Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of thinking, feeling, and action. Psychologists study the psychological, biological, and social bases of how we think, feel, and behave and use this knowledge to solve problems in the real world. As scientists, psychologists conduct research in many settings including universities, hospitals, government, schools, and corporations. As practitioners, psychologists apply the knowledge gained from research to solve personal, social, and practical problems.
Who Studies Psychology?
Students of psychology have a genuine interest in understanding human nature. They are fascinated with the human mind and want to understand why people do the things they do. Our psychology students are taught how to look carefully at behaviour and gain exposure to basic principles such as motivation, memory, thinking, sensation, and perception. The traditional BA degree will appeal to students who want the flexibility to choose one or more areas to explore in their upper years, including developmental psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, or general experimental areas. The BA degree in Human Behaviour and Applied Psychology will appeal to students looking more specifically for a clear path during their upper years of study for specific research and workplace skills, and who enjoy learning more about how to gather, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data. The program is more rigorous than the more flexible BA, but includes courses hand-picked by faculty and employers to target job and graduate school skills. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology program will appeal to students whose interest in psychology is in the biological basis of behaviour and those oriented toward a career in the health sciences. Students in the B.Sc. in Applied Psychology program will enjoy courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in addition to a wide range of Psychology courses with a specific focus on research and applied workplace skills.
Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/psychology
Students of psychology have a number of options open to them once they complete their undergraduate degrees. To pursue a career specifically in the field of psychology and to call oneself a psychologist, an individual must complete at least a Master's degree and normally a Ph.D. in Psychology. However, there are many careers open to students with an undergraduate degree in psychology including social services, labour relations, health services, human resources, corrections, and marketing. There are also careers in other fields that can benefit from psychology skills and knowledge, including law, medicine, journalism, and business. Most of these require additional study. Students are advised to consult with an Arts Degree advisor and the Psychology Degree Coordinator to best plan their course of study to meet their career objectives.
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Major in Human Behaviour and Applied Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Human Behaviour and Applied Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Major in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
PSYC 1100 3 credits
Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes
Students are introduced to topics related to basic psychological processes, such as the biological basis of behaviour, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory and intelligence. Students also examine the historical and philosophical contexts behind the development of psychology and the research methods used by psychologists. Students learn through lecture, peer interactions, multimedia, and other learning activities.
Level: UG
PSYC 1200 3 credits
Introduction to Psychology: Areas and Applications
Students are introduced to topics related to applications of psychological processes, such as motivation, emotion, theories of personality, development over the life span, the psychology of health and well-being, psychological disorders, approaches to treatment and therapy, and principles of social and cultural psychology. Students also will learn about the research methods used by psychologists. Students learn through lecture, peer interactions, multimedia, and other forms of active learning.
Level: UG
PSYC 2300 3 credits
Applied Statistics
Students learn to apply descriptive and inferential statistics in the analysis of behavioural research. By the end of the course, students are able to question and evaluate research presented in the media and elsewhere to draw their own warranted conclusions. Emphasis is on the calculation and interpretation of parametric inferential statistics, explored through lecture, informal data collection and worked examples.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2315 3 credits
Brain and Behaviour
Students will demonstrate how normal and abnormal behaviour in both humans and animals may be understood through knowledge of the function of the brain and its underlying structure. They will examine psychophysiologists' current understanding of brain and nervous system involvement in areas such as sensation, perception, movement, memory, psychopathology, and recovery from brain damage.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2320 3 credits
Developmental Psychology: Childhood
Students study the process of human development from conception to adolescence, including major principles of development and the descriptive changes in child growth and behaviour. The course explores the implications of theory and research findings for areas such as learning, personality, social behaviour, and psychopathology. Students learn through lectures, small group work, peer presentations and applying theory to personal observations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2323 3 credits
First and Second Language Acquisition
Students will study processes and issues associated with a child learning a first language and an adult studying a second language. Topics will include the acquisition of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Students will become familiar with typical language development and review fundamental questions in current theoretical models. Note: Students may earn credits for only one of LING 2400 and PSYC 2323 as they are the same course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Either (a) PSYC 1100 and 1200, or (b) 6 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including LING 1100.
Cross-listing: LING 2400
PSYC 2330 3 credits
Social Psychology
Students will explore psychological processes that occur in groups and their influence on the individual around such topics as social beliefs, self-esteem, prejudice, aggression, interpersonal attraction and intimate relationships, attitudes and behaviour, persuasion, conformity, and decision-making. Students will apply knowledge of these concepts to a wide variety of settings that may include law, business, and health.
Level: UG
PSYC 2350 3 credits
Psychopathology
Students will critically examine historical and contemporary approaches to the understanding of psychological disorders and explore issues associated with diagnosis and classification. Students will study specific classifications of psychological disorders including anxiety, somatoform, dissociative, mood, personality, eating and psychotic disorders.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2370 3 credits
Psychology of Personality
Students will analyze Western personality theories such as the Psychoanalytic perspective, the Existential perspective, the Trait perspective, the Behavioural-Cognitive perspective, and the Humanistic perspective, among others.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2385 3 credits
Cognition
Students explore the major research questions in cognitive psychology, including how people perceive the world, the impact of attention on perception, how people encode and retrieve countless memories, and variables that impact reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making. Emphasis is on understanding classic experiments and exploring how that research relates to new research findings. Students engage with course concepts through lectures, multimedia, and hands-on experiments and demonstrations of cognitive phenomenon.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 2400 3 credits
Research Methods in Psychology I
Students examine the scientific method as a way of studying behavioral phenomena and explore research paradigms commonly used in psychology. The course emphasizes quantitative research methods, including descriptive methods, experimental design, and correlations, in addition to exploring qualitative methods. Students learn through lectures and hands-on activities, and collaborate to conduct a small research project.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1100 and 1200
PSYC 3010 3 credits
Human Sexuality
Students critically examine current research and theoretical perspectives that define the study of human sexuality. The course explores the interactive effects of biology, psychology, and culture on sexual development, sexual responses and behaviour, sexual expression, sexual orientation, and gender-identity. Students engage in critical discourse as it relates to sexuality in self, relationships, and society and debate, with reference to empirical evidence, controversial issues in human sexuality.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400.
PSYC 3200 3 credits
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Students will learn to apply principles of psychology to create well-functioning and efficient organizations. They will focus on motivation to work, personnel selection and evaluation, employee development and relationships, with an emphasis on the application of psychological principles of individual behavior and group dynamics in various types of community and industrial organizations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300, 2330 and 2400.
PSYC 3210 3 credits
Attitudes and Persuasion
The course explores how advertisements, politicians, social justice campaigns, social media influencers, and others persuade, manipulate, and influence people’s attitudes and behaviors. Students critically examine the nature and formation of attitudes, the relationship between attitudes and behaviour, and the change of attitudes through persuasion and influence. Students learn to apply concepts of attitudes, persuasion and compliance through lecture, discussion, active learning strategies, and collaborative activities.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300, 2330 and 2400.
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3215 3 credits
Psychology of Memory
Students will engage in an in-depth examination of memory, one of the central areas in cognitive psychology. They will critically examine modern memory theory in its historical context, from the earliest works on forgetting to modern structural and processing theories. Students will also critically examine memory impairment and memory changes over the lifespan.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300, 2385, and 2400.
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3220 3 credits
Group Dynamics
Students will explore the processes that occur among individuals within groups, as well as the processes involved when groups interact with each other. They will examine the functions and structure of groups, leadership, conformity pressure, group decision making, group performance and productivity. They will also gain knowledge about conflict and cooperation within groups and between groups. Throughout the course, students will learn to analyze group dynamics in their own experiences participating in and observing groups. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 3300 3 credits
Applied Statistics II
Students learn about parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses and commonly used research designs in behavioural research, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) models, regression, and chi-square procedures, focusing on both conceptual understanding and practical application. Students learn to analyze data sets and interpret results through lectures, small group discussions, and computer software applications.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 3303 3 credits
Learning: Theory and Practice
Students will critically examine classical and modern learning theory, including such areas as habituation, sensitization, classical and operant conditioning, modeling, concept formation, and how the theoretical perspectives on these topics relate to the cognitive perspective. They will investigate aspects of learning theory such as generalization, discrimination, reinforcement and punishment in the light of both animal and human learning. Students will explore and discuss issues of stimulus control and the application of learning principles in everyday life.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3307 3 credits
Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Psychology
Students will critically analyze selected themes within the intellectual history of western civilization from early origins to the present time, with particular emphasis on ideas that form the background of contemporary psychology.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 3311 3 credits
Psychology of Consciousness
Students engage in an in-depth examination of the psychology of consciousness, one of the most fascinating and least understood frontiers of science. They critically examine the phenomena associated with consciousness from a strictly scientific perspective. Students critically explore, debate and discuss the historical overview of thinking on consciousness including the mind-body problem, theories of consciousness, altered states of consciousness, how consciousness interacts with the laws of physics, the current cognitive neuroscience approaches to understanding the processes involved in consciousness, and consciousness and quackery. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 1100
PSYC 3316 3 credits
Infancy
Students explore current research trends and theoretical perspectives in the field of infant development. They critically examine genetics and prenatal development, labour and birth, and the developmental processes of physical growth, including topics such as brain maturation, cognition, sensation, perception, and learning in infancy. Students also analyze the process of attachment and emotional development, and the environmental and interpersonal conditions associated with optimal pre- and postnatal development. Learning takes place through engaging lectures, active learning, personal reflection and application of concepts, and exploration of the primary literature.
Level: UG
PSYC 3320 3 credits
Drugs and Behaviour
Students in this course learn about the psychopharmacology and neurophysiology of psychoactive drugs. They examine in depth the different classes of drugs, stimulants, hallucinogens, and tranquilizers and their various effects on the nervous system, as well as the safety, harms, benefits, and effects of long-term drug use. The course emphasizes the effects of drug use on relationships and society, recognizing the omnipresence of drug use and addresses the myths and realities of drugs. This course will answer questions about drug use and misuse in an honest and scientific perspective. Students learn through a combination of lectures, small group work, presentations, examinations, and a lab assignment. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2315
PSYC 3321 3 credits
Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
Students examine the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes that contribute to psychological development during adolescence. They explore and discuss the implications of the major theories and research findings in the field of adolescent development. They learn to critique research methods and the interpretation of research findings. Learning is through lecture, peer discussion, and active learning activities. This course is equivalent with PSYC 2321. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3322 3 credits
Developmental Psychology: Adulthood
Students learn about the process of adult development through emerging adulthood to old age, including major principles and key changes. Students explore and critically evaluate the implications of theory and research findings for areas such as physical, cognitive, personality, and social changes. Students learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, small group work, and by applying theory to personal observations and social issues. This course is equivalent with PSYC 2322. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3325 3 credits
Psychology of Gender
Students will critically examine current research and theoretical perspectives on gender. They will examine the biological, cognitive, social, and cultural variables linked to gender identity. Students will explore, debate and discuss gender issues, gender roles, gender stereotypes, and gendered communication.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300, 2330 and 2400.
PSYC 3343 3 credits
Psychology of Prejudice
Students will critically examine current research and theoretical perspectives on prejudice. They will learn the cognitive and social origins of prejudice. Students will explore and discuss forms of prejudice and discrimination pertaining to ethnic, racial, national, and religious groups. They will explore and discuss strategies to counter prejudice.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300, 2330 and 2400.
PSYC 3350 3 credits
Advanced Topics in Psychopathology
Students will engage in an in-depth examination of specific classifications of adult psychopathology on topics varying from year to year, such as personality disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, substance abuse disorders, cognitive and psychophysiological disorders, psychological disorders associated with aging, impulse control disorders, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and psychotic disorders. Students will expand their knowledge of DSM diagnoses, explore issues around differential diagnosis and comorbidity, critically examine current diagnostic classification systems, consider recent research in the area, and explore gender, social and cultural issues in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Students will develop their familiarity with diagnostic criteria and the course of specific disorders through media and textbook clinical cases. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300, 2350 and 2400.
PSYC 3370 3 credits
Advanced Personality Theory
Students study personality based on readings in personality research, theory and the media. They critically evaluate readings from primary and secondary sources in areas including traits, personality assessment, psychoanalytic approaches, self and identity, genetics and neuroscience, motivation, and cognitive foundations. Students learn through peer-led group discussions, small group work, lectures, peer presentations, and the application of personality assessment tools. Note: This is a seminar based course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300, 2370 and 2400
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3375 3 credits
Sensation & Perception
Students learn about the study of sensation and perception. The emphasis is on the study of vision, with parallels drawn to other modalities, including hearing, taste, and smell. Students learn through demonstrations, perception tasks, worksheet, and other forms of active learning.
Level: UG
Credit Exclusion: PSYC 2375
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3400 3 credits
Quantitative Methods II
Students learn how to carry out research using experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational designs. They learn how to: (1) find, review and analyze psychological research literature, (2) design and implement a quantitative research study, (3) collect, analyze and interpret data, and (4) communicate, both in oral and written formats, the findings to a variety of audiences including the academic and local communities.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 3450 3 credits
Clinical Psychology
Students learn about the practice of clinical psychology. They critically examine assessment techniques, legal and ethical issues, as well as theory, practice, and outcome research of major approaches to therapeutic intervention. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300, 2350 and 2400.
PSYC 3451 3 credits
Psychology and Law
Students will critically examine the relationship between psychology and the law. They will analyze the roles that cognitive, social, and clinical psychology play in both criminal and civil matters. Students will analyze and interpret research in areas such as jury decision making, eyewitness memory of children and adults, expert testimony, competency, criminal responsibility, police investigations, and risk assessment. Students may earn credit for only one of CRIM 2204 and PSYC 3451. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 Credits at the 1100 Level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400
Credit Exclusion: CRIM 2204
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3600 3 credits
Health Psychology
The relationship between the mind and the body is a powerful dynamic that influences our overall health and wellbeing. Students learn how the discipline of psychology addresses the prevention and treatment of illness, and the promotion of psychological and physical health. The course explores the concept and impact of stress, the relationship between psychology and our immune functioning, what current research tells us about behaviour and illness, and health management from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2330
PSYC 3800 3 credits
Evolutionary Psychology
Students critically discuss the theories, methods, and current issues in evolutionary psychology. Students explore evolutionary thought, generate testable adaptive hypotheses, and think critically about adaptive explanations. The course covers topics such as such as attraction and mating strategies, animal cognition, dietary choice, cooperation, aggression, morality and adaptive explanations of psychological disorders. Students learn through discussion and debate, peer-led presentations, multimedia production, and some lecture. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3910 3 credits
Brain Dysfunction and Recovery
Students learn about the impact of brain dysfunction on behavior and mental processes, including the basic principles of neuropsychology as they relate to brain function and behaviour. Students explore topics such as the sensory, motor, cognitive and affective disturbances resulting from brain damage and dysfunction, and the clinical tests used in diagnosis. They examine experimental and clinical neuropsychology and neurology research, looking at a variety of fascinating case studies to better understand the impact of and recovery from brain dysfunction. Students learn through lecture, discussion, group work, debate, case studies, and peer presentations. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2315
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3920 3 credits
Aging
Students will critically examine fundamental biopsychosocial processes from mid-life onward, including current research with emphasis on physical changes, age-related chronic diseases, sensation and perception, work, social relationships, social contexts, the self and sense of well-being, as well as death and dying. They will develop skills and awareness of issues related to working with older adults and social policies that affect the aged. It is highly recommended that students take PSYC 2322 prior to this course.
Level: UG
PSYC 3930 3 credits
Consumer Psychology Research & Applications
Students will examine the psychology of consumer behavior and advertising. They will review the cognitive and social psychological literature with an emphasis on experimental research.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300, 2330, 2385 and 2400.
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3950 3 credits
Cognitive Ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics focuses on how mental processes such as cognition, perception, affect, and motor responses impact people’s interactions with systems, and is concerned with optimizing human performance and well-being. Students learn about topics such as mental workload, mental models, decision-making, errors, performance, interface design, and human-computer interactions. They also explore the various contexts for application, including home, workplaces, and public spaces. Students learn through case studies, group discussions, experiential learning activities, and various applied learning projects. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2385
PSYC 3960 3 credits
Program Evaluation
Students learn to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional programs through conducting an evaluation of an existing or simulated program, or by designing a comprehensive evaluation plan. They learn the steps involved in proper evaluations, including liaising with clients and key parties (i.e. stakeholders), identifying program elements and relationships, designing evaluation plans, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting and presenting findings orally and via written reports. Students examine and adhere to relevant ethics and standards for evaluation practice. Students learn through lectures, case studies, peer presentations, teamwork and a major applied project.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 3970 3 credits
Community Psychology
Students learn about relevant topics in community psychology such as the nature of social institutions, social contexts, and policies including how they may affect the mental and physical health of individuals and groups living within communities. The course explores prevention strategies and health promotion measures that can be used by community-based multidisciplinary and multicultural agencies and programs. The course also explores the use of research to inform each of these topics.
Level: UG
PSYC 3980 3 credits
Environmental Psychology
Students will critically examine theory and application in the field of environmental psychology and the interrelationships between ourselves and the environmental systems in which we live and work. They will study specific topics such as the history and scope of environmental psychology; theories of environment and behaviour; environmental stress; natural environments; built environments; designing for humans; specialized living and working environments and behavioural change in relation to contemporary global environmental issues and sustainability.
Level: UG
PSYC 4010 6 credits
Practicum in Psychology
Students will work in a psychology-related community workplace part-time for a semester under the supervision of the faculty practicum instructor and a workplace representative. They will further their personal and professional development, integrating knowledge and skills acquired from the psychology degree curriculum in the context of their practical field experience. Students will complete reflective assignments and a final report related to their practicum work, as well as attend periodic seminars as a class. NOTE: Students must submit a pre-semester application questionnaire and work with the faculty practicum instructor to obtain a mutually agreed upon position prior to the practicum semester. Only those students who obtain a practicum position with approval of the instructor will be able to register.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 72 credits including 9 credits of 3000 and higher level Psychology courses and the permission of the Practicum Instructor.
Credit Exclusion: PSYC 4000
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4100 3 credits
Tests and Measurement
This course provides an introduction to psychological testing and measurement. Students will study the historical and social context of testing and the basic principles of measurement, including test development, reliability, validity, norms, item analysis, and ethical standards. They will experience taking and interpreting tests and will learn about various types of tests for assessing personality, cognitive abilities, interests and attitudes that are commonly used in educational, occupational, and clinical settings.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 4150 3 credits
Psychology and Sustainability: Attitudes and Behaviour
Students will explore the challenges involved in changing attitudes and behaviour as it pertains to sustainability policy. They will examine the foundations of attitudes, how they are formed, changed and their relationship to behaviour. Students will also learn what makes persuasion campaigns effective, as well as individual and social factors that interfere with attitude-behaviour consistency. They will learn to apply this knowledge to the evaluation of sustainability policy designed to change attitudes and behaviour. Note: This course is a requirement for the BA in Policy Studies. For Psychology students this course counts as a general elective not a Psychology Major/Minor credit. This course is cross-listed with POST 4150. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher
Cross-listing: POST 4150
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4200 3 credits
Human Factors
Human Factors uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand the relationship between humans and technology. Students learn about technologies designed with the human user in mind, and about the problems that arise from technologies that fail to adequately consider the human user. Students explore how the human factors approach solves such problems by incorporating the capabilities and limits of the human user during the design process. Students have the opportunity to practically apply the human factors in problem-solving through case studies, task and workload analyses, presentations and discussions, all while considering goals such as reducing errors, confusion, fatigue and frustration, and increasing safety, productivity, well-being and user satisfaction. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 4210 3 credits
Critical Thinking in Psychology
Students examine and critically analyze information from different sources such as advertising, the Internet, magazines, news, and interpersonal communication. They evaluate how biases and human error contribute to erroneous judgments. They differentiate between science and pseudoscience, and question core assumptions and beliefs. Students learn through lecture, class discussions, and small group work. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4315 3 credits
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, the basis through which we sense our world, think, feel, make decisions, and take actions. Students expand upon their foundations in neural membranes, ion channels/receptors, and neurotransmission, and apply them to various psychological functions of their choosing. These topics can include learning, memory, development, emotion, motivation, sleep, attention, consciousness, and more. Students learn through lecture, seminar development and presentation, small-group discussion, and peer-led activities. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2315
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4350 3 credits
Developmental Psychopathology
Students engage in an in-depth exploration of developmental psychopathology from infancy to adolescence with an emphasis on the characteristics of disorders most commonly identified in childhood, including their determinants and potential outcomes. They critically explore, debate, and discuss current theories and research as well as recent trends in intervention and prevention. Students learn through a variety of methods including lectures, small group work, case study exercises, and presentations. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
PSYC 4400 3 credits
Research Methods II: Qualitative Methodologies
Students will design and implement research projects using qualitative methodologies such as case studies, phenomenological interviews, surveys, focus groups and accessing archival data. They will learn how to analyze qualitative data using appropriate techniques such as horizontalization, clustering, and thematic analysis, and open, axial, and selective coding.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300 and 2400.
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4500 3 credits
Interpersonal Relations
Students will survey issues of interpersonal relations relevant to working effectively with others in the workplace and interacting successfully with customers and clients. Students will critically examine interpersonal problems and solutions involved in working with, understanding, and getting along with others. They will explore theory and research in the areas of interpersonal influence, impression formation and management, nonverbal communication, teamwork, cross-cultural diversity and relations, political skills, conflict resolution, customer satisfaction, and community psychology.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including PSYC 2300, 2330 and 2400.
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4600 3 credits
Positive Psychology
Students will explore, evaluate, and apply findings from positive psychology-an area of psychology relying on social science methods to study human well-being, human strengths, and factors that enable some people to flourish in the face of adversity. They will compare the major theories of positive psychology and will examine the historical background of positive psychology. Students will develop expertise in the use of social science methodology to study human strengths and well-being. Students will also develop expertise in distinguishing justified from unjustified interpretations of research in positive psychology.
Level: UG
PSYC 4650 3 credits
Psychology of Genocide
Students will apply theories from social and personality psychology to the understanding of the causes, correlates, and consequences of genocide and mass killing. They will think critically about the complex and multi-factorial relationships found in the real world. Students will explore the psychology of different groups of people associated with genocide, including perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, and survivors. Students will also learn about the extent to which the discipline of psychology itself has been shaped by various episodes of genocide and other mass killing.
Level: UG
PSYC 4700 3 credits
Culture and Psychology
Students will critically examine research findings pertaining to the influence of culture on human behavior including issues of ethnicity and race, the acculturation process, self and identity, health beliefs and practices, language and accent, interpersonal attraction and intimate relationships, prejudice and discrimination. They will explore the practical applications of these findings to day-to-day life involving interactions with culturally diverse individuals, and develop greater inter-cultural sensitivity. Note: This is a seminar course.
Level: UG
PSYC 4900 3 credits
Special Topics in Psychology
Students explore a specialized area of study within psychology selected by a faculty member in Psychology or visiting instructor (consult the course timetable for the relevant term to see the course topic(s) offered). The course emphasizes depth in exploring a specific area of research. Students learn though lecture, collaborative discussion and other activities. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2400
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4910 3 credits
Rehabilitation
Students will learn about the field of rehabilitation psychology. They will learn many of the issues which rehabilitation psychologists need to consider when working with people who have acquired a physical disability. They will learn about the work of rehabilitation psychologists, other rehabilitation professionals and the role of psychology in aiding the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired disabilities. Students will examine some common disabling conditions which may include brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, amputation, and sensory impairment. They will study the psychological, social, medical, and vocational effects of such conditions. Note: This is a seminar based course.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2300 and 2400
PSYC 4990 6 credits
Honours Thesis I
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of a topic of interest relevant to psychology. They will carry out the investigation under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise in the area, in the form of a literature survey and review. Students will be required to identify relevant sources of information and will submit a final paper representing an original literature review and an empirical research design. NOTE: This is a seminar-based course. The final paper for this course will be used for subsequent completion of a thesis in PSYC 4995. Students are strongly advised to seek methodological advice in the development of their proposal.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3300 (B+) and 3400 (B+), and permission of supervisor and permission of Psychology Honours Committee
Credit Exclusion: PSYC 5000
Attribute: ARTS
PSYC 4995 6 credits
Honours Thesis II
Honours candidates will carry out research under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise in the area selected. They will use the information obtained from the literature review in PSYC 4990 to implement the proposed research. Candidates will, using appropriate methods, collect and interpret data, and write a thesis on the results of the project, and will present their thesis. Note: Candidates are strongly advised to seek methodological advice in the development of their proposal. This course may not be repeated without special permission of department.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 4990
Credit Exclusion: PSYC 5010
Attribute: ARTS
This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca