Faculty of Science

Psychology Courses

PS100* Introduction to Psychology 1.0

Methods for understanding human and animal behaviour. Topics such as learning, perception, motivation, personality, physiological psychology, developmental processes, and social and abnormal behaviour are surveyed.

PS222 Behaviour Modification 0.5

Behaviour modification both as a technique using learning principles and as a theory of human interaction.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

PS239 Industrial and Organizational Psychology II 0.5

The study of industrial and organizational psychology by means of individual term projects closely supervised by the instructor.†

Prerequisite: PS284.

PS260 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 0.5

A cognitive approach to psychological processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, thinking, and problem solving. The emphasis is on theoretical issues and empirical studies within the cognitive tradition of human information processing.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS209.

PS261 Introduction to Learning 0.5

Principles of classical and instrumental conditioning, and contemporary cognitive views of animal behaviour.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS211.

PS262 Sensory Processes and Perception 0.5

Psychophysical, physiological and behavioural techniques and research findings concerning the visual, auditory, chemical, and mechanical processing systems.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS208.

PS263 Biopsychology 0.5

The central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and hormonal regulation of the psychological processes of perception, motivation, learning, memory, cognition, and communication.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS228.

PS264 Motivation and Emotion 0.5

Theory and data concerning human and non-human motivation and emotion from evolutionary, physiological, learning and social perspectives.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS207, PS217, PS227.

PS270 Social Psychology 0.5

Introduction to the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Topics include: social cognition, the self and identity; attitudes and attitude change; persuasion; conformity; group processes; cultural influences; prejudice and discrimination; helping; aggression; interpersonal attraction; intimate relationships; and applied issues (e.g., health, environmental, political, and legal applications).

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS205, PS215.

PS271 Personality 0.5

Classic and contemporary personality theories and their usefulness in analyzing behaviour. Recent empirical research. Personality measurement.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS214.

PS272 Group Processes 0.5

Integration of some of the relevant literature on group processes with a focus on the class as an interacting group.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS212.

PS273 Psychology of Religion 0.5

Theory and research in the psychology of religion, including topics such as psychological methods and measures used to study religion, religious socialization processes, psychoanalytic explanations of religious attitudes, and the relationship between religiosity and personality, adjustment, prejudice, sexuality, and political orientation.†

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS220.

PS275 Developmental Psychology I: Infancy and Childhood 0.5

Human development with emphasis on research and theories in the physical, cognitive, personality, and social growth of infants and children. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS206, PS236*.

PS276 Developmental Psychology II: Adolescence and Young Adulthood 0.5

Human development with emphasis on research findings and theories in the physical, cognitive, personality, and social growth of adolescents and young adults. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS216, PS236*.

PS277 Developmental Psychology III: Adults and Elders 0.5

Human development with emphasis on research findings and theories in the physical, cognitive, personality, and social growth of adults and the elderly. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS226.

PS280 Abnormal Psychology 0.5

An introduction to psychopathology theory and research in abnormal behaviour with a focus on historical and global perspectives. The course will focus on biological, psychological, and societal factors in abnormal behaviour, including the role of cultural, personal, and interpersonal context.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS202, PS204*.

PS282 Community Psychology 0.5

An introduction to both a conceptual and an experiential understanding of issues and topics in community psychology. Topics include: the history of community psychology; stress and social support; oppression and social intervention; primary prevention and health promotion; self-help; mediating structures; community mental health; alternative settings; organizational change; community organization and community development. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS223, PS233*.

PS283 Educational Psychology 0.5

The application of psychology to educational environments, with consideration of topics such as social, moral, and cognitive development, theories of learning, effective instructional techniques, individual differences and evaluation. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS231.

PS284 Industrial and Organizational Psychology I 0.5

Personnel psychology, human factors engineering and consumer psychology.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS238.

PS286 Sport Psychology 0.5

The application of psychological theory and research to sport and recreation. Topics include socialization for participation, motor learning, motivation, stress, psychological limits, aggression, competition and co-operation, audience effects, leadership, role of the coach and group cohesion, motivation and aspirations. Field trips are required for Honours students, and may be required for others. (Cross-listed as KP210.)

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS210.

PS287 Psychology of Gender 0.5

Theories and research on gender. Gender similarities and differences will be discussed from various psychological perspectives, including biological, social, and developmental.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS235.

PS288 Drama and Human Development 0.5

Theory, research and applications of drama as a resource for human development from clinical, community, educational and developmental psychology perspectives. Participation in drama activities is required.†

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS237, PS332p.

PS291 Research Methods I 0.5

Fundamentals of the logic of science, research design, and interpretation.

Prerequisite: PS100*.

Exclusion: PS248, PS295, PS298; Honours Psychology programs.

PS292 Research Methods II 0.5

Fundamentals of data analysis and interpretation. (Web information)

Prerequisite: PS291 or PS295.

Exclusion: PS249, PS296, PS299; Honours Psychology programs.

PS295 Research Methods I 0.5

Fundamentals of the logic of science, research design and interpretation. Weekly laboratory sessions provide experience with various aspects of research, including demonstrations, experiments, and preparation of reports.

Prerequisite: PS100*. and registration status: Honours Psychology.

Exclusion: PS248, PS291, PS298.

3 lecture hours, 1.5 lab. hours

PS296 Research Methods II 0.5

Fundamentals of data analysis and interpretation. Weekly laboratory sessions involve further discussion of lecture topics, data analysis, and computer applications.

Prerequisite: PS295 and registration status: Honours Psychology. At least one OAC Math course or equivalent is also recommended.

Exclusion: PS249, PS292, PS299.

3 lecture hours, 1.5 lab. hours

PS330-345 Special Topics 0.5

Some additional courses are designated: "Special Topics in...'' Notices of such offerings are available from the department.

Irregular course

PS360 Research in Cognitive Psychology 0.5

Students develop, conduct, and write reports on experiments in selected areas of cognitive psychology.

Prerequisite: PS260, and either PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS219.

3 lab. hours

PS361 Research in Learning 0.5

Students develop, conduct, and write reports on experiments in selected areas of animal learning and cognition.

Prerequisite: PS261, and either PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS221.

3 lab. hours

PS362 Research in Perception 0.5

Students develop, conduct, and write reports on experiments in selected areas of perception.

Prerequisite: PS262, and either PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS218.

3 lab. hours

PS363 Research in Biopsychology 0.5

Students develop, conduct, and write reports on experiments in selected areas of physiological psychology.

Prerequisite: PS263, and either PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS229.

3 lab. hours

PS370 Research in Social Psychology 0.5

Students develop, conduct, and write reports on studies in selected areas in social psychology. This course focuses on experimental methodologies, quasi-experimental techniques, qualitative methods, observational methods and survey strategies in social psychology. Additional topics include experimenter and participant bias as well as ethics.

Prerequisite: PS270 and either PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS225.

3 lab. hours

PS374 Applied Social Psychology 0.5

The application of social psychology methods, theory and research to contemporary social issues and problems in areas such as health, the environment, law and criminal justice, social conflict, consumer behaviour, mass media and international relations.

Prerequisite: PS270.

PS375 Research in Developmental Psychology 0.5

Students develop, conduct and write reports on studies in selected areas of developmental psychology. Experiences with more than one age group will typically be provided. A range of experimental, observational, and interview techniques will be included. Special attention will be given to ethical considerations in working with children.

Prerequisite: PS275, and either PS292 or PS296.

PS379 Psychology of Exceptional Children, Youth and Adults 0.5

People with special needs and their development in community settings. Awareness of thoughts and feelings, and effective question-asking, theory-building, and problem-solving in relation to individuals with special needs. (A field placement is required.)

Prerequisite: PS275.

Exclusion: PS306.

PS381 Introduction to Clinical Psychology 0.5

A survey of diagnostic and treatment procedures and resources; professional duties and skills of the clinical psychologist; history of clinical psychology and current problems.

Prerequisite: PS280.

Exclusion: PS203, PS304*.

PS382 Research in Community Psychology 0.5

Research in community settings with an emphasis on participatory action research, qualitative methods, program evaluation, needs assessment and research ethics. Experience will be gained in using research methods in community settings.

Prerequisite: PS282, and either PS292 or PS296.

PS390 History of Psychology 0.5

Philosophical roots, scientific paradigms and trends in the subdisciplines of empirical psychology with emphasis on social historical contexts.

Prerequisite: Registration status: Third or Fourth Year Honours Psychology (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: PS452.

PS395 Research Methods III 0.5

The logic of controlled experimentation, and introduction to complex analysis of variance designs commonly used in psychological research. Topics include factorial designs, repeated measure designs, Latin square designs, and planned and unplanned comparisons. Development of familiarity with a standard statistical package is an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: PS296 and registration status: Honours Psychology.

Exclusion: PS399*.

3 lecture hours, 1 lab. hour

PS396 Research Methods IV 0.5

Multiple regression and correlation analyses in psychological research. Topics include simple and multiple regression with qualitative and quantitative variables, model selection procedures and residual analysis. Development of familiarity with a standard statistical package is an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: PS296 and registration status: Honours Psychology.

Exclusion: PS399*.

3 lecture hours, 1 lab. hour

PS397 Psychological Measurement and Testing 0.5

Theory, method, and application of psychological tests and measures. Students will learn how to construct and evaluate psychological tests. Standardized tests of intelligence, aptitude, interest, and personality will be reviewed, and ethical issues in the use of psychological tests will be discussed.

Prerequisite: PS292 or PS296.

Exclusion: PS305.

PS460 Seminar in Cognitive Psychology 0.5

Recent theoretical and empirical developments in cognitive psychology focusing on memory or attention.

Prerequisite: PS360, (or PS260 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397.)

Exclusion: PS318.

PS461 Seminar in Learning 0.5

Lectures and seminars in selected topics in animal learning and cognition.

Prerequisite: PS361, (or PS261 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397.)

Exclusion: PS311.

PS462 Seminar in Perception 0.5

Current experimental findings and models in perception with an emphasis on vision.

Prerequisite: PS362, (or PS262 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397.)

Exclusion: PS308.

PS463 Seminar in Neuroscience 0.5

Lectures and seminars in selected topics in the neurosciences, with an emphasis on behavioural processes.

Prerequisite: PS363, (or PS263 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397).

Exclusion: PS328.

PS465 Seminar in Human Neuropsychology 0.5

Lectures and seminars in experimental human neuropsychology. The functional consequences of brain damage (using the method of "double dissociation" and recent functional neuroimaging techniques) will be used to examine the neural bases of perception, language, memory and motor control.

Prerequisite: PS262, PS263.

Exclusion: PS327, PS330d.

PS470 Seminar in Social Psychology 0.5

Seminar on selected topics in social psychology.

Prerequisite: PS370, (or PS270 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397).

Exclusion: PS325.

PS475 Seminar in Developmental Psychology 0.5

Seminar on contemporary theoretical and empirical work in selected topics, such as cognitive development, memory development, social or moral development, language and communication development.

Prerequisite: PS375, (or PS275 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397), and either PS276 or PS277.

Exclusion: PS326.

PS480 Seminar in Personality and Abnormal Psychology 0.5

Seminar on topics such as personality development, mental health problems, intimate relationships, sexuality, and the family life cycle.

Prerequisite: PS280, and one of PS271, PS381.

Exclusion: PS324.

PS481 Special Topics in Clinical Psychology 0.5

A discussion of current issues and debates within clinical psychology. Topics may include the definition and classification of abnormal behaviour, and the roles of culture and societal institutions in the configuration of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal behaviour.†

Prerequisite: PS381.

Exclusion: PS303.

PS482 Seminar in Community Psychology 0.5

Seminar and practicum to examine ideological and structural considerations in the promotion of mental health and in the alleviation of health problems, programs for prevention, politics of community control, emerging professional and paraprofessional roles, politics of social intervention.

Prerequisite: PS382, (or PS282 and two of PS395, PS396, PS397.)

Exclusion: PS323.

PS489 Applications in Psychological Research 0.5

This course focuses on contemporary issues in applied psychology, emphasizing areas such as social, developmental, educational, community, personality, and clinical. Each year, one or more of these areas is investigated in-depth with a focus on applications derived from research in the area(s). In addition, class members work co-operatively in a series of workshops that enhance knowledge in the applied domain and in presentation skills.

Prerequisite: Two of PS395, PS396, PS397, and registration status: Fourth Year Honours Psychology.

Exclusion: PS498, PS498*.

PS490 Directed Studies 0.5

A student may undertake individually supervised work under the designation "Directed Study ...", in some areas not included in listed courses.

Prerequisite: Registration status: Third or Fourth Year Honours Psychology and permission of the department.

Irregular course

PS499* Thesis 1.0

Students select an appropriate topic, design and carry out research, and write a thesis demonstrating competence in both content and method. Students meet regularly as a group with the instructor, and individually with a faculty advisor. All students wishing to complete a thesis must apply to the department chair for admission to PS499* by April 1 of the Third Year. Decisions about admission to this course will be based on a consideration of grades, appropriate preparation for a thesis, and the availability of supervisors. Decisions will be made by June 1 of that year. All students not admitted to PS499* must take an additional full-credit in psychology at the 300 or 400 level, in order to fulfil the Honours Psychology requirements.

Prerequisite: Two of PS395, PS396, PS397, and registration status: Fourth Year Honours Psychology.

Exclusion: PS498, PS498*.

Faculty of Science Faculty of Science – Departments, Programs and Courses Psychology

Official electronic version updated on February 4, 2002