Psychology Major
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements
To be admitted to this program, students must complete
- PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology I (3)
- PSYC 102 Introduction to Psychology II (3)
- PSYC 210 Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)
and must obtain a final course grade of C (2.0) or better in
- PSYC 201W Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)
Course Selection
Students should complete PSYC 100, 102 and 201 as soon as possible to gain better access to upper division PSYC courses. Students who plan a major in psychology should also complete PSYC 210 and 300 as soon as possible.
The department strongly recommends that students do not leave any of these required courses to the end of their degree. If a student is unable to obtain the required grade in PSYC 201, he or she will not be able to graduate with a major in psychology.
To enrol in psychology courses, students are required to meet the prerequisites or special instructions that may be stipulated for each. The listed prerequisites indicate the minimal background expected by instructors. See PSYC courses for details.
The department reserves one hundred per cent of all 300 and 400 division PSYC courses for approved psychology major, minor or honours students. Those who are not approved cannot enrol in these upper division courses until the open enrolment date.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete all of
Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
George Alder |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Sherrie Atwood |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Recommended: PSYC 100 is recommended but not required. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Russell Day |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Trishia Coburn |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Distance Education | |||
Gordon Rose |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D113 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D114 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Should be completed by majors and honours before the end of term 4. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W and BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or better. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Matthew Sigal |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Joe Thompson |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D901 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D902 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one course from the following group A courses
Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Tom Spalek |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioral and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behavior, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: BISC 101. Breadth-Science.
Section | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|
Distance Education |
and one course from the following group B courses
Introduces students to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include the definition and classification of pathological behavior, factors involved in the development of pathology, and evaluation of therapy outcome. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sarah Farstad |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michelle Kline |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines methodology and content in social psychology. Topics include: attitudes and values; social perception and cognition; group behavior; social includence; prejudice, discrimination, and sexism; aggression; altruism, interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 102. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Lara Aknin |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The role and influence of psychology in the legal system will be discussed. Topics include: social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, mental disability and law. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Distance Education | |||
Ronald Roesch |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
and one additional course from either group A or group B (see above).
* with a final course grade of C (2.0) or better
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a total of 30 upper division units with a minimum psychology cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and psychology upper division CGPA of 2.0 (calculated on ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV PSYC courses only), and which includes
Trains students to evaluate critically important issues from the main areas of Psychology (e.g., Cognitive and Neural, Clinical, Developmental, History, Quantitative and Theoretical, Law and Psychology, Social)and to communicate their ideas clearly in written form. The content may vary in different offerings of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Gordon Rose |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines the development of modern psychology from the founding of the first laboratories in the late 19th century to the present. The development and revisions of the major theoretical systems of psychology are examined from a comparative and critical perspective. Prerequisite: PSYC 201. Students with credit for PSYC 207 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Timothy Racine |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Joe Thompson |
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and an additional 23 upper division PSYC units. No more than six directed studies units may be applied to the program. A minimum of 15 upper division psychology units must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.
* with a final course grade of C- (1.67) or better
Directed Studies Courses
Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
Enrolment enables an individual or small group to work with a faculty member on a reading or research project of mutual interest. Common reasons for a student requesting such a course are
- to continue a reading or research project begun in a 400 division seminar
- to cover material not included in regular courses
The minimum requirement is a B (3.0) average, at least 60 units and department permission. Directed studies students complete an application form (available at ) with the intended instructor.
Letters of Permission
See Courses at Other Institutions/Letters of Permission for information. The department does not normally approve letters of permission for enrolled ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV students to complete PSYC 201, 210 and 301 at a different institution. Such permission may be granted for other courses. Enquire of the psychology undergraduate advisor.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.