University of Guelph 1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions


Psychology

Department of Psychology

Students wishing to take a 200, 300 or 400 level course without having completed the appropriate prerequisites, must receive permission of the instructor who will determine whether the student has the required background for the course. Students in all psychology courses will be encouraged to participate in the on-going research of the department.

Honours Courses: courses marked (H) are designed for students in a psychology honours 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. Unless otherwise specified, all other courses may be taken by general, honours, and students from other programs, providing the prerequisites are met.

Psychology Core: courses marked (C) are Psychology core courses. Students registered in psychology programs are advised to complete at least [2.00] credits of the psychology core at the 200 level prior to attempting any 300 level psychology credit other than80-332 and 80-3371/2.

For courses without semester designations, please check with the department. The remaining courses will normally be offered as indicated. Advance schedules are available in the department.

80-110 Principles of Behaviour S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

Experimental methods for the study of behaviour. The physiological basis of behaviour, sensory processes and perception. Motivation, learning and memory. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Course Profile

80-120 Dynamics of Behaviour S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

Experimental methods for psychological research. Human development, intelligence, thinking and language; personality and behaviour pathology; social psychology. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Course Profile

80-201 Quantification in Psychology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to psychological measurement and to statistical principles in psychological research. The course emphasizes descriptive statistics and introduces concepts and techniques of hypothesis testing. Cannot be taken for credit by students with credit in a 200 level or above course in statistics.

Prerequisites: 80-110 or 80-120.
Course Profile

80-231 Introduction to Social Psychology S,F,W(3-0) (C) [0.50]

The content and research methods of social psychology will be explored in lectures and seminars. Content includes social perception, attraction, group dynamics, leadership, conflict and cooperation, attitude change, aggression and conformity. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Prerequisites: 80-120.
Course Profile

80-233 Principles of Learning F,W(2-2) (C) [0.50]

An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of classical and instrumental conditioning paradigms of learning, via lectures, demonstrations and student projects. Some student projects may involve laboratory practice on animal conditioning.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120.
Course Profile

80-236 Introductory Research Methods S,F,W(2-2) (C) [0.50]

The application of scientific method in psychological experiments with laboratory demonstration.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120, (80-201 or 89-204).
Course Profile

80-239 Principles of Sensation and Perception F,W(2-2) (C) [0.50]

The course objective is to consider the processes of sensory inputs and perception. Approaches ranging from psychophysiology and cognitive psychology to physiology and anatomy will be used. In considering the psychology of sensation and perception, some of the anatomical and physiological aspects of selected senses will be covered in detail and the roles of experience, organization of inputs, and theories of perception are discussed. Topics to be emphasized will vary with the instructor, but may include ontogenetic development, learning, and modification of inputs and their perception. Students will participate in laboratory demonstrations and experiments.

Prerequisites: 80-110.
Course Profile

80-241 Behavioural Basis of Neuroscience, I F,W(2-2) (C) [0.50]

A general introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. The physiological basis of sensory (input) systems and the motor (output) system are examined as are central physiological bases of processes such as arousal and emotion. Laboratory demonstrations and exercises may be included.

Prerequisites: 80-110.
Course Profile

80-245 Introduction to Developmental Psychology F,W(3-0) (C) [0.50]

An introduction to and an analysis of the major theories of developmental psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the processes of development in the child including physical growth, perception, cognition, personality and interactions with the social environment. The application of developmental psychology to educational and social issues will be discussed.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120.
Course Profile

80-265 Introduction to Cognitive Processes S,F,W(2-2) (C) [0.50]

An introduction to cognitive processes, including topics in the areas of attention, memory, language and reasoning. Students will be exposed to and participate in laboratory demonstrations and experiments.

Prerequisites: 80-110.
Course Profile

80-274 Personality S,F,W(3-0) (C) [0.50]

A review of the theory, assessment procedures and research findings pertinent to major personality constructs. Personality research, methodology and design will also be covered. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120.
Course Profile

80-302 Psychology of Law (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of psychological methods, findings and theories in the study of law. Topics will include the fallibility of the eyewitness; juror decisional processes; credibility of witnesses and attorneys; socialization into legal systems, police behaviour, etc.

Prerequisites: 80-231. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-303 Behavioural Aspects of Drug Action (3-0) [0.50]

An introduction, for social scientists, to the role of biochemical events as they relate to the prediction and control of behaviour. Emphasis is given to the basic principles of drug action, chemical neuro-transmission and the characteristics of behavioral pharmacology.

Prerequisites: 80-110, (80-241 or 72-300 or 72-301). (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-304 Current Issues in Neuropsychology (3-0) [0.50]

Major areas of applied brain research and clinical aspects of brain function will be covered. Emphasis will be given to the analysis of psychological deficits following brain damage and to selected aspects of mental retardation.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-241. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-306 Occupational Health Psychology F,W,S(3-0) [0.50]

The relationship between work, employment and both psychological and physical well-being. The promotion of workplace health through public policy and workplace intervention.

Prerequisites: 80-201 or relevant experience. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-325 Psychological Measurement (3-0) (H) [0.50]

An introduction to the theory of psychological measurement and measurement procedures presently used in psychology. Coverage will include such topics as reliability, validity, test construction; and the measurement of ability, personality, attitudes, interest and achievement.

Prerequisites: 80-201. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-330 Topics in the Psychology of Women (3-0) [0.50]

The course will examine the psychology of the female from its historical-theoretical origins to its present status as an area of research.

Prerequisites: 80-120, and at least [1.0] credits of the psychology core. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-331 Applied Social Psychology (3-0) [0.50]

A number of applied issues will be examined from a social psychological perspective. These may include aggression, prejudice, helping, mental illness, crime and addiction. The format will consist of reading, discussion and research/field projects.

Prerequisites: 80-231. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-332 Statistical Principles in Psychological Research F,W(2-2) (H) [0.50]

The course emphasizes inferential tests applied to psychological research. Topics will include: t-tests, analysis of variance, multiple correlation and regression and selected topics in non-parametric statistics. Laboratory sessions will cover statistical application exercises in psychological research.

Prerequisites: 80-201.
Course Profile

80-333 Human Memory (3-1) [0.50]

An examination of theoretical and empirical studies of the psychological nature of the acquisition, storage and retrieval of information. Students will be exposed to and participate in laboratory demonstrations and experiments.

Prerequisites: 80-265. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-334 Psycholinguistics (3-1) [0.50]

An introduction to the conceptions of the structure of language as they relate to processes underlying the acquisition, production, perception and understanding of speech, and to empirical studies that bear on these conceptions. Students will be exposed to and participate in laboratory demonstrations and experiments.

Prerequisites: 80-265. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-3371/2 Research Methods F(1-4)/W(1-4) (H) [1.00]

This is a course in design, implementation and data analysis techniques in psychological research, the interpretation of data, the evaluation of research plans and the writing of research reports. Students design and carry out small research projects. This is a course for honours psychology students, particularly those who intend to do graduate studies in psychology. This is a two-semester course. When you select it you will be assigned to 80-3371 in the Fall semester and 80-3372 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned in 80-3371 until 80-3372 has been completed.

Prerequisites: (80-110 or 80-120), (80-201 or 89-204), (80-332 or 89-205), 80-236 .
Course Profile

80-339 Abnormal Psychology (3-0) [0.50]

Current theory and research in the field of abnormal psychology will be examined in terms of various models (biological, behavioral, social and psychodynamic). Selected topics may include: stress and anxiety, affective disorders, schizophrenia, psychophysiological and personality disorders, and mental health.

Prerequisites: 80-274. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-341 Behavioural Basis of Neuroscience II (2-2) [0.50]

This course will focus on contemporary research and theory related to such selected topics as physiological correlates of memory, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, sensory and motor functions. Both the central and peripheral components of the nervous system will be examined in relation to the above. Laboratory demonstrations, exercises and projects may be included.

Prerequisites: 80-241. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-343 Topics in the Psychology of Learning (3-0) [0.50]

The study of current research topics in operant and Pavlovian conditioning as well as an intensive reevaluation of the fundamental issues introduced in 80-233.

Prerequisites: 80-233. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-344 Cognitive Development (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of theory and research pertaining to children's intellectual development. Topics include children's learning and the development of perception, memory, thinking, and language.

Prerequisites: 39-227 or 80-245. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-345 Social and Personality Development (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of research, methodological issues, and theories concerning personality-social development. Topics may include temperament, imitation, parent-child interaction, and the development of attachments, sex-roles, morality, aggression, and pro-social behaviour.

Prerequisites: 39-227 or 80-245. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-346 Abnormal Development (3-0) [0.50]

Theory, research, and aspects of current practice concerning abnormal psychological development in childhood and adolescence.

Prerequisites: 80-344 or 80-345. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-348 Psychology of Sport (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of individual and group behaviour in physical activities and sports. Emphasis will be placed on understanding psychological concepts which are pertinent to sports, e.g., motivation, social and personality development, cognition, leadership and group dynamics.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120, (80-231, 80-274). (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-350 Approaches in the Study of Social Interactions (3-0) (H) [0.50]

The course concentrates on social interactions in small groups and dyads. Selected topics will be examined through reading, discussion and student projects. Topics may include: leadership, problem-solving, T-groups, social comparison, friendship, love, privacy, self and identity, nonverbal communication.

Prerequisites: 80-231. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-351 Industrial-Organizational Psychology (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of current theories and practices in industrial and organizational psychology. Selected topics may include problems of motivation and morale, studies of performance, organizational analysis, assessment of the work environment, personnel selection, operations research and systems theory.(Also offered through distance education format.)

Prerequisites: 80-120. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-352 Political Psychology (3-0) [0.50]

A social psychological examination of collective behaviours, social movements, and social (policy) change, emphasizing the development and impact of mass media, and relationships with individual, collective and political violence.

Prerequisites: 80-231 (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-357 The Psychology of Death and Dying (3-0) [0.50]

An examination of theory, research, and issues in the psychology of death and dying. Emphasis is upon the cognitive operations used to process information about death and the influence of death constructs in daily life. Topics include the development of death concepts throughout the life-span, death anxiety in society, the needs of the dying person, the psychology of grieving, and unexpected losses such as deaths by suicide or miscarriage. (Offered through Distance Education format only.)

Prerequisites: 80-231 or 80-274 or 80-245 or work experience in related fields or permission of the instructor. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-366 Contemporary Psychology (3-0) [0.50]

Some current developments in psychology. Topics will vary with the interests of faculty members assigned to the course and will be announced prior to the course selection period

Prerequisites: previous study related to the topic area. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-369 Community Psychology and Community Mental Health (3-0) (H) [0.50]

An introduction to the principles and practices of community mental health and community psychology. The course deals with the application of public health concepts to the field of mental health, the epidemiology of mental disorder in the community, the design and evaluation of preventive programs for populations at risk of illness, and the creation of alternatives to institutional treatment of the mentally ill. Several field visits to community mental health programs will be arranged. This course should be of special interest to students who have worked in a human service organization.

Prerequisites: 80-231. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-371 Psychology of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities I F(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of current theories regarding learning difficulties and disabilities in educational settings. Emphasis will be placed on cognitive, social and motivational factors associated with learning problems and on behavioral and educational remedial approaches.

Prerequisites: 39-227 or 80-245. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-372 Psychology of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities II W(3-0) [0.50]

Continuation of 80-371. Students will develop and report on a systematic remedial project involving an underachieving school-age child.

Prerequisites: 80-371. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-374 Personality and Individual Differences (3-0) (H) [0.50]

An examination of methodological and research issues in personality and individual differences. Emphasis will be placed on a critical analysis of the current controversies in the area.

Prerequisites: 80-201, 80-274. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-380 Psychology and Education (3-0) [0.50]

The application of psychological principles and techniques to the study of the educational process.

Prerequisites: 80-110, (80-120 or 39-227). (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-385 Mental Retardation (3-0) [0.50]

This course covers applied and theoretical aspects of mental retardation, and lays a foundation for work in the area of mental retardation.

Prerequisites: 39-227 or 80-245. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-390 Psychology Research Internship F,W,S(0-6) [0.50]

This course provides an experiential learning opportunity through the active participation of the student in a faculty member's ongoing research program. It is expected that students will develop a broader appreciation of the relationship between knowledge, theory and research while acquiring basic skills in research methodologies and modes of inquiry. The course will require involvement in both the practice and reporting of research. The student must consult the supervisory faculty member before selecting or registering for the course.

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120, 80-201 and at least [1.00] credit at the 200 level of the psychology core.
Course Profile

80-391 Psychology Externship F,W,S(0-6) [0.50]

An independent program of study formally integrating the student's academic study with 1 or more work experiences, to be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty (normally the department's co-op coordinator) prior to registration in the course. The course is normally to be taken concurrently with the student's employment, with the course projects preferably aimed at making a significant contribution to the work setting. The student must consult the supervisory faculty before selecting or registering for the course. (Enrolment is limited. Not open to co-op students.)

Prerequisites: 80-110, 80-120, 80-201 and at least [1.0] credit at the 200 level of the psychology core.
Course Profile

80-431 Advanced Topics in Social Psychology (3-0) (H) [0.50]

An in-depth examination of specific advances in social psychological research, theory, and/or applications. Specific topics, to be announced prior to course selection, will vary according to the interests of the instructor of the course.

Prerequisites: 80-331, 80-350. (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-437 History of Psychology (3-0) (H) [0.50]

The historical roots of modern psychology.

Prerequisites: [4.00] credits in psychology, with at least [1.00] at the 300 level or above.
Course Profile

80-440 Contemporary Issues in Basic and Applied Perception and Cognition. (2-2) (H) [0.50]

This course will examine recent research developments in the area through a seminar and/or laboratory approach. Selected topics may include pattern recognition, perceptual learning and development, information processing.

Prerequisites: (80-236 or 80-3371), (80-239 or 80-265 or 80-342). (See also psychology core statement.)
Course Profile

80-444 Contemporary Issues in Child Development (2-2) (H) [0.50]

This course is primarily designed for students in the Psychology program whose special interests are developmental. Students will examine theoretical and methodological issues in a specific area of developmental psychology. The course will involve detailed evaluation of selected studies and when appropriate, student research projects.

Prerequisites: (80-236 or 80-3371/2), (80-344 or 80-345).
Course Profile

80-450 Current Theoretical Issues in Psychology S,F,W(3-0) (H) [0.50]

An independent program of study in topics of current theoretical import in psychology, to be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty member before the student may select or register for the course.

Prerequisites: [4.00] credits in psychology, with at least [1.00] at the 300 level or above.
Course Profile

80-451 Current Issues in Experimental Psychology S,F,W(0-6) (H) [0.50]

An independent program of study in experimental problems of psychology of current interest, to be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty member before the student may select or register for the course.

Prerequisites: [4.00] credits in psychology, with at least [1.00] at the 300 level or above.
Course Profile

80-475 Motivation (3-0) (H) [0.50]

This course examines the topics of motivation and emotion from various subdisciplinary perspectives, adopting a senior seminar format and problem-centred approach.

Prerequisites: 6 of the 7 psychology core courses plus 80-236 or 80-3371/2.
Course Profile

80-476 Seminar in Personality and Individual Differences (3-0) (H) [0.50]

A course in personality and individual differences intended primarily for honours students in psychology. An in-depth examination of specific advances in the field. Specific topics, to be announced prior to course selection, will vary according to the interests of the instructor of the course.

Prerequisites: 80-274, (80-325 or 80-374).
Course Profile

80-487 Honours Thesis I (formerly: ) F(3-0) (H) [0.50]

Under individual faculty supervision, students plan, develop, and write a research proposal and prepare an extensive review paper on their area of research. Group sessions are held on research ethics, subject protocols and computer data handling techniques.

Prerequisites: 80-3371/2 and a 70% psychology average across (80-201 or 89-204), (80-332 or 89-205), 80-3371/2 at the time of registration.
Course Profile

80-488 Honours Thesis II W(2-10) (H)) [1.00]

A continuation of 80-487. Students conduct research and write an undergraduate thesis under the direction of a faculty member. This course is intended for students in the honours program.

Prerequisites: 80-487 and a 70% psychology average across (80-201 or 89-204), (80-332 or 89-205), 80-3371/2, 80-487 at the time of registration.
Formerly: 80-4881:2
Course Profile

80-490 Psychology Seminar (3-0) (H) [0.50]

Student seminars and discussions will be organized around theoretical and substantive issues in the discipline of psychology. A major objective is to assist advanced undergraduate students to achieve a degree of synthesis of materials studied in their previous psychology courses. (see also psychology core statement.)

Prerequisites: [4.00] credits in psychology, with at least [1.00] at the 300 level or above.
Course Profile

80-491 Co-operative Education Project I S,F,W(0-6) (H) [0.50]

An independent program of study formally integrating the student's academic study with 1 or more work experiences provided by the co-operative education program, to be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisory faculty. The course is normally to be taken concurrently with a co-operative education work term, with the project preferably aimed at making a significant contribution to the work setting.

Prerequisites: 2 co-operative education work terms.
Course Profile


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
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For general calendar inquiries contact: sdorr@registrar.uoguelph.ca

For Admission inquiries contact: jphippen@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Last revised: March 16 1998.