Psychology Courses

101 Introduction to Psychology as a Natural Science
Topics include research methodology, neuroscience, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, memory, and cognition. Students have an opportunity to be involved with ongoing research in the department by participating in experiments during the course of the academic term. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 101 or PSYC 100. Three credits.

102 Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science and Profession
Topics include lifespan development, motivation and emotion, health, social psychology, personality, abnormal, clinical, and forensic psychology. Students have an opportunity to be involved with ongoing research in the department by participating in experiments during the course of the academic term. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 102, PSYC 100 or PSYC 155. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Three credits.

155 Introduction to Psychology for Nurses
A survey of the major topics of psychology applicable to the health professions, with a focus on age-related changes from conception to adolescence. Special emphasis will be placed on using critical thinking to evaluate scientific research, biological psychology, physical, cognitive and social development, health, stress, and coping, and the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 155, PSYC 100, PSYC 102 or PSYC 354. Restricted to students in the B.Sc.Nursing program. Three credit.

211 Psychology of Behavior
The course provides a detailed description of the psychology of behaviour with consideration given to behaviours of both animals and humans. Topics will include major theories of learned behaviours, traditional and contemporary research methods and findings, and applications to everyday problems. There will be an emphasis on classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Three credits.

221 Cognitive Psychology I
Cognitive Psychology involves the scientific study of the mind and mental processes. Cognition refers to the mental processes of perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making. It is part of Cognitive Science, an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the human mind. In Cognitive Psychology I, we start with the processes of Perception and Attention. We consider the role these mechanisms play in our conscious experience. We will then cover human memory in depth. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Three credits.

222 Cognitive Psychology II
Cognitive Psychology involves the scientific study of the mind and mental processes (perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making). It is part of Cognitive Science, an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the human mind. In Cognitive Psychology II, we will look at applied memory (flashbulb memory, eyewitness memory, false memory), language, problem-solving, judgment, reasoning, and decision-making. Prerequisite: PSYC 221. Lab component. Three credits.

225 Sensation and Perception
An examination of how the physical structure of sensory systems and the psychological interpretation of sensory information influence what is perceived. Major sensory systems will be covered. Theoretical and empirical work will be explored. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Six credits. NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.

231 Brain and Behaviour I
An introduction to the brain cells and chemicals that underlie behaviour, as well as how drugs impact the brain. Recommended for students considering graduate work in clinical psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Three credits.

232 Brain and Behaviour II
An introduction to systems neuroscience and how perceptions, cognition, and action are represented in the brain, as well as the brain basis of psychiatric disorders. Recommended for students considering graduate work in clinical psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 231. Lab component. Three credits.

255 Social Psychology
This course covers how real, imagined, or implied others affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Topics may include the self, aggression, altruism, conformity, social cognition, prejudice & stereotyping, interpersonal relationships, and attitudes & persuasion. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Three credits.

261 Developmental Psychology I
The origins of human nature will be examined from a developmental perspective with a focus on perceptual, cognitive and social foundations of mind and behavior that emerge in infancy and early childhood. Includes a lab component where students will obtain hands on experience with empirical studies that examine basic psychological processes and their development. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Three credits.

262 Developmental Psychology II
The major developmental milestones of cognitive, social and emotional development in childhood will be examined, focusing on developmental contexts (family, peers, school, culture). Includes a lab component where students will obtain experience with empirical studies of cognitive, social, and emotional development in childhood. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Lab component. Three credits.

291 Research Methods in Psychology
An introduction to methods used to conduct psychological research. Topics include identifying research questions, theory development, experimental, correlational, and observational research designs, ethics, measurement, sampling, survey development, and APA style research proposals. Quantitative methods will be emphasized. Lab component. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 291 or PSYC 290. Prerequisite: PSYC 101/102 or 100. Three credits.

292 Introductory Statistics for Psychological Research
An introduction to the statistical methods used to conduct psychological research. Topics include descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, effect size, power, and inferential statistics including Z-test, t-tests, correlation and regression, basic analysis of variance, and non-parametric procedures such as chi-square. Students will learn to use statistical software. Lab component. It is highly recommended that students have a laptop that meets the standards set by StFX IT Services. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 292, PSYC 290, or STAT 101. Prerequisite: PSYC 291. Three credits.

301 History & Theory of Psychology I: From Ancient Times to the Rise of Experimental Psychology
An examination of psychology’s evolution, including the theoretical issues that underlie past and present debates about the discipline’s subject matter and methodology. Approaches to historiography within the history of the sciences will also be discussed. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 301 or PSYC 300. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

302 History & Theory of Psychology II: From the Beginnings of Experimental Psychology to Current Psychological Science
An examination of psychology’s evolution, including the theoretical issues that underlie past and present debates about the discipline’s subject matter and methodology. Approaches to historiography within the history of the sciences will also be discussed. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 302 or PSYC 300. Prerequisite: PSYC 301. Three credits.

313 Health Psychology
This course provides an introduction to key issues in Health Psychology. In adopting a bio-psycho-social approach, the course will examine the ways in which biological, psychological, and social factors interact to affect health. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 313 or PSYC 310. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

315 Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and optimal human functioning. The history of, and precursors to, positive psychology will be reviewed. Research and theory related to topics including character strengths, resilience, flow, mindfulness, optimism, gratitude, positive psychology in the workplace, and altruism will be discussed. Techniques and exercises designed to enhance each aspect of optimal functioning will be explored. The format of the course will be both experiential and research-based. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 315 or PSYC 386 offered in 2016-2017. Prerequisites: 6 credit PSYC at the 200-level. Three credits.

317 LGBTQ and Psychology
This course provides an overview of psychological research and practice as it pertains to the lives and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Topics include: historical treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within the field of psychology, LGBTQ+-inclusive research methods within Psychology, identity development and coming out, LGBTQ+ relationships, families and parenting, transgender and non-binary identities, conversion therapy and other controversies in the field, prejudice, stigma and discrimination, minority stress theory, and LGBTQ+ health. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

327 The Psychology of Pain
Contrary to popular belief, the experience of pain is not necessarily linked to bodily injury or detection of intense energy. Pain can be caused by various factors, including tissue injury, visibility of wound or noxious stimulus, attentional state, expectation, mood, previous pain experience, conditioned responses, etc. This course provides a basic understanding of pain perception and of the physical and psychological means of modulating pain. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 327 or PSYC 325. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

328 Neural Mechanisms of Pain and Analgesia
This course examines the neurophysiological mechanisms of pain perception and related analgesic treatments. It provides a basic understanding of the neural activities underlying pain perception and the mechanisms that underlie pain-related neuroplasticity and various means of modulating pain. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 328 or PSYC 325. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

341 The Self
This course explores contemporary perspectives and research on the self as it relates to social behaviour. The nature and function of the self and the ways in which the self is both influenced by and influences other people will be examined from a social-psychological perspective. Topics will include knowledge of the self, self-motivation, self-esteem, self-regulation, self-prediction, the self in the context of relationships with others, and the influence of culture on views of the self. Prerequisites: PSYC 255 or PSYC 250 or PSYC 240, minimum of 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

353 Psychology of Personality
The purpose of this course is to explore the diverse body of contemporary research and theory on personality psychology. Although the course will also present some sense of history of personality psychology, the focus will be on the most recent empirical research. The course may involve small group research projects and/or an APA-style research proposal. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 353 or PSYC 350. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

362 Applications of Psychology to the Health Sciences
This is a lecture and seminar course in which contemporary applications of psychology to the health sciences will be considered. The psychological issues related to the design and implementation of technologies to improve the well-being and functioning of individuals with disabilities will be covered. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 362 or PSYC 375. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

363 Applications of Psychology to Society
This is a lecture course in which applications of psychology to society will be considered. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the tools of persuasion (e.g., consistency, reciprocity, liking, social proof, persuasive language, non-verbal cues), how to use these tools in an ethical manner, and apply them to solving everyday life and real-world problems. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 363 or PSYC 375. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

364 Psychology of Gender
This course will review theories and research regarding gender in psychological development, social roles, and personality. Topics to be covered will include the history of research in gender; issues to consider in conducting gender research; gender role development and the socialization of gender; gender as a social variable in education and the workplace. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 364 or PSYC 360. Cross-listed as WMGS 343. Prerequisite: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

365 Developmental Social Psychology of Gender
This course will review theories and research that integrate developmental and social perspectives on gender. Topics will focus on gender as a social construct and include gender role development, gender role socialization in the family and gender development in cross-cultural perspective. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 365 or PSYC 360. Cross-listed as WMGS 344. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits. NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.

367 Basics of Psychopharmacology
This course surveys basic neuropharmacology and the actions of psychoactive drugs used to treat psychological disorders. It covers basic principles of neuropharmacology, distribution and elimination of drugs, drug-receptor interactions, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and neurophysiology. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders and to provide a foundation for advanced study in behavioural neuroscience, neuropsychopharmacology and related areas. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 367 or PSYC 377. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level; PSYC 231/232 recommended but not required. Three credits.

368 Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse
This course covers various topics in the study of drug addiction, including pharmacological and pathophysiological effects of recreational drug use. Topics such as mechanisms of action, tolerance, long-term effects, side effects, and toxicity will also be included. The primary emphasis is on biological aspects of addiction, with only minor attention given to social aspects. The pharmacological properties of both legal and illegal addictive drugs will be examined. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 368 or PSYC 377. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. PSYC 231/232 recommended but not required. Three credits.

372 Cultural Psychology
The focus of this course is on how culture influences human behaviour and mind. The evolution of culture is considered as we dissect the debate surrounding claims that culture exists outside of the human species. Contemporary research and theory in human development and socialization, self-identity and cultural constructs of collectivism and individualism, acculturation and multi-culturalism, building relationships with others, conceptions of health and healing, and the impact of culture on the basic psychological processes will be covered. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

373 Human Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology is the study of how damage to the brain causes changes in thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive changes associated with specific diseases/conditions will be the focus of the course (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.). Examples of cognitive and behavioural symptoms will be presented via videos, audio recordings, and performance on neuropsychological tests. The assessment of cognitive processes will be introduced and relevant structural and functional neuroanatomy will be reviewed. Cross-listed as BIOL 374. Prerequisites: 6 credits PSYC at the 200 level; PSYC 231/232 recommended but not required. Three credits.

374 Human Development Across Cultures
This course examines the development of the individual from a cultural perspective. Development is considered to involve a process of co-construction of the individual and culture. The impact of cultural practices, traditions, and parental beliefs on the developing child are considered, along with the interplay between those cultural forces and the biological foundations that influence the course of development. Cognitive, social, emotional development will be studied, along with a consideration of applied issues that emerge from investigations of the impact of cultural environments on child development. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. PSYC 261/262 recommended but not required. Three credits.

376 Introduction to Psychopathology
This course deals with current perspectives and research on the various psychological disorders. Courses in learning, brain and behaviour, developmental psychology, and personality form a useful background for this course. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 376 or PSYC 370. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

378 Human Sexuality
This course provides a broad introduction to research and theory in human sexuality. It includes examination of fundamental topics such as the nature of human sexuality and contemporary issues. Specific topics include historical perspective, theories of sexuality, sex research, sexual anatomy, sexual variation, sexual response, gender, sexual dysfunction and sex therapy. Cross-listed as WMGS 378. Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

379 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
This course provides an introduction to the theory, research and practice of clinical psychology. It assumes an evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, and examination of relevant ethical, professional, and theoretical issues. This course will be of interest to students intending to pursue graduate or professional studies in mental health or human services (e.g., clinical psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, law, medicine, corrections). Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level and PSYC 370 or 376. Three credits.

383 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
This course will provide an in-depth, scientifically based understanding of development in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Important changes in physical, cognitive, social/emotional development will be discussed, as well as psychosocial issues experienced by adolescents and young adults (e.g., identity, intimacy, risk behaviors) and the contexts in which these developmental tasks occur, including family, relationships, and culture.  Prerequisites: 6 credits of PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

384 Selected Topics
The topic for 2023-2024 is Cognitive Neuroscience. Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the brain-based mechanisms of mental processes. In this course, students will consider the types of problems that can and cannot be solved with cognitive neuroscience; find and use open science tools relevant to cognitive neuroscience; read, understand, and communicate about cognitive neuroscience research articles; and describe what is known about the brain mechanisms of at least one mental process (e.g., memory, attention). Prerequisites: One of PSYC 221/222 or 231/232 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

391 Junior Seminar
The purpose of this non-credit course is to assist students in carrying out their thesis or senior paper research, choosing a career, and gaining admission to graduate or professional school. Attendance at colloquia and guest lectures relevant to psychology is mandatory. Prerequisite: junior standing in an honours program in psychology.

394 Advanced Statistics for Psychological Research
An examination of intermediate and advanced statistical procedures for the psychology researcher, with emphasis on the use of statistical software packages. Lectures and lab sessions cover topics such as factorial analysis of variance; mixed designs; contrasts and comparisons; power; multiple regression and correlation; the MRC approach to factorial and mixed designs; and multivariate analysis. It is highly recommended that students have a laptop that meets the standards set by StFX IT Services. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 394, PSYC 390, or STAT 331. Prerequisites: grades of 70 PSYC 290(291, 292). Lab component. Three credits.

421 Advanced Topics in Cognition
This seminar and laboratory course will examine current topics in cognition. Topics considered may include attention, memory, decision-making, consciousness, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 421 or PSYC 420. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 or 225; honours standing or average of 70 or permission of the chair. Lab component. Three credits.

422 Advanced Topics in Perception
This seminar and laboratory course will examine current topics in perception. Topics considered may include multisensory integration, attention and action, sensory impairments, brain plasticity, visual perception, and haptic perception. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 422 or PSYC 420. Prerequisites: PSYC 220 or 225; honours standing or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Chair. Lab component. Three credits.

431 Advanced Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience I: Neurobiology of Psychological Disorders
Topics in the field of behavioural neuroscience will be considered. The precise topics covered in the seminar will change from year to year, however the focus of the course content will be on various aspects of the behavioural neuroscience, including, but not limited to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, broadly defined. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 431 or PSYC 430. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Chair. Cross-listed as BIOL 453. Prerequisite: PSYC 230 or permission of the Department Chair. Lab component. Three credits.

432 Advanced Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience II: Contemporary Issues
This is a seminar course in which current topics in the field of behavioural neuroscience are considered. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 432 or PSYC 430. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Chair. Cross-listed as BIOL 454. Prerequisite: PSYC 230 or permission of the chair. Three credits.

441 Advanced Social Psychology
An examination of selected topics in experimental social psychology. The specific topics in this course will vary depending on the instructor. Topics include self-compassion, sexuality, and relationships. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 441 or PSYC 440. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Department Chair. Prerequisite: PSYC 240 or 250 or 350 or 353 are recommended. Lab component. Three credits.

442 Advanced Social and Personality Psychology
An examination of selected topics in experimental social psychology and consideration of the overlap between social psychology and personality psychology. The specific topics will vary depending on the instructor. Topics include self-esteem, interpersonal rejection, and prejudice and stereotyping. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 442 or PSYC 440. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Department Chair. PSYC 240 or 250 or 350 or 353 are recommended. Lab component. Three credits.

461 Advanced Developmental Psychology: Social & Emotional Development
This course will examine from an empirical standpoint specialized topics in developmental psychology with a focus on social/emotional development. Topics can include the development of emotional understanding, the development of typical and atypical attachment relationships, attachment across the life span, parent child interaction, and peer relationships. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 461 or PSYC 460. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70. Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or PSYC 354 or PSYC 374 or permission of the Department Chair. Lab component. Three credits.

462 Advanced Developmental Psychology: Perceptual & Cognitive Development
This course will examine from an empirical standpoint specialized topics in developmental psychology with a focus on perceptual and cognitive development. Topics can include the development of intentionality, understanding self and others, language, and memory. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 461 or PSYC 460. Restricted to honours students or students with a minimum average of 70. Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or PSYC 374 or permission of the Chair. Lab component. Three credits.

490 Honours Thesis
Prerequisites: PSYC 394, completed or concurrent; honours standing in psychology. Six credits.

491 Senior Seminar
The purpose of this non-credit course is to assist students in carrying out thesis or senior paper research, choosing a career, and gaining admission to graduate or professional school. Students will present their thesis proposal orally in the fall term and their completed research in the spring. Attendance at colloquia and guest lectures relevant to psychology is mandatory. Prerequisite: senior standing in honours program in psychology. No credit.

498 Selected Topics
The topic for 2023-2024 is Advanced Topics in Health. Students will examine in detail current research on selected topics in health as relevant to Psychology. Content will vary across instructors, which will allow course instructors to teach topics in Health that fit within their area of expertise and/or in emerging topic areas within the field. The topic planned for the course offering in 2023-2024 is exploring the health benefits of nature. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; in honours program or students with a minimum average of 70 or permission of the Chair. Three credits.

499 Directed Study I and II
These are reading or laboratory courses in which the student pursues an individual program of study under the direction of a faculty member. See section 3.5. Three credits each.

110 Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology refers broadly to all matters at the interface of psychology and law. This includes the production and application of psychological science and knowledge to legal issues. Restricted to applied forensic psychology students. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, concurrent or completed. Three credits.

257 Professional Skills Training & Practicum I
This course will introduce students to the professional skills that are essential for success in practicum placements, work settings; undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. These skills include: effective communication (oral, written, listening); critical, analytical, and creative thinking; intercultural competency; inclusivity and diversity; problem solving and conflict resolution; leadership and teamwork; professional ethics and integrity; personal wellness; and career development. Students will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a 20-hour practicum placement. Restricted to students in Applied Forensic Psychology programs. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 102, 110. Three credits.

356 Professional Skills Training & Practicum II
Students observe/shadow psychologists and other clinical forensic staff in their work, receive relevant on-the-job training, and work with a trained staff member during their interactions with vulnerable populations. Students will be evaluated by the practicum supervisor at the end of the practicum. The minimum number of hours per practicum will be 40 hours. Students will be encouraged to explore options and opportunities for doing a placement in their home communities. Restricted to students in Applied Forensic Psychology programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 257. Three credits.

357 Forensic Practicum II
Students in this concentration will be required to complete two practica in approved forensic-related settings; one practicum in each year of the program. The minimum number of hours per practicum will be 40 hours. Students will be encouraged to explore options and opportunities for doing a placement in their home communities. Restricted to BA students in the forensic concentration. Three credits.

381 Forensic Psychology I: Correctional Psychology
This course refers broadly to the production and application of psychological knowledge to legal issues. This course covers the history and mandate of corrections; nature of offending, behaviour assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of different types of offenders. Field trips to prisons and other correctional facilities are a required component of this course and involve significant commitment of time beyond scheduled class time. At times, trips may conflict with other classes. Students are responsible for managing their schedule and workload to facilitate participation in this course without needing accommodations in other courses. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 381 or PSYC 380. Restricted to students in the forensic psychology programs. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 102, 376, 379. Three credits.

382 Forensic Psychology II: Psychology & Law
A continuation of PSYC 381, this course covers the history of the relations between psychology and law; Canadian criminal law; basic concepts in criminal justice and the study of crime. The course will include attendance at provincial and Supreme Court sessions, organization of special events as well as hosting guest speakers from the criminal justice system. Students are responsible for managing their schedule and workload to facilitate participation in this course without needing accommodations in other courses. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 382 or PSYC 380. Restricted to students in the forensic psychology programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 381. Three credits.

457 Professional Skills Training & Practicum III
Students observe/shadow psychologists and other clinical forensic staff in their work, receive relevant on-the-job training, and work with a trained staff member during their interactions with vulnerable populations. Students will be evaluated by the practicum supervisor at the end of the practicum. The minimum number of hours per practicum will be 40 hours. Students will be encouraged to explore options and opportunities for doing a placement in their home communities. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 457 or PSYC 356. Restricted to students in Applied Forensic Psychology programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 356. Three credits.