Department of Psychology, College of Social Science

The discipline of Psychology is normally associated with the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the health professions. Specialization in Psychology at Guelph is available as a B.A. honours program major, a B.A. honours program major (co-op), and as an honours specialization in the B.Sc. program (described in the schedule of studies for B.Sc. programs). Through its different undergraduate programs, the Psychology Department attempts to provide a) a broad general education emphasizing psychological theory and methodology, with an empirical basis in course work (e.g.. experiments and projects); b) an appropriate background in psychology for those who leave the University with an undergraduate degree to embark on careers in related areas (e.g. social services); and c) a sound preparation for graduate study in psychology. Students intending to apply for admission to graduate programs in Psychology are advised to refer to the Graduate Advisory Note.

A cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology is required to enter or continue in the Honours Psychology program major in semesters 5, 6, 7, and 8.

NOTE ON HONOURS COURSES: Courses marked (H) are designed for students in a Honours Psychology program or the Information Systems and Human Behaviour program. Students in other programs wishing to take these courses must obtain the permission of the instructors concerned. Courses not designated as (H) are open to all students having the prerequisites. The department also offers an array of elective courses beyond the minimum required by the Honours Psychology program (sees Section XII, Description of Courses).

Psychology Core Requirements

However, students should take the 300 level methodology courses 80-332(H), Statistical Principles in Psychological Research and 80-3371/2(H), Research Methods, as early as possible, even though 4 core courses may not have been taken.

80-231 Introduction to Social Psychology

80-233 Principles of Learning

80-239 Principles of Sensation and Perception

80-241 Behavioural Basis of Neuroscience, I

80-245 Introduction to Developmental Psychology

80-265 Introduction to Cognitive Processes

80-274 Personality

80-110 Principles of Behaviour

80-120 Dynamics of Behaviour

Six of the 200 level Psychology core courses.

80-201 Quantification in Psychology (80-201 should normally be completed by the end of semester 3)

80-236 Introductory Research Methods (80-236 should normally be completed by the end of semester 5)

OR

80-3371/2 Research Methods (H) (80-236 is not intended for students contemplating proceeding to a graduate program in Psychology, as they should complete 80-3371/2 Research Methods, normally available as a Fall-Winter sequence to be completed during semester 5 and 6. See Graduate Advisory Note.)

80-325 Psychological Measurement (H)

80-332 Statistical Principles in Psychological Research (H) (80-332 should normally be completed by the end of semester 4. Note that 80-332 is a prerequisite for 80-3371/2)

80-437 History of Psychology (H)

OR

80-490 Psychology Seminar (H)

Three additional courses at the 300 level or above. (Students electing to take 80-3371/2 will need to select only one additional 300 level or above elective in order to satisfy this requirement. See Graduate Advisory Note.)

Two additional psychology courses at the 400 level. (See Graduate Advisory Note.)

Note also the regulations of the B.A. program that govern the number of courses that must be taken at the 300 level or above (see B.A. Program Regulations). With permission of the Psychology Department PRIOR to course selection, up to 2 non-psychology courses that would enhance the student's studies in Psychology, especially in preparation for post-graduate work, may be credited towards the total number of courses required for graduation in the honours program major in Psychology.

Graduate Advisory Note:

Most graduate programs require the student to have at least a B+ average in order to be considered for admission. Students contemplating graduate work in Psychology are strongly advised to complete the major by completing one 300 level or above elective and one 400 level elective beyond 80-487 and 80-4881:2 which would otherwise satisfy the 300-400 level elective requirement for the major.

1. 80-3371/2 in lieu of 80-236
2. one additional 300 level or higher psychology elective
3. 80-487 and 80-4881:2
4. one additional 400 level psychology elective
5. additional electives in the intended field of graduate specialization

1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar X--Degree Programs Bachelor of Arts--B.A.