Psychology

A general survey of perspectives and methods in selected areas of psychology including learning, memory, cognitive and biological psychology. Students will be asked to participate in various learning and research activities. Some course credit may be earned by participation in these activities.

A general survey of perspectives and methods in selected areas of psychology including personality, developmental, clinical and social psychology. Students will be asked to participate in various learning and research activities. Some course credit may be earned by participation in these activities.

This course provides an introduction to experimental Psychology as an empirical science. Students learn about the steps involved in research, such as designing and conducting experiments. Basic applications of statistical methods are broached. Additionally, students learn how to report formally on their research projects. Students are involved in a research project as participants and as researchers. This course is required for students planning to Minor, Major or Honours in Psychology.

An introduction to statistical analysis for psychologists. Topics include analysis techniques relevant to correlational, observational and experimental research designs; relevant statistical theory; and hypothesis testing. Required for students planning to Major or Honour in Psychology. 

Covers physical, cognitive, language, and social/emotional development from a variety of theoretical perspectives. The interrelatedness of these domains also will be discussed. Several themes which underlie the study of development (e.g., nature/nurture; continuity/discontinuity) will be reviewed and students will explore how these themes permeate developmental research.

An introduction to the main theories, research approaches, and intervention perspectives of clinical psychology. Topics dealt with include professional issues in clinical psychology, concepts and history of abnormality, assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders, research perspectives in clinical psychology, and modes of psychotherapy. The course is intended to expose the student to the basic concepts, theories and issues in psychopathology and psychotherapy for more advanced courses in the clinical domain. 

Examines individual personality and behaviour in relation to other individuals, society and culture. Topics include social perception, attitudes and values, conformity and obedience, prejudice and discrimination, aggression and violence, etc.

An introduction to the fundamental principles of human memory, cognition and information processing in the laboratory and everyday world. Topics include basic cognitive processes, the representation and organization of knowledge, reasoning, problem solving, etc. 

An introduction to basic neurophysiology, neurochemistry and neuroanatomy for humans and other animals. The course will cover the methods used to discover the fundamental processes underlying neural function and provide basic knowledge for an understanding of how the nervous system is able to produce and control behaviour.

This course introduces students to the biopsychosocial approach to health and disease including prevention, development, course, and adaptation to illness. Students will develop an understanding of the mind/body connection, the influence of social and physical environments on our health, cognitive processing of health information, health belief models, and the link between personality traits and health. Psychological approaches to the promotion of health and behaviour change will be examined. A personal health promotion project will be required. 

Provides a broad introduction to the psychology of human sexuality, including examination of such specific topics as sexual anatomy, sexual behaviour throughout the lifespan, sexual response, sexual dysfunction and therapy, sexual variation, and pregnancy and childbirth. Emphasis on placing empirical findings within physiological, personal, interpersonal and social frameworks. 

An introduction to classic and contemporary theoretical and scientific approaches to the study and assessment of personality, with a focus on developing an integrated understanding of human personality within its biological, social, historical and cultural contexts.

In this course we will examine the unique psychological features of cyberspace and how human behaviour is shaped in this new social realm. Topics related to human interaction, children and the Internet, sexuality on the Internet, computer-mediated communication, Internet addiction, and global consciousness, etc. will be covered. 

Introduces experimental design and statistical inference in psychological research. Design decision-making and computational procedures up to analysis of variance are presented. Labs involve collection and analysis of psychological data. PSYC 3113 is required of Honours students in Psychology. 

Introduces traditional problems in the measurement of psychological concepts. Labs will involve the development and evaluation of student designed tests and measures. 

Involves active participation in several of the activities related to an empirical research project including planning and development of research, conducting a study, and collection and analysis of data. Students will be required to prepare a formal research paper. The actual program will be determined by the student and a faculty supervisor. Normally restricted to students in their third year whose academic performance would allow them to enter the Honours program during their fourth year.

Involves active participation in several of the activities related to an empirical research project including planning and development of research, conducting a study, and collection and analysis of data. Students will be required to prepare a formal research paper. The actual program will be determined by the student and a faculty supervisor. Normally restricted to students in their third year whose academic performance would allow them to enter the Honours program during their fourth year. 

Examines current views on language development and discusses the interaction between cognitive, social, and linguistic development. Possible topics include critical period for language, preverbal communication, gestural communication, and vocabulary and grammar development.

A discussion of issues that may arise for individuals with various exceptionalities at different points in the lifespan. Topics may include prenatal testing, academic/vocational placement, independent living, and parenting. The causes, characteristics, and challenges of specific cognitive, language, sensory, and physical exceptionalities may be reviewed.

A review of theories and research examining how various social contexts contribute to individual development. The role of family, peers, and individuals’ involvement in school, paid or unpaid work, and community settings will be explored. Content may focus on social development in children and adolescents, adults, the elderly, or across the lifespan, depending on the expertise of the instructor.

Examines cognitive development from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Topics covered include mental representation, attention, memory, and perception. Content may focus on cognitive development in children, adults, the elderly, or across the lifespan, depending on instructor availability.

Examines the theoretical and empirical research on family relationships, the factors that influence functioning, and how families change over time. Topics include intimacy relationships, transgenerational processes, family rituals and rules, and interpersonal communication and boundaries. Relevant case examples are discussed to illustrate the complexity of family relationships and the stressors that families may face. 

A lifespan approach to the lives of girls and women, examined in the context of traditional and alternative roles, life events, and status in society. Provides an overview of theories and research on female development, behaviour, and personality. 

A review of theories and research examining physical and psychological development during adolescence. Specific topics include puberty, identity, sexuality, and health. Emphasis is placed on normative behaviour and how adolescents’ characteristics interact with their contexts (e.g., family, school, peers) to shape development.

The creation of tests that measure psychological phenomena is a major endeavour within the discipline of psychology. The administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological tests is a significant aspect of the work of researchers and practicing clinical psychologists. This course examines existing tests that measure phenomena such as cognition and personality. The course introduces principles of psychological testing, relevant statistical concepts, and the methods by which tests are developed.

Empirically based cognitive behavioural techniques derived from the clinical psychology and psychiatric traditions are explored in detail and applied to the management of anxiety and fear, treatment of medical and psychological disorders, and the management of home and classroom environments. A self-management project is required.

Surveys prevailing theories and methods of psychotherapy, such as psychoanalysis, client-centred therapy, Gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, family systems approaches, etc. Emphasis is on the techniques used in psychotherapy, and various techniques will be contrasted. Each theory and method is evaluated in terms of research examining therapeutic process and outcome. 

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the area of the psychology of crime with a special focus on Clinical Criminology, also referred to as Forensic Psychology. Issues pertaining to the following topics will be explored: 1) the nature and definition of the crime, 2) the development of the offender (theoretical perspectives), 3) the intersection of crime and mental health, and 4)the victim.

This is an advanced course which adopts a scientist-practitioner perspective on the understanding, assessment, and treatment of adult psychological disorders. Topics can include psychological theories and treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance use disorders, stress and physical health, dissociative disorders and personality disorders. The course will take an integrative, problem-oriented approach by simultaneously examining the theory, research and treatment literature that is pertinent to each disorder.

Survey of major categories of behavioural and emotional problems of childhood and adolescence. Topics may include depression, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and eating disorders.

Explores and critically evaluates theory and research on mental health problems in girls and women from a feminist perspective. Topics addressed include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the role of hormones in girls’ and women’s mental health problems; depression; eating disorders; dissociative disorders and other sequelae of abuse; and feminist approaches to therapy.

This course explores the application of social psychology to understand everyday life experience and to solve current social problems. Topics may include improving interpersonal relationships, promoting team cohesion, evaluating media influence, enhancing job satisfaction, promoting community health, and addressing the issues of social justice and equality.

This course is designed to introduce students to the science and practice of community psychology, which is the study of psychological solutions to community based problems. Community psychology extends psychology’s role beyond a focus on the individual towards a greater understanding of groups, organizations, and communities. Topics may include prevention, under-served populations, cultural diversity, political action, effects of stress on mental health, community organization, empowerment, and mutual help. There will be a focus on how research and science intersect with the practical aspects of working successfully with people in their own communities.

An exploration of the social psychology of group dynamics. Topics may include group formation and functioning, prejudice, discrimination, leadership, social identity, conformity, group problem solving and decision-making, and inter-/intra-group conflict and cooperation. Emphasizes the theoretical and experiential understanding of relevant concepts. 

A review of research and theories examining how people make sense of their social world: How they perceive, represent, interpret, and remember information about themselves and about other individuals and groups. Topics may include representation, recall, and use of social knowledge, controllability of thought processes, effects of feelings and desires, and stereotype activation and use. Experimental and quasi-experimental methodologies employed in social psychology will also be discussed.

A survey course of theory, methods and research in culture and psychology. Examines the role of culture across a range of psychological areas, including perceptual and cognitive processes, human development, language, gender, and social behaviour. Topics may include cultural variations and similarities in social psychological functioning, how some cultural patterns get established and maintained, individuals' application of cultural knowledge in concrete situations, and how individuals negotiate cultural identities in multicultural contexts.

Empirical investigation of current issues in Learning and Memory. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology. 

Covers the basic cognitive processes of memory, problem solving and reasoning, concept formation, and decision making. 

A critical examination of contemporary theory and research on motivation and emotion as explanatory concepts for key aspects of personal and social human function. Topics covered include the motivational and emotional determinants of approach and avoidance behaviour, incentive decision-making, intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of control, stress and coping, emotional dysfunction, prosocial behaviours, emotion regulation, happiness and positive well-being.

This course considers the study of adult development and aging. Possible topics include the changes in physical development, learning, memory, cognition, personality, and social cognition that are associated with aging.

Examines the physiological bases of behaviour as determined by genetic, neurophysiological, neurochemical and neuroanatomical experimentation.

Use of psychophysiological methods, instrumentation and techniques (e.g., event-related potential brain recordings, behavioural observation) in the study of the physiological bases of behaviour in humans and other animals. Students will conduct research experiments and learn the basics of human electrophysical recording, data collection, and analysis. 

Basic principles of the study of drugs that influence neural systems and induce changes in behaviour. The course will address psychotropic drug assessment, from molecular and biochemical characterization, to behavioural effects in animal test paradigms and finally to clinical applications.

Examines sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, anaesthetics, analgesics, paralytics, psychotogenics and psychotherapeutics. Includes history of use, presumed mechanisms of action, and effects on human and animal behaviour. Emphasis on how drugs affect the quality of human experience through relief of pain, addiction, treatment of mental illness, etc. 

Provides a broad introduction to the five major senses and the necessary background for PSYC 3753 or PSYC 4743. Emphasizes issues relevant to psychophysical measurement,  as well as physiological and perceptual processes underlying vision, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Discussion is in the context of the central traditions of perceptual research such as empiricism and Gestalt. 

Individual laboratory exercises in visual and auditory processes. To familiarize the student with the experimental methodology of sensory psychology, and the introductory assessment of sensory deficits (visual defects, hearing loss, etc.).

Emphasis will be on studies that help us to understand the relationship between behaviourally observable phenomena and corresponding brain function. The course will examine what has been revealed about human brain function through the use of specialized types of psychological tests and measures, through biophysical imaging techniques that give us a view of human brain function, and finally through damage to the human nervous system and research on its effects.

Current issues in research in neuropsychology will be examined. 

An advanced seminar on a topic not represented by one of the Teaching Areas in Psychology. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.

Critically examines the content, concepts, techniques and issues of the historical antecedents of modern psychology. Primary as well as various secondary sources are consulted.

An advanced course on a topic in Quantitative Psychology. Open to upper level students in the Majors or Honours programs in Psychology. 

Organization and discussion of Honours Thesis research projects. Normally available only to students who have been admitted to a Psychology Honours Program and who are in their final year. Required of Honours students in Psychology during their fourth year.

An advanced course on a topic in Qualitative Psychology. Open to upper-level students in the Majors or Honours programs in Psychology. 

Discussion of current issues in Developmental Psychology. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology. 

Provides a critical appraisal of the theories and research methods in the area of sex and gender differences and similarities. Specific topics include morality, stereotypes, feminist perspectives, role of the media, scientific method, and epistemological tendencies. Examines the construction of knowledge, and the development of positions, with regards to sex and gender. 

Discussion of current issues in Clinical Psychology. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.

Discussion of current issues in Social Psychology. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.

Discussion of current issues in Learning, Memory and Cognition. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology. 

An in-depth exploration of current issues in Physiological Psychology. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.

Coverage of various issues in Sensation and Perception in a seminar format. Emphasis is on visual and auditory processes, with some coverage of taste, smell, and touch. Laboratory work is included. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.

Current issues in research in Neuropsychology will be examined. Open to Upper Level students Majoring or Honouring in Psychology.