Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

Psychology is a multi-faceted discipline that includes an exciting array of career options. The Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology is designed to offer focus and direction to prospective psychology majors and minors.

When successfully completed, the general and specific requirements will prepare students for entry into the third-year level of most university psychology programs. However, students are responsible to confirm their selection of university transfer courses with their chosen university destinations as first-year and second-year requirements can vary slightly from institution to institution.

The Psychology department at Langara College has a comprehensive selection of psychology offerings. Courses range from surveys of fundamental concepts to in-depth investigations of human behaviour.

CURRICULUM

Within the framework of the general requirements of the Associate of Arts Degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits including:

Courses Credits
All of
PSYC 1115 Introduction to Biological, Cognitive, and Developmental Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to research methods, biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, development, consciousness, learning, and memory. PSYC 1115 and PSYC 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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PSYC 1215 Introduction to Social, Personality, and Abnormal Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to thinking, language, intelligence, personality, emotion, stress and health, motivation, social behavior, and psychological disorders and therapies. PSYC 1115 and 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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PSYC 2320 Research Methods in Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Research in psychology often uses the scientific method to learn about human thought and behaviour. An understanding of how psychological research is conducted allows us to be more critical and informed consumers of information. In this course, students learn about the many different types of studies used in psychology and their strengths and limitations. Students will also learn about research ethics, measurement, and how to draw valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Students are required to apply their knowledge of research methodology in psychological science while collaborating on the design, collection, analysis, and dissemination of a term-long group research project.Prerequisite: A minimum "C+" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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PSYC 2321 Data Analysis for Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Statistical analyses are used in psychology to help us understand data so we can evaluate claims and make informed decisions. In this course, students study concepts and methods of behavioural data analysis, including the use of descriptive and inferential statistics to understand psychological research. Students practice conceptual interpretation of data and learn to translate statistics into meaningful ideas to prepare them to read and critically evaluate psychological research.Students will receive college credit for only one of PSYC 2321 or STAT 1124.It is strongly recommended that students have completed the Math requirements within 3 years prior to registering for this course.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C+" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215; and one of the following: a minimum "C" grade in Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 12, or Pre-calculus 12; an "S" grade in MATH 1150; or a satisfactory score (053) on the statistics version of the Mathematics and Statistics Diagnostic Test (MDT).

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Two of
PSYC 2322 Social Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course examines the effects of social influences on individual and group behaviour. Students explore how the social situation affects thought, feeling, and behaviour.Topics such as social perception, social cognition, group processes, attitudes, persuasion, conformity, obedience, aggression, self-knowledge, helping, and prejudice are discussed. Other topics such as interpersonal attraction are covered at the discretion of the instructor.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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PSYC 2324 Developmental Psychology (Early Childhood)
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

A study of the determinants of behaviour and the processes of growth and maturation during prenatal, infancy, and preschool periods. Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are discussed.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215. Prerequisites waived for students admitted to the Early Childhood Education or the Education Assistant programs.

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PSYC 2326 Psychological Disorders and Mental Health
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

In this course, students review a number of psychological disorders as outlined in the current edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and/or other classification systems. Students will examine the mental and behavioural characteristics of various disorders, their possible causes, and treatments from a broad range of theoretical perspectives. The interconnection of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural forces (the BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL model) provides the foundation for this exploration. Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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PSYC 2331 Neuroscience
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore behaviour and mental processes through the function of the brain and its underlying structure. Topics include the history of neuroscience, research methods of neuroscientific inquiry, animal paradigms, research ethics, neuron structure, neural conduction (emphasizing the action potential), synaptic transmission, the structure of the nervous system, gross neuroanatomy, and various sensory and motor systems. Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C+" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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PSYC 2341 Cognitive Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of the mind. Students explore how people attend to, encode, and understand their world by examining empirical and theoretical aspects in the student of attention, memory, perception, and decision-making. Additional topics may include concept formation, problem-solving, creativity, intelligence, language, cognitive development, consciousness, among other topics. Students also survey historical approaches, research methodologies, and biological aspects in the study of cognition. Students will have a chance to engage with current theoretical issues and create links to real-life situations throughout the course.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C+" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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PSYC 2413 History of Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course traces the development of modern Psychology from the rationalism of Descartes through modern humanism and into possible future directions. Landmark theorists and their contributions are studied. Special emphasis is placed on the social and scientific context in which the great theories of Psychology were developed.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C+" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215.

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