Psychology courses are designated by PSYC.
These courses are open to all students who have the appropriate prerequisites Students who intend to major in Psychology should note the credit restrictions for PSYC 2010, 2100, 2440, 2610, 2810, 2920, and 3640 as taking any of these courses will reduce options in the Majors program
1000
Introduction to Psychology
is an introduction to Psychology as a biological and social science. Topics shall include research methodology, physiological processes, perception, learning, memory and cognition, human development, animal behaviour, emotion, motivation, consciousness, personality and individuality, psychological disorders and treatment, and social psychology.
1001
Introduction to Psychology
is an introduction to Psychology as a biological and social science. Topics shall include research methodology, physiological processes, perception, learning, memory and cognition, human development, animal behaviour, emotion, motivation, consciousness, personality and individuality, psychological disorders and treatment, and social psychology.
PR: PSYC 1000
2010
The Psychology of Human Development I
is a survey of principles underlying human development from the prenatal stage to adolescence. Topics covered will include sensorimotor, linguistic, perceptual, cognitive and motivational changes.
2011
The Psychology of Human Development II
is an examination of relevant research on socialization and personality development with special emphasis on attachment, imitation, sex role and moral development in childhood and adolescence.
CR: PSYC 2025
2012
The Psychology of Human Development III
is concerned with the major physical, intellectual and interpersonal changes associated with maturity and aging. It completes the study of the life-span development of the human organism initiated in PSYC 2010 and 2011.
CR: the former PSYC 3052
2100
Attitudes and Social Cognition
is an examination of the concepts and principles involved in the interaction between the individual and others. Emphasis will be on the theoretical and empirical concerns of attitude formation and change, social perception, and social cognition.
2120
Interpersonal and Group Processes
- inactive course.
2150
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
will provide an in-depth overview of the relationship between psychology and the law. A variety of topics will be discussed and critically evaluated, including the use and misuse of psychology-based investigative methods such as offender and geographic profiling, detection of deception, investigative interviewing, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, corrections and treatment, risk assessment, and criminal responsibility.
2151
Health Psychology
will explore the history, aims and future of health psychology. Topics covered will consider the contributions of a wide range of psychological theory within the context of psychosocial risk factors for illness, illness prevention, health promotion, and the health care system itself. These theories extend from rather individualistic notions of health and wellness (e.g., personality, attitudes, and behaviour) to concepts associated with characteristics of the broader social environment (e.g., social support, economic challenges, and organizational factors). An overall bio-psycho-social approach to health and wellness is explored.
2240
Survey of Learning
is a survey of learning phenomena and learning theories. Topics to be studied will include a selection of the following: the evolutionary context of learning, habituation and sensitization, Pavlovian conditioning, instrumental learning, and generalization and discrimination in learning. Applications of learning principles to topics such as child rearing, education, drug use and rehabilitation, as well as to other topics of contemporary interest, will also be discussed.
CR: PSYC 3250, the former PSYC 2225, the former PSYC 2250
2440
Human Memory and Cognition
is an introduction to the basic principles of human memory and information processing. Topics covered will include the organization, representation and retrieval of information in memory, attention, pattern recognition, language processing, mental imagery, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. There will be an emphasis on the application of basic principles to real life situations.
CR: PSYC 3450, PSYC 2425
2530
Mathematical Psychology
- inactive course.
2540
Psychology of Gender
is an examination of the influence of gender on development and socialization, attitude formation, cognition, personality and mental health.
2560
Intelligence
- inactive course.
2610
Personality
is a review of the research and theory pertaining to a psychological understanding of human personality.
2800
Drugs and Behaviour
is an examination of the neurophysiology of drug action, the measurable effect of drugs on experimentally controlled behaviour, and a survey of information available on common self-administered drugs and their immediate and long-term effects.
2810
Brain and Behaviour
is a broad survey of physiological psychology at an elementary level. Topics will include the following: structure of the nervous system, nerve conduction, sensory and motor systems, behavioural biology of reproduction, aggression, feeding and drinking, sleep and arousal, pleasure and pain, learning and memory.
2920
Research Methods in Psychology for Non-Majors
provides an introduction to the design, understanding, and application of psychological research. Topics covered include understanding and applying scientific method, creating and testing hypotheses, constructing reliable and valid experiments, and the proper use of controls. An emphasis will be placed on thinking critically about psychology and common errors of judgment.
UL: cannot be used towards the Psychology major or any Psychology honours or joint honours programs
3430
The Psychology of Thinking
will present theories and experimental studies of problem solving, creativity and decision making. Topics covered will include the difficulties encountered in problem solving and solutions such as strategies for organizing and representing information, the production of ideas, transfer and discovery learning.
3501
Industrial Psychology
is an examination of the theories and concepts of industrial psychology. Topics covered will include research and testing methods, measuring job and performance appraisal systems, personnel selection methods, personnel training and development, work motivation, work stress, designing work for people, and human engineering.
PR: any 2000-level course in Psychology.
3533
Sexual Behaviour
covers the most important aspects of human sexuality with a psychology theory and research framework. The course will examine the biological, behavioural and socio-cultural bases of the human sexual response. Topics include sexual interaction and communication, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, reproduction, sexual orientation, transgender and intersex, variations in sexual behaviour, sex and gender, sexual dysfunction and therapy, and sexual coercion.
3577
Program Evaluation
- inactive course.
3640
The Psychology of Abnormal Behaviour
covers problems of definition, the history of beliefs about abnormal behaviour and the implication of a behavioural model for the understanding and control of behaviour problems.
CR: PSYC 3650, PSYC 3626
PR: any 2000 level course in Psychology
4810
Human Neuropsychology
- inactive course.
These courses are restricted to Majors in Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience.
2520
Mind and Brain
covers cognitive and neuroscience perspectives on two different themes (processing of visual information and awareness of the visual world). These themes will be used to convey the logic and methods used in modern-day psychological research, the development and use of theory to guide further research, the utility of multiple research perspectives for developing a full understanding of psychological issues, and basic concepts in cognition and neuroscience.
PR: PSYC 1000 and 1001 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience; minors may be permitted to take this course if space permits
2570
Understanding Individual Differences
uses current conceptualizations of personality and ability as a focus. The course will review issues related to the measurement of individual differences, including test characteristics and ethics. Research from a variety of perspectives will be used to illustrate the contributions of different areas of psychology to our understanding of individual differences.
PR: PSYC 1000 and 1001 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience; minors may be permitted to take this course if space permits
2910
Research Methods in Psychology I
is an introduction to the design and application of psychological research with particular concentration on understanding and applying scientific method, creating and testing hypotheses, constructing reliable and valid experiments, managing and analysing data sets, using statistical software, and scientific writing. Specific topics include descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency, variability and relative standing, inferential statistics such as t tests for one and two sample designs, correlation and regression, and non-parametric statistics.
CR: Statistics 2500, 2510, 2550, the former PSYC 2900, 2925
LH: one laboratory period weekly
PR: PSYC 1000 and 1001; Mathematics 1000 or two of 1090, 1050 and 1051 (or equivalents) and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
2911
Research Methods in Psychology II
covers research methods in psychology with a focus on more complex research designs and statistical approaches, within the realm of experimentation and beyond the laboratory. Specific topics include controlling participant variables, using between and repeated measures designs within the context of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Particular ANOVA approaches include one-way and factorial designs, within subject design, and two-way mixed designs.
CR: Statistics 2501, 2560, the former PSYC 2901, 2950
LH: one laboratory period weekly
PR: PSYC 2910 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3050
Developmental Psychology
is an examination of the methods of study and an evaluation of current findings and theoretical issues of importance to an understanding of development. Topics will be drawn from perception, learning, cognition, social learning, memory and language development.
CR: PSYC 2010, PSYC 2025
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3100
Social Psychology
is an examination of the concepts and principles involved in social behaviour. Topics covered will include attitudes, social cognition, interpersonal relations, and group processes.
CR: PSYC 2100, PSYC 2125
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3250
Learning
examines how organisms adjust their behaviour to regularities in the environment as a result of experience.
CR: PSYC 2240, the former PSYC 2225, the former PSYC 2250
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, and 2911, and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3350
Perception
(formerly PSYC 2360) is a broad survey of theory and research in sensation and perception.
CR: the former PSYC 2360
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3450
Human Cognition
is an introduction to the experimental study of the mental representations and processes involved in human cognition. Topics such as attention, perception and pattern recognition, concepts and the organization of knowledge, language processes, mental imagery, reasoning, problem solving, decision making and skilled performance will be covered with an emphasis on experimental analysis and techniques.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3620
Personality Theory and Research
is a survey of personality theory and research.
CR: PSYC 2610, PSYC 2625, and the former PSYC 2620
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3650
Abnormal Psychology
is an examination of the nature, explanation and treatment of psychological disorders with an emphasis on research methods and current findings.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3750
Animal Behaviour I
is an introduction to the mechanisms, development, function and evolution of behaviour in animals. Topics include the history of ethology and comparative psychology, and behavioural ecology; methods of animal behaviour study, behaviour of animals in relation to physiology, learning, communication, mating systems, and other areas in Biology and Psychology.
CR: Biology 3750
PR: Biology 1001, 1002 and PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3800
Neuroscience
addresses the structure and function of neurons and neural circuits and examines principles of electrochemical neural communication at the macroscopic, microscopic and molecular level. The relevance of this knowledge to understanding brain mechanisms of normal and diseased brain functions will be touched upon. The molecular basis of the formation of some types of memories will be explored.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3801
Behavioural Neuroscience
is a survey of knowledge about brain mechanisms of behaviour. Topics will include the following: basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, somatosensory systems and pain, reward, mental illness, sleep and arousal, developmental neurobiology, sexual development and behaviour, regulation of eating and body weight, learning and memory, and cortical function, including cortical mediation of language.
CR: PSYC 2810, PSYC 2825, the former PSYC 2850
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570 and 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
3900
Design and Analysis III
is a course on complex and specialized research design in Psychology. Multifactor research designs that employ both between- and within-subjects independent variables. Advantages and disadvantages of using multifactor research designs to test psychological hypotheses. Hierarchical designs and incomplete factorials. The use of covariates and blocking to increase experimental precision. Problems created by missing data. Single subject designs. How to answer specific psychological questions in the context of complex designs. The design and analysis of non-experimental psychological research. Applications of such techniques as the analysis of variance and multiple linear regression to the data obtained with these research designs, with special attention to problems inherent in psychological research.
CR: PSYC 3950, Statistics 3520
LH: one laboratory period weekly
PR: PSYC 2911 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4050
Selected Topics in Developmental Psychology I
PR: PSYC 3050 or the former 3051and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4051
Selected Topics in Developmental Psychology II
PR: PSYC 3050 or the former 3051 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4070
Research Experience in Development Psychology
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of developmental psychology.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911, and 3050 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4150
Selected Topics in Social Psychology I
PR: PSYC 3100 or the former PSYC 3160 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4151
Selected Topics in Social Psychology II
- inactive course.
4152
Selected Topics in Applied Social Psychology
- inactive course.
4160
Psychology and the Law
allows students, upon completion of this course, to demonstrate an advanced understanding of psychology and the law. Specifically, students will be able to discuss and critically evaluate topics related to the Canadian legal system, police investigations, memory in legal contexts, jury selection, jury decision-making, sentencing, parole, offender assessment and treatment, fitness to stand trial, and forensic civil psychology.
PR: PSYC 3100 or the former PSYC 3160 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4170
Research Experience in Social Psychology
will provide research experience in a selection of areas typically studied by social psychologists such as attitudes, prejudice, groups and social cognition. Students will acquire experience with research methods that are used to advance the body of knowledge in social psychology.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911, and 3100 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4250
Selected Topics in Learning and Motivation I
PR: the former PSYC 2250 or PSYC 3250 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4251
Selected Topics in Learning and Motivation II
PR: the former PSYC 2250 or PSYC 3250 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4260
Learning Processes and Drug Effects
focuses on explanations of the behavioural effects of drugs that can be found in learning and conditioning theory. This course will provide a careful examination of such processes as drug state conditioning and discrimination, drug effects on operant behaviour, drug self-administration and tolerance.
PR: the former PSYC 2250 or PSYC 3250 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4270
Research Experience in Learning
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of learning.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911, and 3250 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4350
Selected Topics in Perception I
is an intensive examination of a specific topic of current interest in perception.
PR: the former PSYC 2360 or PSYC 3350 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4351
Selected Topics in Perception II
is an intensive examination of a specific topic of current interest in perception.
PR: the former PSYC 2360 or PSYC 3350 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4370
Research Experience in Perception
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of perception.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911 and 3350 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4400
Selected Topics in Cognition I
PR: PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4401
Selected Topics in Cognition II
PR: PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4402
Selected Topics in Cognitive Science
provides an in-depth examination of current issues in cognitive science from a psychological perspective.
PR: two courses chosen from PSYC 3050, 3250, 3350, 3450, 3801 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4452
Selected Topics in Cognition: Reading
is a survey of the research literature on the development of reading skills including a discussion of dyslexia.
PR: PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4461
Psycholinguistics
(formerly 3400) is the psychological approach to the study of language concentrating particularly on the areas of speech, meaning, grammar and communication. The research topics to be discussed include the child’s acquisition of language, bilingualism, teaching language to animals, and social factors in language use.
PR: PSYC 3050 or 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4462
Human Memory
surveys theories and research about how humans remember information and why they forget. Topics include research on sensory memory, short-term working memory, amnesia, forgetting, memory development, and semantic memory as well as practical issues such as how to improve memory.
PR: PSYC 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4470
Research Experience in Cognition
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of cognition.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911, and 3450 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4610
Selected Topics in Personality I
PR: the former PSYC 2620 or PSYC 3620 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4620
Selected Topics in Personality II
PR: the former PSYC 2620 or PSYC 3620 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4650
Selected Topics in Abnormal Behaviour I
PR: PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4651
Selected Topics in Abnormal Behaviour II
PR: PSYC 3650. and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4660
Developmental Psychopathology
is a review of current theory and research related to the developmental course of maladaptive behaviours in children and adolescents. Topics will include behavioural, emotional and developmental disorders. Research concerning the role of individual, family, community and cultural factors will be discussed.
PR: PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4661
Family Psychology
is a study of the reciprocal relationship between family processes and abnormal behaviour. The course will focus on the role of family dynamics in the etiology of abnormal behaviour, the impact of psychological disorders on family functioning and the application of family therapy to create therapeutic change.
PR: PSYC 3650, or all of 2520, 2570, 2911 and 3640 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4662
Clinical Psychology and Theories of Psychotherapy
will introduce students to the science and profession of clinical and counselling psychology. Course content will include a review of approaches to assessment and psychotherapy and a look at some of the major research questions and findings in this area.
PR: PSYC 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4670
Research Experience in Abnormal Psychology
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of clinical psychology.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911 and 3650 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4671
Research Experience in Personality
allows students to gain experience in selected areas of personality research.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911 and 3620 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4701
Animal Behaviour II
- inactive course.
4750
Selected Topics in Animal Behaviour I
will examine in detail a specific topic of current interest in animal behaviour.
PR: PSYC 3750 or Biology 3750 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4751
Selected Topics in Animal Behaviour II
will have the topics to be studied announced by the Department.
PR: PSYC 3750 or Biology 3750 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4770
Research Experience in Animal Behaviour
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of animal behaviour.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911 and 3750 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4850
Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience I
will have the topics to be studied announced by the Department.
PR: PSYC 2810, 3800 or 3801 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4851
Selected Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience II
will have the topics to be studied announced by the Department.
PR: PSYC 2810, 3800, or 3801 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4870
Neuroscience Research
allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of neuroscience.
PR: PSYC 2520, 2570, 2911, and either 3800 or 3801 and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
4910
Systems in Contemporary Psychology
is a study of paradigms and explanations in contemporary psychology in the context of their historical antecedents.
PR: 30 credit hours in Psychology courses required in the majors program and admission to a Major in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience
499A and 499B
Honours Dissertation
is a linked course, based on independent study of an approved problem in Psychology. The topic will be chosen in consultation with the Faculty Advisor. The first semester will normally involve directed reading in this area, and preparation of a dissertation proposal. The second semester will be devoted to conducting the study, gathering data, data analysis and preparation of a formal written report. The dissertation must be submitted for grading before the end of the tenth week of the semester in which the student is registered for 499B.
CH: 6
PR: admission to the Honours Program

