used as a basis for classification of abnormal behaviour. Students will be expected to analyse pathological behaviour from a variety of perspectives and related treatment approaches. Service Learning opportunity may be available. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-260, PSY-200.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 or PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2270  Introduction to Personality Theory  (3 Credits)  

This course will address aspects of both the historical and current theories of personality development. These include theory, testing, assessment and applied research. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-270.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 or PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2275  Introduction to Forensic Psychology  (3 Credits)  

This course examines the issues and controversies in crime and justice from a psychological perspective. Human behaviour and criminal patterns are linked to deepen the understanding of crime and criminals in our society. The development of the criminal mind in a societal context will be explored. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-275.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 or PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2277  Addictions Treatment  (3 Credits)  

This course will examine a variety of theories, models and techniques concerning the identification, assessment and treatment of addictions. The course will provide students with the opportunity to openly examine topics in the area of addictive and/or excessive behaviours and to consider how these issues can be addressed from various perspectives. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-277.

PSY-2280  Social Psychology  (3 Credits)  

Your life is social. Normal everyday human life involves interacting with other people. This course considers the scientific study of the relationships between social thought, social behavior, and social situations. We will consider issues that are central to our social interactions such as social perception, attitude change, conformity and obedience, aggression, pro-social behavior, and attraction. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-280.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 or PSY-1170 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2290  Brain and Behaviour  (3 Credits)  

This course explores the biological basis of behaviour. Topics include: How the nervous system functions, how drugs and hormones influence the brain and behaviour, and, at a neurological level, how we perceive the world, how we respond to the world, the causes of emotion, what happens when we sleep, how we learn and remember, and what happens when our brain misbehaves. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-290.

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160, PSY-1170, or PSY-1191 (Required, Previous).

PSY-2299  Independent Study in Psychology  (3 Credits)  

This is a learning experience where individual students pursue a topic related to psychology in-depth. Students are responsible for working with their instructor to develop an outline of the project they wish to undertake. Further information may be obtained from the Program Chair.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-299.

Requisite courses: Take any one of PSY-2253, PSY-2255, PSY-2260, PSY-2270, PSY-2275, PSY-2280, OR PSY-2290 (Required, Previous).

PSY-3350  The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour  (3 Credits)  

The application of psychological research to the understanding, prediction, and treatment of criminal behaviour. A study of psychological theories of crime leads to a focus on the role of psychological factors and resulting disorders in violence and criminal behaviour. Topics include the influence of psychology on witness and jury behaviour, police investigation and interviewing as well as the issue of mental competence. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-4450.

PSY-3352  Human Behavioural Ecology  (3 Credits)  

Human behavioural ecology is the study of human behaviour and cognition from an adaptive, evolutionary perspective. A particular focus is on how human behaviour varies within different ecological conditions. Attention is given to how differences in ecological condition predict differences in behavioural strategies, and the fitness consequences of those behavioural strategies. An interdisciplinary approach is emphasized drawing on studies from both the natural and social/life sciences. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 (Required, Previous).

PSY-3360  History of Psychology  (3 Credits)  

An exploration of both the philosophical background to psychology as an academic discipline and the history of psychology as a science and a profession. Focussing on ideas about the mind; key historical and social events that shaped the field; when and how psychology became a science; and the life histories of major contributors to the discipline. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 (Required, Previous).

PSY-4450  The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour  (3 Credits)  

The application of psychological research to the understanding, prediction, and treatment of criminal behaviour. A study of psychological theories of crime leads to a focus on the role of psychological factors and resulting disorders in violence and criminal behaviour. Topics include the influence of psychology on witness and jury behaviour, police investigation and interviewing as well as the issue of mental competence. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to PSY-3350.

PSY-4452  Human Behaviour and Social Technologies  (3 Credits)  

The exploration of humans' distinctive use of cultural practices and technology to transform and improve living conditions in the world around them. These technological innovations also tend to have unintended and often unforeseen consequences. This course will involve discussions examining both the pros and cons of these technological advances. With a focus on how these technologies relate both to psychology as a feature of human beings, and psychology as an academic, scientific displine. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take PSY-1160 (Required, Previous).