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Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

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Psychology (PSYC)

Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

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 and minor and a B.A. General program area of concentration, all of which are described below, as well as a B.A. Honours program Co-op major (PSYC:C).

Through its different undergraduate programs, the Psychology Department provides: 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; and c) a sound preparation for graduate study in Psychology. Students intending to apply to Psychology graduate programs, and those who want a structured, intensive research experience, may apply to enrol in the Honours Thesis courses (See Option B – Honours Thesis Stream). In addition, students intending to apply for admission to graduate programs in Psychology should note most graduate programs require the applicant to have at least an A- average in order to be considered for admission.

Note on Honours Courses

Courses designated with (H) are for students in Psychology Honours programs. These include: B.A. Honours Psychology (PYSC, PYSC;C) major or minor and the Neuroscience (NEUR) major or minor. A cumulative average of at least 70% in all course attempts in Psychology , NEUR major or minor, or PBC major or minor is required to enrol in H designated courses.

Advising Note

We advise students to take PSYC*1000 In their first semester and PSYC*1010 and PSYC*1500 in their second semester

The maximum number of PSYC credits students can take at each level is as follows:

  • 1000 level courses: no cap

  • 2000 level courses: 3.50 credits

  • 3000 level courses: 3.50 credits

  • 4000 level courses: 3.00 credits

Area of Concentration (General Program)

A total of 6.00 credits are required for the Psychology Area of Concentration.

Year 1

Students must complete 1.50 credits at the 1000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*1000 [0.50] Introduction to Psychology
PSYC*1010 [0.50] Making Sense of Data in Psychological Research
PSYC*1500 [0.50] Foundational Skills for Psychology
Year 2

Students must complete 2.50 credits at the 2000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*2070 [0.50] Teams, Leadership, and Professional Behaviour
PSYC*2360 [0.50] Psychological Methods and Statistics

One of:

PSYC*2330 [0.50] Principles of Learning
PSYC*2390 [0.50] Sensation and Perception
PSYC*2410 [0.50] Behavioural Neuroscience I
PSYC*2650 [0.50] Cognitive Psychology

Two of:

PSYC*2020 [0.50] Abnormal Psychology
PSYC*2310 [0.50] Social Psychology
PSYC*2450 [0.50] Developmental Psychology
PSYC*2740 [0.50] Personality
Year 3

Students must complete 1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*3470 [0.50] Putting Psychology to Work
1.00 additional credit in PSYC at the 3000 level.

Finally, students are required to take an additional 0.50 credit in PSYC at the 2000 level or above.

Major (Honours Program)

A total of 9.00 credits are required for the Psychology major BAH.

Year 1

Students must complete 1.50 credits at the 1000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*1000 [0.50] Introduction to Psychology
PSYC*1010 [0.50] Making Sense of Data in Psychological Research
PSYC*1500 [0.50] Foundational Skills for Psychology
Year 2

Students must complete 3.00 credits at the 2000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*2070 [0.50] Teams, Leadership, and Professional Behaviour
PSYC*2360 [0.50] Psychological Methods and Statistics

Two of:

PSYC*2330 [0.50] Principles of Learning
PSYC*2390 [0.50] Sensation and Perception
PSYC*2410 [0.50] Behavioural Neuroscience I
PSYC*2650 [0.50] Cognitive Psychology

Two of:

PSYC*2020 [0.50] Abnormal Psychology
PSYC*2310 [0.50] Social Psychology
PSYC*2450 [0.50] Developmental Psychology
PSYC*2740 [0.50] Personality
OPTION A - HONOURS REGULAR STREAM
Year 3

Students must complete 3.00 credits at the 3000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*3000 [0.50] Historical and Critical Perspectives on Psychology
PSYC*3250 [0.50] Psychological Measurement
PSYC*3290 [0.50] Conducting Statistical Analyses in Psychology
1.50 additional credit in Psychology at 3000 level.
Year 4

Students must complete 1.50 credits at the 4000 level in Psychology, including

PSYC*4540 [1.00] Practical Applications of Psychology
0.50 additional credit in Psychology at 4000 level.
OPTION B – HONOURS THESIS STREAM

The Honours Thesis stream is recommended for students considering graduate work, as most graduate programs in Psychology expect that students will have completed an undergraduate thesis or equivalent. The two honours thesis courses (PSYC*4870 and 4880) are normally taken in a Fall-Winter sequence. Registration for these courses requires Department approval, which is normally granted to those students whose academic performance meets the minimum admission requirements of Psychology graduate programs.

Year 3

Students must complete 2.50 credits at the 3000 level in Psychology, including:

PSYC*3000 [0.50] Historical and Critical Perspectives on Psychology
PSYC*3250 [0.50] Psychological Measurement
PSYC*3290 [0.50] Conducting Statistical Analyses in Psychology
1.0 additional credit in Psychology at 3000 level.
Year 4

Students must complete 2.00 credits at the 4000 level in Psychology, comprised of:

PSYC*4780 [0.50] Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
PSYC*4870 [0.50] Honours Thesis I
PSYC*4880 [1.00] Honours Thesis II
Note: Students should note that the Honours Thesis courses are normally taken in a Fall-Winter sequence and are worth the equivalent of 1.50 credits toward the 20.00 credits Honours B.A. degree requirements.

Minor (Honours Program)

(May not be taken in combination with a Psychology Honours Major)

A total of 5.00 credits are required for the Psychology Minor, including:

PSYC*1000 [0.50] Introduction to Psychology
PSYC*1010 [0.50] Making Sense of Data in Psychological Research
PSYC*2360 [0.50] Psychological Methods and Statistics

An additional 2.00 credits selected from the following:

PSYC*2020 [0.50] Abnormal Psychology
PSYC*2310 [0.50] Social Psychology
PSYC*2330 [0.50] Principles of Learning
PSYC*2390 [0.50] Sensation and Perception
PSYC*2410 [0.50] Behavioural Neuroscience I
PSYC*2450 [0.50] Developmental Psychology
PSYC*2650 [0.50] Cognitive Psychology
PSYC*2740 [0.50] Personality

An additional 1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Psychology.

Note: There is a maximum number of Psychology credits a student may complete. Please refer to the major for further information.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120