¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

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Department of Psychology | ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Summer 2024

Psychology Honours

Bachelor of Arts

Declaration Requirements

Students who wish to pursue this honours program are first declared to the major program and, once certain course work and grade requirements are met, then the student may apply for declaration to the honours program.

To apply to the honours program, students must complete the application form located on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Psychology website.

Application deadline: June 1.

Note that applicants who meet the minimum declared requirements are not assured of program declaration. Declaration decisions are based on the student’s academic record, potential, and suitability for the program as assessed by a review of the application.

To be declared to this program, students must have the following

  • Declared into the psychology major
  • Completion of 75 units with a minimum CGPA of 3.33
  • Completion of 15 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV psychology units with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of PSYC 300 and PSYC 301* with a minimum grade of B
  • Approval and signature of a psychology faculty member willing to supervise the honours project
  • Submit a brief outline of their planned project
  • Tri-Council Ethics Certificate or the Animal Care Services training (depending on the nature of the project)

*If the applicant does not have PSYC 301 completed before the application deadline, the following additional requirements must be met

  • The applicant must have a letter from their supervisor acknowledging that the student will be completing PSYC 301 in the fall term, that if the student fails to achieve a minimum grade of B, he or she will be withdrawn from the honours program, and indicating agreement to supervise the student under these conditions
  • Have a UDGPA of at least 3.67
  • Enroll in PSYC 301 in the fall term concurrent with PSYC 490

Note that students are not guaranteed declaration to the honours program. If denied, the student can appeal through the Psychology Undergraduate Steering Committee. Appealing students would submit the following two documents to the undergraduate advisor within the two weeks of receiving the rejection letter

  • a letter of appeal
  • a letter of support from your supervisor

Continuation Requirements

To maintain enrollment in the honours program, the student must meet the following requirements

  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 CGPA for all courses taken each term
  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 CGPA for all Psychology courses taken each term
  • Complete PSYC 301 with a minimum grade of B
  • Satisfactory attendance at the graduate research seminar in the appropriate graduate area while enrolled in PSYC 490/499
  • Continuing permission of the primary honours supervisor

Students who do not meet the requirements may be withdrawn from the program, but may apply for declaration to the program the following year.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

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
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

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
Alyssa Croft
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4) *

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
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4) *

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Prerequisite: 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 FAN X99 taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV with a minimum grade of C (2.00). Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Dr. Matthew Sigal
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Scott Pai
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
Gamage Perera
Online
OP01 TBD

and one course from the following group A courses

PSYC 221 - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3)

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.

PSYC 280 - Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)

Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioural and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behaviour, 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 Instructor Day/Time Location
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one course from the following group B courses

PSYC 241 - Introduction to Psychological Disorders and Neurodiversity (3)

Introduces students to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include the definition and classification of pathological behaviour, factors involved in the development of pathology, and evaluation of therapy outcome. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

PSYC 250 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3)

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.

PSYC 260 - Introduction to Social Psychology (3)

Examines methodology and content in social psychology. Topics include: attitudes and values; social perception and cognition; group behaviour; social includence; prejudice, discrimination, and sexism; aggression; altruism, interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 102. Breadth-Social Sciences.

PSYC 268 - Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

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.

and a minimum of 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 minimum of 60 upper division units, of which 50 upper division Psychology units with a minimum psychology cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and psychology upper division CGPA of 3.0 (calculated on ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV PSYC courses only). These units must include

PSYC 300W - Critical Analysis of Issues in Psychology (4) *

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.

PSYC 301 - Intermediate Research Methods and Data Analysis (4) *

A continuation of PSYC 201 and 210. Provides extensions of the basic theory and methods of research design and data analysis. Includes discussions of the analysis of substantive problems, the choice of appropriate research designs, and special problems that arise in the analysis of psychological data. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 210 and a minimum CGPA of 2.67. Quantitative.

PSYC 308 - History and Systems of Modern Psychology (3)

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
Iris Gordon
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 490 - Honours Project (4) **

An in-depth investigation of a topic in psychology, culminating in a critical literature review and the formulation of a research proposal. Prerequisite: 75 units, PSYC 300 and 301, both with a minimum grade of 3.0, CGPA 3.33, and permission of the department.

PSYC 499 - Honours Project (9) **

The research proposed in PSYC 490 is executed and the results are written up in thesis format. Prerequisite: PSYC 490.

* required for program declaration

** together comprise the honours project and are completed only after completion of 90 units, with at least 20 units in upper division psychology courses

No more than nine Research Engagement or Directed Studies units may be applied to this program. No more than nine PSYC Field School units may be applied to this program.

Research Engagement Course

PSYC 393 - Research Engagement (0)

Students will engage in research activities to advance their understanding of the Psychology research process. The student will find a research supervisor and will meet at least bi-weekly with the supervisor. Workload will be equal to or greater than that of a regular course, with each credit corresponding to 3 hours of work in the lab; research activities will be determined by the supervisor. Students may repeat this course for further credit. Variable units: 1, 2, 3. Graded on a pass/fail. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 2.5, and permission of the department. Tri-council ethics certificate.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
TBD
TBD

Enrollment enables an individual to work with psychological research in consultation with the supervising instructor.

The minimum requirement is completion of the Tri-council ethics certificate, PSYC 201, 60 units, an upper division GPA of at least 2.5, and departmental permission. Research Engagement students complete an application form from the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Psychology website with the intended instructor. This course can be repeated for additional credit with the same or different instructor.

Directed Studies Courses

PSYC 493 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
PSYC 494 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
PSYC 495 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD

Enrollment enables an individual or small group to work with a faculty member on a reading or research project of mutual interest.

The minimum requirement is an upper division GPA of at least 3.00, at least 60 units and department permission. Directed studies students complete an application form from the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Psychology website with the intended instructor. Each Directed Studies course must be with a different 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 Honours Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) honours programs, students complete at least 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • students complete at least 60 upper division units, which must include at least 48 units in upper division courses in a Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences honours program; no more than 15 upper division units that have been transferred from another institution can be used toward this requirement
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • students complete lower division requirements for at least one Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences honours program
  • students are required to achieve an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 3.0, and an honours program CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 3.0

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; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) 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.