Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, human experience, and behaviour, ranging from the basic mechanisms of the nervous system to principles governing social relations.

Psychology seeks to understand scientifically such diverse topics as aggression, attachment between infants and caregivers, reading, psychological disorders, romantic relationships, and effective behaviour in organizations. These and other topics are examined from multiple perspectives, including basic biological processes, early environment, the impact of poverty and other stressors, social context, and culture.

Students are encouraged to select courses from various areas that make up its core: physiological psychology, perception, learning, cognition, developmental psychology, personality, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students also take courses on the scientific methods that psychologists use to understand human behaviour and experience, from observations and surveys to biological procedures. Outside of class, students have opportunities to participate in psychological research, to work with faculty on specific research projects, and to attend interesting talks.

This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (3-year, 4-year, or 4-year Honours). The 4-year Honours degree is recommended for anyone planning further studies at the graduate level. Students may also complete a Certificate of Applied Psychology by enrolling in selected courses in psychology and completing a work-integrated learning experience in the field.

SAMPLE CAREERS

A background in Psychology is useful in most workplaces, as knowledge about motivation, perception, learning, social behavior and data analysis can be applied on a regular basis. Psychology courses are often part of training programs or are prerequisites for degrees in areas such as nursing or medicine, education, speech pathology, law enforcement, social services, business, and public administration. The 4-year Honours degree in Psychology provides excellent preparation for graduate programs, which can lead to careers in research, academia or clinical practice.

SAMPLE COURSES

Introductory Psychology provides an overview of the scientific analysis of behaviour and mental activity from biological, social, and personal perspectives. The course surveys diverse psychological topics, including perception, learning, memory, intelligence, personality, developmental processes, and abnormal behaviour.

Social Psychology I is a second-year course that explores the behaviour and cognition of the individual in social contexts. Topics include social perception and impression formation, attitudes, beliefs and values, prejudice and discrimination, and the formation and function of the social self.

Biological Considerations in Clinical Psychology is an Honours course that deals with the biological bases of psychological disorders. Students also discuss and compare psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments. Disorders examined include anorexia nervosa, alcoholism, mania, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, and Alzheimer’s disease.

MORE SAMPLE COURSES

Cognitive Neuroscience • Developmental Psychology • Drugs and Behaviour • Forensic Psychology • Perception • Introduction to Clinical Psychology