Course description
Major and Honours in Psychology: Health (BA)
Health Psychology Concentration
I. Program Prerequisites
PSY 101ab Introduction to Psychology I, OR
PSY 102ab Introduction to Psychology II
MAT 190ab Pre calculus Mathematics
BIO 191a Introductory Biology
II. Requirements Core Courses - Psychology
TOTAL = 39 credits
The Concentration must meet the core requirements for the psychology Major:
PSY 101a OR 102b Introductory Psychology I OR II
PBI 128b Physiological Bases I
PSY 107f Personality
PSY 340f Abnormal
PSY 245a Social I
PCS 205b Cognitive
PMA 160a Stats I
PMA 161b Stats II
PSY 113b Methods I
PMA 223a Psychometrics
PSY 342a History I
III. Required Core Coursed - Health:
TOTAL = 12 credits
PBI 275a Health Psychology I
PBI 276b Health Psychology II
BIO 131a Human Body in Health & Disease
PSY 266a Adult Development and Aging
IV. Health Options - any 6 credits from:
TOTAL = 6 credits
PSY 222ab Occupational Health Psychology
PBI 227a Psychology of Nutrition (TBA)
PSY 208a Sport & Exercise Psychology
PBI 278a Neuropsychology of Aging
PBI 280b Psychopharmacology
Major Concentration: 39 + 12 + 6, making 57 credits for the Major.
Honours Concentration - all required: TOTAL = 18 extra
This makes 75 credits for Honours (must meet usual grade criteria)
PSY 215a Methods II
PMA 261b Multivariate Statistics
PSY 440b Health Internship
PSY 449 Honour’s Seminar
PSY 450f Dissertation
COURSES
Psychology 101a Introductory Psychology I 3-3-0
An introduction to the functioning and development of the basic cognitive processes: perception, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence and consciousness. Approaches and methods will also be discussed.
Professor McKelvie or Professor Drumheller
Psychology 102b Introductory Psychology II 3-3-0
An introduction to motivation, emotion, and personality as factors in human functioning. Approaches, methodology, social psychology and abnormal psychology are also discussed.
Professor McKelvie or Professor Drumheller
Psychology 107f Personality 6-3-0
An examination of theories of personality based on the clinical approach, as illustrated by psychoanalytic and humanistic theories; and based on the psychometric and experimental approaches, as illustrated by trait theories and social learning theories.
Normally not open to U3 Psychology students.
Professor de Man
Psychology 109a Psychology of Women 3-3-0
In this course, gender stereotypes and biases are exposed while rape myths are debunked and sexual orientation is demystified! Gender comparisons in cognitive abilities and in social and personality characteristics are discussed. Other topics of interest include women and work, love relationships, sexuality, women and physical health, psychological disorders, sexual harassment and assault, physical abuse. This course is a must for those who enjoy class discussions!
Offered on a rotating basis.
Psychology 113b Research Methods I 3-2-2
Scientific bases of psychological theory; experimental and non experimental research methods; data analysis; report writing; critical analysis of published articles. Class projects are conducted, statistically analyzed, and written up.
Prerequisite: PMA 160a.
Corequisite: PMA 161b
Professor McKelvie
Psychology 123b Multicultural Psychology 3-3-0
The place of culture in the evolution of psychology. Cultural similarities and differences in behaviour, thoughts, emotions, attitudes, motivations, mental and physical health, etc. Understanding that psychological principles can range from being universal to culture-specific.
Offered on a rotating basis
Psychology Biology 128b Physiological Bases of Behavior I 3-3-0
An introduction to physiological psychology. Topics include structure and function of the brain, the neuron, neurotransmitters, neuroscience research methods and the physiology of the sensory and motor systems.
Professor Bacon
Psychology Biology 141 Evolutionary Psychology 3-3-0
Evolutionary Psychology is the study of behavior founded within the framework of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection. The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the principles of Evolutionary Psychology and to investigate the adaptive origins of many common behaviors such as cooperation, mating strategies, parenting, aggression and dominance.
Professor Drumheller
Psychology Mathematics 160a Psychology Statistics I 3-2-1
Basic descriptive and inferential statistics developed from a conceptual perspective. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, normal distribution, probability, confidence intervals, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, power analysis, z-tests, t-tests and Χ2.
Prerequisite or concurrently: Departmental collegial mathematics requirement
Not open to students with credit for Physics 101a
Professor Stout
Psychology Mathematics 161b Psychology Statistics II 3-3-0
Advanced inferential statistics developed from a conceptual perspective. Topics include one and two-way analysis of variance, repeated measures anova, fixed and random designs, post-hoc and apriori tests. Explorations will also include correlation, regression and their relationship to anova and use of SPSS in analysis.
Prerequisite: PMA 160a, or one of Business
BMA 140, BMA 141 or Physics 101a, or the equivalent.
Corequisite: PSY 113b
Professor Stout
Psychology Biology 191a Introductory Biology 3-3-0
Scientific method, chemistry of life, cell structure, cell metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis, transport systems, origin of life, evolution genetics, reproduction, taxonomy, diversity of life (including microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals), ecosystems. This course cannot be taken for credit by students enrolled in the 3-year neuroscience program, nor can it be taken for credit by anyone who already has credit for BIO 193, BIO191 or PBI100.
For the laboratory that goes with this course (BIL191a) see the Biology section of the calendar.
Note that BIL191a cannot be taken for credit by anyone who already has credit for BIL 193 or BIL 199.
Psychology 202b Perception 3-3-0
The major human senses (vision and audition). Awareness; illusions; psychophysics. Sensory processing of stimulus attributes such as colour, pitch, and brightness. Complex processes such as reading, visual memory, and perceptual learning. Perceptual demonstrations are given.
Prerequisite: PBI 128b or permission of instructor
Professor Standing or Professor Bacon
Psychology Computer Science 205b Cognitive Psychology 3-3-0
Cognitive processes: language, memory, concepts, heuristics, the nature of thought, reasoning, problem solving, creativity, and anomalous beliefs.
Professor Standing
Psychology 208a Sport and Exercise Psychology 3-3-0
Systematic review of what scientific psychology has contributed to the understanding of sport and exercise. Issues include: factors determining participation and performance, costs and benefits of physical activity, personality and sport, team vs. individual sports, competitive judging in sport, society and sport.
Professor McKelvie
Offered on a rotating basis.
Psychology 214 Community Psychology 3-3-0
Community Psychology is the study and application of psychological solutions to community- based problems. Through an analysis of the reciprocal relationship between person and environment (clubs, churches, schools, neighborhood, larger culture) Community Psychology emphasizes action and interventions whose aim is to prevent problems in living, promote social-psychological competencies and improve people’s wellbeing. This course introduces students to the ways in which research and science intersect with the practical aspects of working successfully with people in their communities. Topics include the background and history of the field, community research methods, empowerment of disenfranchised groups, social support, cultural diversity, prevention, program evaluation and development of community intervention strategies.
Psychology 215a Research Methods II 3-2-2
Research methodology in the study of human behaviour. Formulation of the research proposal; presentation and discussion of results in APA format; factorial and correlational designs; computers in data analysis. Class and individual projects are conducted. Computer competence is required as a prerequisite (Word, SPSS, Excel, PsycLIT and WWW).
Prerequisites: PMA 160a and 161b, and PSY 113b
Professor Standing
Psychology Biology 217b Motivation and Emotion 3-3-0
An exploration of the underlying causes of human behavior. Topics include hunger and eating, sex and love, aggression, drug use/abuse and higher-level behaviors (e.g. creativity, attaining peak performance, goal setting, self-regulation). The role of emotions in guiding behavior will also be addressed.
Professor Bacon
Psychology 222 Group Dynamics and Therapy 3-3-0
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of group behavior, emphasizing dynamic processes (norms, roles, relations, development, social influence) which form a basis for group therapy as a branch of psychotherapy. Background, founders and key influences, contexts of use, techniques, methodology and current trends in group therapy will be discussed.
Psychology Mathematics 223a Psychometrics 3-3-0
The theory underlying psychological testing: nature of measurement, psychological measurement, requirements for constructing and evaluating standardized tests (norms, reliability and validity). Other topics include the ethics of testing.
Prerequisite: PMA 160a and PSY 113b.
Professor McKelvie
Psychology 224b Issues in Psychological Testing 3-3-0
Critical examination of the psychometric properties of representative standardized tests of intelligence, aptitudes, interests and personality. Discussion of the role of test scores in psychological issues such as the nature, determination and development of intelligence and clinical vs. statistical prediction.
Prerequisite: PMA 223a
Professor McKelvie
Psychology 225a Independent Studies I 3-0-0
Psychology 226b Independent Studies II 3-0-0
See Index: guidelines on Independent Study courses
Psychology Biology 227ab Psychology of Nutrition 3-3-0
The Psychology of Nutrition examines the scientific research on healthy and disordered eating and drinking behaviours by uncovering the psychological processes at work in the selection and consumption of foods and drink. Grounded in up to date research evidence, the complex interactions between cognitive and physiological influences, social surroundings, and eating and drinking habits are explored to provide the student with a biological and psychological framework to understand both causes and effects of the consumption of food and drink. Hunger and thirst, taste and smell, overeating, overdrinking, anorexia, bulimia, and alcohol use will be among topics discussed.
Professor Charpentier
Psychology Biology 228a Physiological Bases of Behavior II 3-3-0
The physiological bases of motivated behavior (sleep, sex, hunger and thirst), emotions, learning/memory and language. The focus is on normal physiology but some aspects of abnormal physiology (e.g. amnesia, anxiety, schizophrenia) will be addressed.
Prerequisite: PBI 128b or permission of the instructor
Professor Bacon
Psychology 228ab Occupational Health Psychology 3-3-0
This course examines the psychology related to developing and improving the physical and psychological well-being of individuals at work. Occupational health psychology is a developing field that uses psychology’s particular understanding of individuals in combination with the expertise from other fields such as medicine, public health and engineering to help achieve safe, healthy and enriched work. Topics include a review of the types of mental health and well-being issues at work; the psychological approaches to occupational stress, health and safety; and an overview of programs and methods used to enhance well-being at work.
Professor Harvey
Psychology 229a Applied Memory and Cognition 3-3-0
Examination of memory and cognitive processes in everyday life, including specific settings (e.g. , education, consumer, clinical, legal). Factors leading to high levels of performance and to slips and errors.
Professor McKelvie
Offered on a rotating basis
Psychology 230b Interviewing: Theory and Practice 3-3-0
Techniques of clinical interviewing are explored by surveying various theories of change (psychoanalytic, existential, feminist, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, reality, and postmodern). Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that have direct relevance in applied settings. Class debates and discussions, role-playing, and use of video clips are pedagogical tools enjoyed by students.
Prerequisite: PSY 107f and PMA223a;
Co-requisite PSY 224b, or permission of the instructor.
Psychology 231b Crisis Intervention 3-3-0
An examination of different short term therapies in helping clients/patients in whom there is no evident psychopathology in spite of their observed dysfunctional behaviour. The primary focus of this type of intervention is on the enhancement of individuals’ existing strengths and on equipping them with more effective coping skills.
Prerequisite: PSY 107f or PSY 109b
Offered on a rotating basis.
Psychology 233a Psychology of Exceptional Children 3-3-0
A survey of various kinds of exceptionality in children, including intellectual disabilities giftedness, speech and language differences, learning disabilities, hearing and vision impairments, behaviour disorders, health problems, and developmental disabilities.
Professor de Man
Psychology 236a Child Development I 3-3-0
The foundations of child development. Topics include basic genetics, prenatal development, birth, physical development, perceptual development, early learning and the classic theories of cognitive and socioemotional development.
Professor Bacon
Psychology 237b Child Development II 3-3-0
An in depth look at the cognitive and socioemotional development of infants and children. Topics include intelligence, memory and problem-solving skills, language and communication, development of the self, gender-role development, aggression, altruism, moral development and the influence of the family, school, peers and television on development.
Professor Bacon
Psychology 245a Social Psychology I 3-3-0
Methodology of social psychology; prejudice; sexism; social perception; attitude formation and attitude change; legal and clinical applications. Normally not open to U3 Psychology students
Professor Standing
Psychology 246b Social Psychology II 3-3-0
Social motives, such as aggression, attraction and altruism; group processes and social interaction; conformity and leadership; social institutions; environmental psychology.
Normally not open to U3 Psychology students
Professor Standing
Psychology Mathematics 261b Multivariate Statistics 3-3-0
An examination of multivariate statistical approaches to research. Topics include multiple correlation, regression, partial & semi-partial analysis, stepwise regression, statistical control, hierarchical modeling, multiple regression with categorical and continuous variables, analysis of covariance, and multivariate analysis of variance.
Prerequisite: PMA 161
Professor Stout
Psychology 266a Adult Development and Aging 3-3-0
Examination of psychological development during adulthood and old age. Research findings on age related changes in memory, health issues, adjustment, coping styles, and stress will be covered. Case studies will be used to explore various applications in society.
Professor Drumheller
Psychology 270 Learning and Memory 3-3-0
A seminar course examining theories of learning and memory. The seminars follow a historical sequence examining changes in our understanding of learning and memory. Topics include classical conditioning, behavioural, cognitive and gestalt approaches to learning and memory.
Prerequisites: Not open to students in their first year
Professor Stout
Psychology Biology 275a Health Psychology I 3-3-0
Introduction to health psychology and the biopsychosocial model of health. Topics include: obtaining care and following health advice, the causes and consequences of stress, coping with pain, cardiovascular disease, behavioural factors in cancer, plus current issues in health.
Professor Standing
Psychology Biology 276b Health Psychology II 3-3-0
Selected topics in health psychology: methods of health research with emphasis on drug and cancer studies, chronic illness, preventing injuries, smoking tobacco, using alcohol and other drugs, diet and weight control, exercising, mental illness and health, death studies, history of medicine.
Professor Standing
Psychology Biology 279a Neuropsychology 3-3-0
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between brain structures and behaviour. In this course we will explore the neuroanatomical correlates of both normal and abnormal behaviors in humans. Among the topics to be discussed are the behavioural sequels of head injury, mood disorders associated with regional trauma and epilepsy, sex differences in cerebral organization, cerebral asymmetries, language and aphasia and the various disorders of perception. Depending on the interests of the students, special topics include dyslexia, alexithymia, Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholism and schizophrenia.
Professor Drumheller
Prerequisite: PBI 128b or permission of instructor
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credit for BIO 279
Psychology Biology 280b Psychopharmacology 3-3-0
This course is designed to introduce students in psychology and the natural sciences to the field of psychopharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between psychoactive drugs, their mechanisms of action in the nervous system, and human behaviour. Following an analysis of the principles of pharmacology and pharmamacokinetics, as well as the mechanisms of drug tolerance and dependence, the cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of specific classes of drugs will be examined. These classes of drugs will include sedatives, hypnotics; stimulants; narcotics; psychotomimetics, psychedelics and hallucinogens.
Professor Drumheller
Prerequisite: PBI 128b or permission of instructor
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credit for BIO 279
Psychology 290b Adolescence 3-3-0
An examination of developmental issues in the adolescent period and related clinical phenomena: environmental influences (family, school, peers) and intra personal concerns (identity, sexuality, moral development); clinical conditions such as depression (suicide), eating disorders, and delinquency. Will be of particular interest to those who plan to or are working with this age group.
Professor de Man
Psychology 330a Psychology and Ethics 3-3-0
A wonderful way to learn how to think ethically in several areas of psychology. Students learn about the importance of fundamental ethical principles, values, theoretical and practical models of ethical decision-making and legal considerations, while engaged in the comparison of relevant ethics codes (with particular emphasis on the CPAcode of ethics). Specialized topics include confidentiality, multiple relationships, the ethics of teaching, the ethics of assessment, research ethics, and ethics in forensic settings. Class discussions are part and parcel of this course.
Psychology 341f Abnormal Psychology 6-3-0
Experimental and clinical approaches to the behaviour disorders, definition and assessment of abnormality, therapeutic techniques and practices. Topics include: anxiety and personality disorders, psychoses, and organic mental disorders.
Normally restricted to U3 Psychology students
Prerequisite: Psychology 107f
Professor de Man
Psychology 342 History of Psychology I 3-3-0
An examination of the early conceptions of human nature that influenced psychology’s development. The course is presented in two parts, the first examining the nature of history and the history of science. The second part explores the conception of humanity in ancient texts from Homer, Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle and Augustine.
Prerequisites: Open to students entering their third year.
Professor Stout
Psychology 343b History of Psychology II 3-3-0
A seminar course that examines the effects the scientific revolution on our conception of mind and psychology. The seminars are based on the writings of the Rationalists (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricists (Locke, Berkeley, Hume) and those that reflect the emergence of Evolutionary thinking and its influences on our conceptions of mind/brain, consciousness and the nature of human science.
Prerequisites: PSY342
Professor Stout
Psychology 440b Health Internship 3-3-0
The course will provide exposure to some practical aspects of the psychology of health. The student will be required to serve an internship for part of one day per week at a local health care facility or other approved institution (for a minimum of 36 hours in total), to attend regular meetings with the instructor, and to prepare a written final report that relates internship activities to issues taken from the academic literature.
Prerequisites: PBI 275 (Health I) and PBI 276 (Health II)
Professor Standing
Psychology 441a Clinical Practicum I 3-1-2
As a link between Interviewing (PSY230) and Clinical Practicum II (PSY442), this course is taught as a series of student-led seminars on various clinical topics. Vigorous class debates, meaningful exchanges with guest speakers (from the community at large) and the opportunity to learn and apply basic interviewing skills with video tape feedback are all enriching aspects of this course. Students enrolled in a major program are welcome, providing that they have the prerequisites.
Prerequisites: PSY107, PSY230, PMA223, PSY224 or permission of instructor.
Psychology 442b Clinical Practicum II 3-0-3
Aimed at providing students with experiential learning opportunities, this course is completely practical: students spend 6 hrs/week under supervision in one of a number of applied settings. Field placements are possible in hospital and school settings, various community organizations, senior citizens’ homes, alcohol and drug rehab centres, women’s centres, etc., and are assigned in accordance with students’ interests and competencies.
Prerequisite: PSY441 or permission of instructor.
Psychology 449 Honour’s Seminar – Advanced Topics in Psychological Science 3-3-0
This seminar aims at exploring cutting-edge issues in Psychology, Cognitive Science and the Neurosciences. Selected topics from these areas are presented and critically discussed. The course will also address practical issues such as applications to graduate school, scholarship applications, GREs and career planning.
Prerequisite: PSY 450f taken concurrently or permission from the instructor
Psychology 450f Dissertation 6-0-0
Under the guidance of two faculty advisors, the student will formulate a proposal for original research involving the collection of data, undertake the research, and report it in the form of a dissertation conforming to the publication style of the American Psychological Association.
This course is a requirement for all final year Honours students.
Prerequisite: qualification for Honours.
PMA 261b is a prerequisite for projects involving multivariate research.
Staff
Cognate Courses
These courses may count for Psychology credit.
BHR 221a Organizational Behavior
EDU 301a Educational Psychology
PHI 252b Philosophy of Mind
REL 148a Psychology of Religion
Plus: other appropriate courses as determined by the department.
Courses offered on an irregular basis.
Psychology 170 Psychology of the Couple 3-3-0
This course is a survey of research on the psychology of the couple. Topics treated include: psychology of the female and male; factors in partner choice; bonding and love; commitment and contract; stages of coupling; divorce and recommitment. Psychodynamic, behavioural and systemic approaches to couple therapy will be examined.
Psychology 209 Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3-3-0
This course introduces students to theories and applications of psychology to human resource concerns in organizations. Topics include: Personnel recruitment, selection, training and performance appraisal; motivation; work attitudes; leadership; group behaviour; and other special topics (e.g., work related stress, applied ethics, and organizational conflict)
Not open to students who have received credit for BHR 221b
Psychology Biology 220 Physiology and Pharmacology of Aging 3-3-0
The major physiological systems will be reviewed, with emphasis on how these systems change during the aging process and how these changes affect the individual’s everyday functioning. Topics will include the cardiovascular system; respiratory system; metabolic regulation, digestion and absorption; and electrolyte and mineralocorticoid regulation. A review of basic pharmacological principles and mechanisms of action will follow this. Finally, we will discuss how the aging process interacts with various types of medications most frequently prescribed to elderly people, and some common idiosyncratic reactions seen in the elderly. Also, the special precautions which must be observed in prescribing and administering drugs to the elderly will be outlined.
Psychology 250 Environmental Psychology 3-3-0
Influence of the physical and cultural environment on behaviour, including factors such as heat, noise, crowding, traffic, buildings and urban design. Costs and benefits of city and rural lifestyles. Technology and the working environment. Population, resources and environment.
Psychology Biology 261 The Psychology of Sexuality 3-3-0
Various aspects of human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Includes the following topics: sexuality in childhood, adolescence, and early through late adulthood; sex differences; androgyny; transsexualism; sexual dysfunction and sex therapy; sexuality in the chronically ill and disabled; homosexuality and bisexuality; historical and cross cultural sexual attitudes and practices.
Psychology 267 Counselling of Older Adults 3-3-0
This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of counselling aged clients. The primary focus will be on the examination of the most common issues such as: various types of loss, remarriage, intergenerational conflicts, alcoholism, isolation, suicide, elderly abuse, as well as the intervention strategies used.
Psychology 285 Psychology of Reading and Reading Disability 3-3-0
The aim of this course is to consider the psychological processes involved when we read. In particular, the skills that are acquired, the mechanisms involved, and the abilities that are essential will be examined. Why some people fail to acquire reading skills will also be examined. Answers to this question will focus on theoretical approaches to reading disability, and to the question of why some methods of remediation are successful.
Psychology 286 Psychology of Language 3-3-0
The aim of this course is to provide students with a broad introduction to psychological phenomena in language acquisition and use. The structure of language and speech will be described briefly. Emphasis will be placed on a number of topics, including; language development, perception of language, word meaning and semantic memory, syntax and discourse processing, language production and conversational interaction, cultural influences and bilingualism, and language errors and disorders.
Psychology 308a Psychology of Consciousness 3-3-0
A critical examination of consciousness in scientific psychology. Major topics are the nature of consciousness (e.g., consciousness and brain, states of consciousness), the methodology for studying consciousness (e.g., introspection), and the function of conscious experience (e.g., free will, conscious processing in cognition).
Psychology 345 Family Dynamics and Therapy 3-3-0
A critical survey of major theories of family dynamics and family therapy, including psychoanalytic; existential, systemic, structural, and strategic approaches. The course also aims to further the student’s understanding of his or her own family system through individual and group exercises.
