Psychology Courses
Department Website
www.douglascollege.ca/programs/psychology
PSYC 1100 An Introduction to Psychology I (3 credits)
Psychology 1100 provides an introduction to selected areas in the field of psychology. Emphasis is placed on psychology as a natural science (theories, methodology and statistics), and the focus is on the investigation of major basic psychological processes such as sensation, perception, learning, memory, consciousness, the biological foundations of behaviour, and life-span development.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall, Winter and Summer
PSYC 1110 Social Issues: Psychology of Women (3 credits)
This course will engage in a study of the experiences, realities, and possibilities of women's lives. It will explore both the psychological origins and psychological effects of the female role. This will be discussed through critical analysis grounded in and sensitive to the everyday life experience of women in industrialized societies. It will examine female diversity and development, focusing on marriage, family, work and aging.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 1120 Special Topic: Gender Relations (3 credits)
The focus of this course will be an examination of the biological, psychological and social determinants of gender differences. How gender operates at individual, interpersonal and cultural levels to structure people's lives will be examined. There will be an exploration of how language and social institutions frame the way people think about themselves and others.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 1130 Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to human development through an exploration of lifelong changes that occur from conception to death. Each stage of the life-cycle will be examined to assess biological, cognitive and social influences on human development. Also to be considered are the roles that social and cultural contexts play in development.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter
PSYC 1150 Academic and Professional Development in Psychology (3 credits)
This course is recommended for students who plan to complete a BA degree in Psychology. The course addresses four areas of academic and professional skill development. First, students will learn how to write papers and research reports using the writing and referencing style of the American Psychological Association (APA). Second, students will develop the necessary skills to construct interview questions and conduct effective interviews. Third, students will develop the research and critical thinking skills necessary to find, review, and evaluate research on given topics in psychology. Finally, students will learn to apply ethical guidelines and other practical skills to research in psychology.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1100
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 1200 An Introduction to Psychology II (3 credits)
Psychology 200 provides an introduction to selected areas in the field of psychology. The focus of the course is on the investigation of major psychological processes such as emotion, motivation, personality, psychological disorders, therapy and social behaviour. Emphasis is placed on psychology as a natural science (theories, methodology, statistics).
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1100
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall, Winter and Summer
PSYC 2207 An Introduction To Educational Psychology (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to concepts, theories, and research in educational psychology. The topics covered include cognitive development during the school years, learning theories, instructional approaches, motivation, assessment, and individual differences. This course is recommended for students who are interested in teaching or coaching school-aged children.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: None
Lecture: 4 hours per week
Offered: Fall or Winter, occasionally Summer
PSYC 2300 Data Analysis in Psychology (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the scientific approach and the development of knowledge in Psychology. Through class and lab activities, students learn how to design, carry out, analyze and report on their own research projects. Students learn the critical analytic skills to evaluate psychological research properly.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200 and Foundations of Math 11 OR Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" (or equivalent)
(Students who do not have the prerequisite should take DVST 0410, 0411 or 0412 or MATH 1101 or complete the PSYC 2300 Assessment Test. See Psychology Department, general information for more details.)
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter, occasionally Summer
Note: Students planning to transfer to SFU to major or minor in Psychology are advised to take PSYC 2300 before transferring, due to restrictions imposed by the SFU Psychology Department.
PSYC 2301 Research Methods in Psychology (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the scientific approach and the development of knowledge in Psychology. Through class and lab activities, students learn how to design, carry out, analyze and report on their own research projects. Students learn the critical analytical skills to evaluate psychological research properly.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 3; Laboratory:1
Offered: Fall and Winter, occasionally Summer
Note: Students planning to transfer to SFU to major or minor in Psychology are advised to take PSYC 2301 before transferring, due to restrictions imposed by the SFU Psychology Department.
PSYC 2315 Biological Bases of Behaviour (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student both to the variety of biological approaches to understanding behaviour and the research techniques used. After an introduction to basic neuroanatomy and to the development and evaluation of brain structure and function, various topics in biological psychology will be surveyed. These will include the communication and coding functions of nerve cells; the psychobiology of development and aging, of movement, of learning and memory and of internal motivational emotional states; the biological approaches to mental illness; and the behavioural effects of drugs, hormones and brain damage.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter
PSYC 2341 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Students are introduced to basic issues in the study of abnormal psychology and to a selection of mental disorders. Topics include the history of psychopathology, paradigms, classification, assessment, research methods, theories of etiology and approaches to treatment.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter, occasionally Summer
PSYC 2360 Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the psychology of cognition and is concerned with the methods and theories relevant to thinking and related processes. Concept formation, problem solving, reasoning, decision making and the relation of language to thought will be covered. The influence of individual differences, social factors, artificial intelligence and biology will be included as well as the practical applications of research in cognition.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3300 Applied Intermediate Research Methods and Data Analysis (3 credits)
This course expands on concepts learned in PSYC 2300 and 2301. Students learn how to choose, apply and analyze appropriate research designs using both data analysis and inferential statistics. Applied projects will allow students to gain experience with computer programs such as SPSS or Microsoft Excel. Topics may include ANOVA (both one- and two-way), correlation and the general linear model (bivariate and multivariate regression). Focus will be on the application of research designs along with interpretation and effective communication of research results.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200, PSYC 2300, PSYC 2301
Lecture: 3 hours per week/semester
Lab:1 hour per week/semester
Offered: Ooccasionally
PSYC 3301 Applied Organizational Research Methods (3 credits)
This course introduces students to research methods in applied organizational psychology and prepares them to design, implement and report organizational research that is based on these methods. The course focuses on the most commonly employed research methods, particularly organizational surveys, and critically examines issues related to the type of data, the analysis of the data, the effective presentation of the results and the interaction with organizational stakeholders. Students use widely available software tools to develop, design, analyze and report the results of their own applied research projects.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200, PSYC 2301
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Lab: 1 hour per week
Offered: OoccasionallyPSYC 3304 Health Psychology (3 credits)
This course provides a critical survey of the basic research findings and theory on the relation between psychological factors (including behaviour, emotion, cognition, personality and interpersonal relationships) and health. Topics include health-related behaviours such as smoking and drug use, the effect of stressful events on health and performance, methods for coping with stress, exercise psychology, the impact of chronic illness on the family and social support systems.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3308 History and Philosophy of Modern Psychology (3 credits)
This course examines the development of modern psychology from its founding to the present. Attention will be paid to the work of philosophers, physiologists, and physicists of the 17th to 19th centuries who influenced the beginnings of psychology in the late 19th century. The growth of psychology will be traced from its early focus on the study of sensation and human conscious experience, through the proliferation of schools, up to today’s diverse and complex discipline.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3309 Critical Issues in Psychology (3 credits)
This course covers critical historical and philosophical issues in the modern day practice of psychology. The purpose of the course is to help the student understand current critical debates in modern psychology by exploring their origin and the philosophical foundations upon which they rest.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200
Lecture: 80 percent
Online reading and discussion 20 percent
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3314 Psychology & Law (3 credits)
This general survey course provides an introduction to the study of psychology as it relates to the law. It will lead to a better understanding of criminal and civil issues that involve psychological perspectives; including a focus on psychological experts in court, child custody, law enforcement, victimology, violent offenders, risk assessments and treatment of forensic clinical populations.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4 hours per week
Offered: Fall or Winter
PSYC 3315 Human Neuropsychology (3 credits)
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between human brain function and behaviour. Students will gain an understanding of the nervous system with a focus on the structure and functional organization of the cerebral cortex.
Topics include sensory and motor systems and higher cortical functions such as language and memory.
The course also provides students with an introductory understanding of developmental disorders, acquired brain injury and dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disorders.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2315
Lecture: 4 hours per week
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3320 Child Behaviour and Development (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the process of development from conception to puberty. The major focuses are on developmental theory, descriptive changes in physical growth, cognition, language, social and emotional behaviour of children, and applications of the research and theory.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter
PSYC 3321 Adolescent Psychology (3 credits)
This course is a psychological study of the adolescent stage of life-span development. The major theories and research findings about adolescent development are examined with a view to understanding and addressing the life problems of North American adolescents. Emphasis is placed on the social-cultural context of this developmental stage.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3322 Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (3 credits)
In this course, students examine theory and research on age-related changes in adult physiology, sensory and perceptual abilities, cognition, memory, social relationships, social cognition, personality and mental and physical health. Current changing age-related demographics and their implications are presented. The course explores methods and findings within the psychology of aging, with an emphasis on optimal aging. Stereotypes and attitudes toward older individuals, as well as their effects, are discussed.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3330 An Introduction to Social Psychology (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the study of how people think, feel, and behave in social contexts, focusing on the problems and methods of social psychology at three levels: individual behaviour, interpersonal behaviour and group behaviour. Examples of the topics include: interpersonal attraction, perceptions of self and others, aggression, conformity, obedience, prejudice and pro-social behaviour.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter, occasionally Summer
PSYC 3331 Introduction to Personality (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to theory and research in personality. Students will examine such topics as the assessment of personality, personality development, biological processes and personality, health and personality, defence mechanisms, personality disorders and treatments aimed at modifying personality.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3340 Cultural Psychology (3 credits)
This course is an elective which is recommended for students majoring in Psychology, and for students in professional programs who intend to work in multicultural contexts. Cultural Psychology is largely a new discipline which challenges our understanding of human nature. Systematic research continues to show just how deeply cultural influences penetrate our psychology and shape the ways that people think. This course reviews the growing body of cultural research across a wide range of topics including self and personality, motivation, morality, emotions, reasoning, communication, mental health, interpersonal attraction and groups. The research is examined in the context of an analysis of the nature of culture and cultural socialization. Particular attention is paid to the research methods used in this field, and to the strength of evidence in support of each claim. Towards the end of the course, students are invited to consider how the research in Cultural Psychology can inform our approach to a variety of practical issues that have emerged in multicultural worlds. This is a writing intensive course in which students will be given guidance and detailed feedback on constructing clear essays that evaluate alternative perspectives using carefully reasoned arguments and evidence from high quality research.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 2 hours per week
Seminar: 2 hours per week
Offered: Fall or Winter, occasionally Summer
PSYC 3341 Drugs and Behaviour (3 credits)
This is an introductory course in psychopharmacology. Topics include the neurobiology of drug action and psychotropic drugs - their pharmacology, metabolism, interactions, adverse effects and therapeutic uses.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2315
Lecture: 4 hours per week
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3342 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)
This course will introduce the field of developmental psychopathology, which integrates developmental theory and research in psychology, in order to understand the origins and consequences of psychological problems. Perspectives on disordered behaviour will be followed by an investigation of various child and adolescent disorders. Topics will include anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism and childhood schizophrenia, and physical disorders.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3361 Social Cognition (3 credits)
This course will provide an overview of the field of social cognition. The focus of the course will be how people interpret, analyze, and remember information about themselves, others, and the social world around them. Topics include concept and schema formation, heuristics and biases, probabilistic reasoning, causal inference, the architecture of memory, automaticity and trait inference. Such processes are used to understand self-perception, emotions, goal-directed behaviour, impression formation, attitudes and persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice and cultural differences.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2330
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3365 The Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the psychology of learning and is concerned with the conditions, principles and theories of learning. Traditional behaviouristic approaches (including Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning) and contemporary learning theories will be covered. The influences of biology and cognitive factors as well as the practical applications of the principles of learning will be included.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3370 The Psychology of Memory (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the psychology of memory. It is concerned with the nature of human memory, how the memory system works, what we remember and why we forget. Various theoretical formulations regarding memory processes will be examined, relevant empirical evidence will be assessed, and practical applications of this research will be considered.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3375 Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
This course surveys the major theories and techniques of contemporary counselling and psychotherapy and explores topics such as evidence-based practice, culture and diversity, and common factors important to successful therapy. This course helps prepare students who are considering advanced study in counselling and psychotherapy.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200, PSYC 2341
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3385 Evolutionary Psychology (3 credits)
Students are introduced to the study of behaviour and mental processes from an evolutionary perspective. The methods and research of Evolutionary Psychology will be emphasized. The course begins with a thorough overview of Darwin's theory of natural selection and the formation of adaptations. From there, various topics will be investigated including cooperation and altruism, competition and aggression, sexual selection and mating strategies, life histories and development, parental care and family relations, and culture.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1200 and PSYC 2301
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 3390 Applications of Psychological Knowledge (Service Learning and Research) 3 credits
This seminar-based course exposes students to the various areas in the workforce within which psychology theory and research is applied. Students gain experience and competence through service learning opportunities with community agencies or research organizations.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: Admission to Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology Program or Department permission.
Seminar: Supervised Practical Experience
Seminar: 1 hour per week/semester
Service Learning: 45 hours/semester
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 4360 Psychological Assessment (3 credits)
This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles guiding the psychological assessment process, across the range of current applications. The historical-cultural context and relevant ethical principles are considered. Psychological assessment is presented as an integrative and multi-method process which includes structured tests. Key issues of reliability, validity and utility will be addressed. Applications in education and training, forensic, workplace, health care, clinical and counseling, and rehabilitation contexts will be considered, with an overview of current assessment practices.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2300
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 4370 Counselling Skills Fundamentals (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to counselling interviewing skills. The topics covered include the helping relationship, the helping process and the communication skills required in the therapeutic dialogue. Students are expected to self disclose and engage in self-exploration, as the bulk of the course will focus on using counselling skills with fellow classmates. This course is recommended for students who are interested in human service professions such as criminology, teaching, coaching, nursing, human resources and counseling/clinical psychology.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200
Lecture
Skills semonstration and practice
4 hours per week/semester
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 4373 Vocational Assessment and Counselling (3 credits)
An introduction to vocational assessment and counselling. Included will be a review of major theoretical models, assessment strategies for internal (aptitudes, interests, values) and external (qualification, availability, compensation) factors and the counselling process directed at facilitating career decision-making. Principles of effective written communication of assessments will be outlined. Relevant ethical guidelines will be considered, as will the needs of special populations and settings.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200
Lecture: 4
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 4375 Clinical Psychology (3 credits)
This course examines both professional issues and selected topics in clinical psychology. Selected topics include, but are not limited to, educational and training requirements, history, professional ethics, research designs and issues, principles of clinical assessment and psychological treatment, and how to become a clinical psychologist. The focus will be on the practice of clinical psychology in Canada but occasionally comparisons will other countries will be made.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2341
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Occasionally
PSYC 4390 Honours Seminar (3 credits)
This seminar course is designed for students who wish to progress to post-graduate studies. Topics may include developing research ideas, research ethics, graduate school application and the peer review process. Students have the opportunity to present and receive feedback on their honours thesis proposal.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology Honours Program or Department permission
Lecture: Seminar
Number of contact hours: per week/semester: 3
Offered: occasionally
PSYC 5001 Mental Health Services & Systems:History and Trends (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction and overview of the history and current trends in mental health services and programs.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2341 and PSYC 3341
Offered in hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction three hours per week/semester
Offered: Fall
PSYC 5002 Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the principles, values and philosophy of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR). Research on PSR and other therapeutic approaches is presented and evaluated.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Offered in hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction three hours per week/semester
Offered: Fall
PSYC 5003 Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioners Competencies (3 credits)
This course identifies and develops the basic competencies required by practitioners to provide PSR services.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5001 and PSYC 5002
Offered in hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction three hours per week/semester
Offered: Winter
PSYC 5004 Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Best & Promising Practices (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth examination of evidence-based best and promising PSR practices.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Offered in hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction three hours per week/semester
Offered: Winter
PSYC 5005 Seminar & Practicum Psychosocial Rehabilitation (3 credits)
This is a supervised practicum and seminar which provides students with direct experience in assessing needs and planning, implementing and evaluating PSR interventions and approaches.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5001 and PSYC 5002 and PSYC 5003 and PSYC 5004
Offered in hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction three hours per week/semester
Offered: Spring/Summer